• majik-forest-bellville

    Exploring the Wonders of Majik Forest in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs

    28 June 2026 - By 

    For me, there’s something really exciting about spring in the Western Cape. But never more so than when I get to explore our beautiful outdoors! This is especially true when I visit the much-loved tranquil nature park and public space in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs: Majik Forest. A Spot I Helped Put on the Map Back in 2017, it was added to my travel list after I was told “it’s pretty inside”, with both nature walks and MTB routes for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Shortly thereafter, I visited it for myself and I saw why it was such a special…

  • special-date-ideas-western-cape

    Special Date Ideas to Enjoy Around the Western Cape

    28 May 2026 - By 

    Although February is famously the month of love (and my birth month so I am particularly partial towards it) – I don’t believe romantic gestures and fun couple experiences should be reserved to a single day or month. So, to help you build lasting memories with your sweetheart, here are some special date ideas to enjoy around the Western Cape year-round! Romantic and Special Date Ideas to Enjoy Around the Western Cape With everything from fun, outdoorsy adventures to secret beach escapes and romantic meals for two, this list has something to suit every couple, love language and budget. Without…

  • special-date-ideas-durbanville

    Cosy Cape Town Cafes and Restaurants Perfect for Dates

    13 April 2026 - By 

    If, like us, date night is a serious occasion in your household – then you will love these cosy Cape Town cafes and restaurants perfect for dates. Food is truly one of my love languages and it’s no secret that the way to my heart is through great food, memorable travel experiences and a heady dose of the romance. I believe that couples should date continuously (no matter what stage of life or relationship phase you are in) and make time to enjoy good, quality meals and fun outings together. Preferably those that allow you to dress up a bit…

  • best-wedding-venues-for-travellers

    Best Wedding Venues for Travellers in the Cape Winelands

    2 April 2026 - By 

    As travellers, we get to experience some incredible destinations across the world. Yet few destinations are as meaningful as the one you choose to host your wedding at. With this in mind, I have put together a list of my favourite Cape Winelands wedding venues. Each of these venues has either been visited or vetted by yours truly, so I can personally attest to their quality. Scattered across South Africa’s most world-famous wine regions, these stunning destinations are individually unique, aesthetically appealing and professionally operated. Each estate and venue offers carefully curated packages, incredible settings and imposing backdrops. Throw in…

  • cakes-and-catering-in-cape-town-tessas-bakery

    Great Cakes and Catering in Cape Town

    13 November 2024 - By 

    Ever since starting Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust – Travel Writing and Photography blog, my goal has been to support local businesses. When the pandemic hit, I redoubled my efforts to support local in a more tangible way. Through this, I have found some incredible homemade cakes and catering services that operate exclusively in the Mother City. In this post, I share these excellent, local Cape Town-based home businesses, bakeries and catering services with you. In the hopes that they might offer something special for you and yours too. The Value of Supporting Local What started as consciously buying products from local…

  • vergelegen-wine-estate-helderberg

    A Historic Helderberg Gem: Vergelegen Wine Estate

    3 November 2024 - By 

    Tucked away in the beautiful Helderberg Region, Vergelegen Wine Estate is one of the most naturally beautiful, historic estates near Cape Town. This historic Helderberg gem is perfect for families, solo travellers and couples to enjoy. With two eateries (including the child-friendly Stables Restaurant and the Rose Terrace Tea Room), magical picnics beneath ancient Camphor trees, gorgeous gardens, rich Cape history, farm tour experiences and excellent wines, it is safe to say that Vergelegen is one of the most well-rounded estates in the Cape Winelands. In this post, I highlight some of the estate’s best attractions. Fabulous Vergelegen: Where Rich…

  • Best Places to Propose in the Western Cape

    17 July 2024 - By 

    After the phenomenal success of and interest in my ‘Best Wedding Venues for Travellers in the Cape Winelands’ post, I realised there was a noticeable desire among couples to find incredible places to cement their love. But let’s face it: you can’t plan a wedding without first proposing! And so this post on the best proposal spots in the Western Cape was born. 🙂 In My Fiancee Era When I first wrote this post, I was very much single (after a string of hopelessly bad, toxic relationships, as life would have it). Now, a few years later, I am newly…

  • spier-wine-farm-picnics

    7 Romantic Wine Farms near Cape Town

    26 March 2023 - By 

    To me, South Africa’s Cape Winelands offer no shortage of romantic experiences, accommodation and activities for couples to enjoy. Honestly, our local wine farms can be some of the most romantic destinations around! In this post, I look at some of the most romantic wine farms near Cape Town. Whether you are looking for a stunning wedding venue, couples’ getaway, date ideas or fun day trip to enjoy together, these wine farms offer something for all couples to enjoy. Best of all, they can be enjoyed year-round. So you don’t have to pay any heed to Valentine’s Day pressures or…

  • fun-activities-jordan-wines

    Exploring Jordan Wines: Fun Activities to Enjoy at this Stellenbosch Estate

    24 July 2022 - By 

    Situated on the Stellenbosch Road, between Stellenbosch and Kuils River, Jordan Wines – or Jordan Wine Estate – is one of Stellenbosch’s best, award-winning wine farms. In this post, I share my thoughts on this Stellenbosch stunner and highlight some great activities to enjoy at Jordan Wines. A Reluctant Celebrity on the Stellenbosch Wine Scene Despite its quality offerings, which are first class from start to finish, Jordan Wines lies tucked in a quiet, rural farming area. The road that leads to the estate and neighbouring DeMorgenzon is bumpy and rustic at best, edged by peaceful fields and narrow country…

  • hidden-valley-wines-stellenbosch

    Review: Unearthing Hidden Valley Wines, Stellenbosch

    12 June 2022 - By 

    Hidden Valley Wines is one of Stellenbosch’s best-kept secrets. I say secret because many people fail to understand just how much of an experience this wine farm truly is. It offers visitors everything from memorable wine pairings to quality restaurant- and picnic-meals, as well as beautiful Bush Lodge accommodation. In this post, I share my experience of the estate’s food and wine options and nature trail, while also touching on its offer estate offerings. Visiting Stellenbosch’s Best-kept Secret: Hidden Valley Wines Hidden Valley is aptly named. It lies tucked away at the top of a long, narrow drive, pressed into…