• de-hoop-collection-family-getaway

    A Magical, Tranquil Family Getaway at De Hoop Collection, De Hoop Nature Reserve

    14 November 2025 - By 

    For several years, a visit to and stay at De Hoop Collection Nature Reserve has been on my bucket list. Despite being invited to stay a few years ago now, it seemed destined to never happen. But eventually, our little family (with baby in tow) was able to enjoy the most special family getaway at this beautiful part of the Western Cape. In this post, I share the highlights from our stay at De Hoop Collection, along with our cherished experience of this South African nature reserve. Please note: While the natural area is maintained by Cape Nature, all tourist…

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    My Best Gems in the Cape Overberg Region

    4 November 2025 - By 

    The Cape Overberg Region is one of the most verdant, beautiful and untamed parts of South Africa. With everything from seasonal whale watching and cheery canola fields to pristine cape nature, hikes and some wonderful wine farms and beaches, this special part of the Western Cape offers plenty to enjoy. In this post, in no particular order, I look at some of my favourite gems that I have unearthed in the stunning Cape Overberg Region. From cosy, family- and pet-friendly accommodation stays to gorgeous hiking trails, beaches and pristine nature reserves. 1) Elgin Railway Market and Visiting Steam Train (Elgin…

  • whale-watching-hermanus

    Travel Review: A Right Whale of a Time In Hermanus

    30 December 2021 - By 

    In October 2014, my brother, his partner and I hit the road and headed to Hermanus, a small town in the Western Cape, for some memorable whale watching. For those who don’t know, Hermanus is fondly referred to as ‘the whale capital of South Africa’ (and indeed the world). Each year, when the whales visit our shores (usually June to December), Hermanus attracts visitors the world over for incredible shore-based whale watching and chartered boat tours. It forms part of the Cape Overberg Region and is one of South Africa’s oldest seaside towns. This coastal gem is named after teacher…

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    Travel Review – A Visit to the Southernmost Tip of Africa and Agulhas National Park

    20 November 2021 - By 

    Nestled in the Cape Overberg, neighbouring the seaside town of Struisbaai, one finds the tiny, coastal-lying village of L’Agulhas. Blink and you might miss it. Diminutive though it may be, L’Agulhas is home to a few hidden gems. Including the Agulhas National Park, a wonderful local attraction and natural haven, and the southernmost tip of Africa where the two oceans famously meet. Where the Two Oceans Really Meet at the Southernmost Tip of Africa Situated nearly three hours from Cape Town and stretching east from the seaside town of Struisbaai and almost west to Pearly Beach, windswept Agulhas National Park…

  • canola-fields-boland-region-tulbagh

    Best Western Cape Road Trips

    14 October 2021 - By 

    Let’s face it: road trips come with their own unique share of rituals. The early departures, food pit stops, nostalgic memories and fun experiences. We all have those iconic road trip memories that we could wax lyrical about. In this post, I share some of my favourite Western Cape road trips in the hopes that you will create more memories on the open road with those you love! Best Western Cape Road Trips From unearthing the Route 62’s country charm to the curling along the Cape coastline, here are some memorable Western Cape road trips to enjoy: Route 62 Road…

  • 20-best-travel-blog-experiences

    My 20 Best Travel Blog Experiences… So Far

    26 December 2020 - By 

    In the few short years that I have been blogging, Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust has grown from strength to strength. This year especially, I have had the joy of engaging with my peers and followers online; assisting my readers with travel queries; and producing solid content, all while weathering this trying year. Usually, I share a round-up post of my best travel blog experiences for the year with my readers. This is another way of engaging with them. It also allows me to recap on my own blogging highlights and reflect on the year that has been. But, with COVID-19, my…

  • elgin-railway-market-things-to-do

    Unearthing the Magic of Elgin Railway Market and Surrounds

    18 July 2019 - By 

    It isn’t every day that you discover a market with its very own visiting steam train… I mean, talk about cool! Well, the Elgin Railway Market, one of the Cape’s finest markets, offers just that – and plenty more besides. This apple-warehouse-turned-steampunk-station-market, situated in the gorgeous Overberg Region, is an incredibly interesting and above all, fun Cape market to explore. Not only because of its mesmerising interiors, with the vast hall and lofty balcony overlooking the railway line, and fascinating stalls, tempting you with everything from fresh-cut flowers to dreamy carrot cake and local wine! But also due to the…

  • gordons-bay-travel

    Gordon’s Bay Travel: A Weekend Away in this Helderberg Gem

    2 June 2018 - By 

    For those of you who don’t know it, let me tell you this: Gordon’s Bay – a gem in the Helderberg Region – is one of the best areas for wanderlust-craving locals and foreigners alike. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s one of the richest travel regions we have enjoyed since visiting the Cederberg in late 2017. Long weekend vibes in Gordon’s Bay Following hot on the heels of a trip to Franschhoek, in late April, we packed the overnight bags and headed off for a well-deserved, two-night stay in Gordon’s Bay – the perfect way to celebrate…