• hout-bay-republic-cape-town

    A Local’s Love Letter to ‘The Republic of Hout Bay’

    20 July 2026 - By 

    Hout Bay is one of Cape Town’s most beautiful and, at times, underrated suburbs. This charming seaside village, so rich in history and blessed with cheery demeanour aplenty, is rightfully well-loved among its locals and tourists. Yet, it is perhaps somewhat underexplored by Capetonians at large. Hout Bay, which is fondly considered its own ‘republic’ (it even has its own passport), is one of my favourite parts of Cape Town. Since I first properly explored Hout Bay in 2014, I have found myself frequently answering its sweet siren’s call. This post is my local love letter to the Republic of…

  • apple-picking-cheverells-farm

    Interesting Day Trips Near Cape Town to Enjoy

    2 April 2023 - By 

    Day trips are some of my favourite travel adventures. I am a sucker for road trips, hidden gems and new places and a day trip is the perfect chance to enjoy all this and more! Happily, there are so many interesting day trips near Cape Town for locals and tourists to enjoy. In this post, I cover some of my favourite day trips by region. This should help you get the most out of your day. My Most Interesting Day Trips Near Cape Town Whether you go wine farm hopping, dive into nature or road trip to your heart’s content,…

  • cape-town-itinerary-3-days

    A Travel Insider’s Guide to Cape Town: A 3-Day Itinerary

    6 December 2021 - By 

    I have lived in Cape Town since February 2014 so you could call me a true Capetonian now. In that time, I have walked or driven to almost every part of the Mother City, seeing all the touristy attractions, unearthing hidden gems and experiencing all that Cape Town has to offer. So I think it is time that I share my local knowledge of this beautiful city through a travel insider’s three-day itinerary. Exploring the Mother City in Three Short Days While I could share the usual tourist spots and mainstream attractions – and I will include some – I…

  • gate-at-quoin-rock-tamlyn-amber-wanderlust

    Guests’ Corner SPECIAL: Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust

    22 May 2019 - By 

    As part of this special instalment of Guests’ Corner, I answer my own interview questions. The wish behind this is to better acquaint my readers with me, as a travel blogger, on a more personal level. I hope you will enjoy this interview’s different approach – and please be sure to check out my other Guests’ Corner interviews, which feature excellent local and international travel bloggers. Born in KwaZulu-Natal and raised in Montagu, Tamlyn Ryan – who now lives in Cape Town, South Africa – is the voice behind travel blog, Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust. Her ‘wanderlust’ was founded in childhood…

  • chapmans-peak-drive

    My Best Scenic Drives in and around Cape Town

    19 March 2018 - By 

    The Western Cape is blessed with a wide array of jaw-dropping, impressive country or coastal drives. From Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Route 62 and Cape West Coast, there is a drive for every kind of traveller. 2025 update: Please note: This was a collaborative post between Afristay and Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust from 2018. However, in 2025, Afristay shut its doors. And, if you’re looking for some accommodation inspiration during your trip, look no further than Afristay.com, one of South Africa’s largest accommodation booking portals. Book directly through Afristay.com’s awesome website – which allows for effortless online bookings – and enjoy…

  • long-beach-kommetjie

    Cool and Cosy in Kommetjie: Top Reasons to Visit This Mother City Spot in the Deep South

    9 April 2017 - By 

    I’ve only visited Kommetjie twice now in my three or so years of residing in Cape Town – but it’s definitely one of my favourite travel spots; at least of those found along the Cape Peninsula coastline. This small, close-knit village in the Deep South has it all: country vibes, ocean and mountain views to die for (no matter whereabouts you are in ‘town’), and a wonderful holiday feeling, which allows people like myself the chance to leave the city behind and get back to nature’s freeing roots. The best part of all: it’s easily accessible (particularly if you’re a…

  • chapmans-peak-drive

    Why Chapman’s Peak Drive Has Me Charmed

    22 February 2017 - By 

    Arguably one of South Africa’s (if not the world’s) most scenic drives, Chapman’s Peak Drive is one road trip you have to make if you visit the beautiful Western Cape province. Discover more about its unique, yet trying history, marvel at its endless natural beauty and above all, see first-hand for yourself why Chapman’s Peak charms and inspires so many visitors every day, as you curl the coastline – from either False Bay side or the Atlantic Seaboard – and travel to or from the marvellous Mother City. 1) Why Chappies has me charmed It’s one of my favourite road…

  • Chasing the Sun: A Wintry Afternoon Drive Along the Cape Coastline

    16 June 2015 - By 

    After a long and frenetic first semester of second-year studies, I was all but chafing at the bit to leave the hustle and bustle of the Mother City behind for a month’s ‘down time’ back home. These days, any road trip that takes me back home is a cause for joyous celebration and something I look forward to with much eagerness as skyscrapers are replaced by neat, rural farmlands and sleepy towns, and the masses of city folk by dusty Merino sheep. However, my spirits were even more buoyed than usual by my parents’ proposal to take a slightly longer…