Hout Bay is a famously beautiful Western Cape republic found in the Mother City. It offers a host of quaint, yet charming restaurants, cosy cafes and bakeries, exciting family-friendly experiences (think: the much loved Constantia Wine Route, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Word of Birds, Earthworx, vibe-y Bay Harbour Market and of course, the iconic Hout Bay harbour and its surrounds). Not to mention its incredible mountain- and coastal-scenery that easily rivals any place on our glorious green earth! With a slew of world-class beaches and top South African attractions at your fingertips (and within close driving distance), there is no shortage…
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They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and they are certainly right about that. Still, you also can’t beat a good brunch for setting the tone to your day! In this post, I share my pick of the best breakfast- and brunch-spots in South Africa’s Cape Winelands. Breakfasts of Champions and Brunches for Foodie Fiends While breakfast is usually anything from eggs to flapjacks to granola and fresh fruit or gourmet toasties – brunch allows for a bit more menu versatility. You want to order a big juicy burger? Go for it. Craving some coffee…
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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…
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As one of the Western Cape’s most beautiful, exciting wine regions, Stellenbosch offers some incredible, family-friendly wine farms and experiences to enjoy. With a range of world-class wine farms and restaurants, wine pairings that impress from the first sip and a host of fun outdoor and indoor experiences too (everything from historic glass museums to lavish family picnics), there is plenty to see and do in Stellenbosch Wine Region. Since 2024, one of the best additions to the Stellenbosch Wine Routes is the thrilling Stellenbosch Wine Tractor. This amazing hop on, hop off experience is highly affordable and provides great…
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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…
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As part of my ‘A South African Local Supporting Locals’ series, here’s my introductory segment in this blog series. The goal behind this latest series is to highlight small local businesses in South Africa that I admire or wish to share with my readers. 1) What was the main inspiration behind your business? I started Words on Pink in 2026, hot on the heels of a difficult first year postpartum and unexpected retrenchment in 2025. The inspiration behind it is simple: I am a former hard-working career woman who is now essentially a stay-at-home mum to our little one. And,…
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Founded in 1851 on the farm, Uitvlucht, and named after then-Colonial Secretary of the Cape, John Montagu, Montagu is a small dorpie in the Western Cape where I grew up. For nearly 15 years, my daily life involved knowing this town and its surrounds, streets and small shops in tedious detail. As a child, it was a fun place to live. As a teenager and adolescent, it was stifling. But now, as a wiser adult and a mother myself, I can see why people want to raise their children here. It’s a town where the world functions at a slower…
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Whenever people ask me what my favourite Overberg beach or Western Cape coastal town is, there’s always a resounding favourite. In fact, before they can even finish asking the question, I have fired out a single name: Struisbaai. And I say it with the all-seriousness of a true ocean lover. If they even know about this small coastal town, they usually have a follow-up question, “Why Struisbaai; what makes it so special to you?” Honestly, I don’t have any singular, clear answer to that. It’s a mystery even to me sometimes but it’s undoubtedly my happy place, my favourite beach…
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Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust’s Handy Travel Map This page is designed as a travel map page to showcase different regions and locations on my blog. You can use the map markers to search by area or region. (For example, if you select the Durbanville marker, you can find all Durbanville-related posts.)
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I love all things garden-related and over the years, I have had the pleasure of exploring many wonderful gardens in and around Cape Town and the Western Cape. Some have been during special, annual Open Garden events while others have come from impromptu solo missions. Regardless of the occasion, the Cape has some glorious gardens to explore. And in this post, I share my pick (so far) of the best gardens to explore year–round near the Cape Winelands! Cape Winelands’ Gardens for Every Season Gardens are always great during spring and summertime. But I want to show that in the…