• historical-highlights-cape-town

    Historic Highlights in Cape Town and Surrounds

    4 May 2023 - By 

    Cape Town – and surrounds – is one of South Africa’s most historically significant regions. Not only was it the home of the Khoisan people long before the European settlers arrived – but it was also the first refreshment settlement station, established in 1652. Not all of the Cape’s history is pleasant (in fact, much of it is fraught with battles, slavery and devastating Cape storms) – but it is still important. Especially as it has influenced both our modern-day country and city. History has always fascinated me, so whenever I travel, I seek out historical places, facts and places…

  • best-western-cape-towns-and-villages

    Lovely Western Cape Towns and Villages to Explore

    3 April 2021 - By 

    The Western Cape is famous for its charming small towns and villages. In this post, I share some of my favourite, best Western Cape towns and villages. Whether you are looking for an in-land adventure or coastal escape, these local gems are made for travellers to explore. Exploring the Best Western Cape Towns and Villages Over the years, I have had the pleasure of exploring most of the well-known, iconic towns in the Western Cape. Growing up in the Klein Karoo town of Montagu allowed us easier access and relaxed road trips to nearby gems. Although there are many other Cape…

  • 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…

  • Guests’ Corner: Gaynor van Rooyen, Tulips & Phoenixes

    3 October 2017 - By 

    As part of the next instalment in my Guests’ Corner, a new travel interview segment on Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust, I chatted to fellow SA travel blogger, Gaynor van Rooyen. Hidden gem discoverer and passionate travel blogger of Tulips & Phoenixes, Gaynor van Rooyen is a half city dweller, half road trip explorer – and full-time supporter of local travel! She has been blogging for some three years now, but last September, Gaynor decided to focus on travel blogging… and she’s not looked back since! 1) Who or what inspired you to go into travel blogging? I’ve been blogging for three…

  • Roadside Review: Beulah Farm Deli, Yzerfontein

    17 July 2017 - By 

    This past weekend, we had the chance to escape to the West Coast for a full day’s relaxation. It’s been about three years now since I headed that side but fond memories of the small, seaside town, Yzerfontein had me eager to pay this region another visit. With an overnight stay awaiting us at !Khwa ttu, we had some spare time before check-in and how better to get to know the area than by visiting one of its most popular pit-stops: Beulah Farm Deli? The deli unobtrusively lies just off the main West Coast Road (R27), a few kilometres outside…

  • Picnic Review: Scenic Riverside Holden Manz Picnic

    4 March 2017 - By 

    Earlier this year I had the pleasure of hopping on the Franschhoek Wine Tram’s Blue Line (see my review for more info) – and in so doing, I was able to visit the beautiful, quintessentially Cape Dutch wine farm: Holden Manz Wine Estate. After being dropped off near to the Franschhoek Kitchen restaurant and inquiring after our pre-arranged picnic, my friend and I asked if we could walk down to front gate to see the small dam, which had caught our eye as we passed by in our chic, yet gamely, tram bus. We were warmly invited to do this, so…

  • montagu-hiking-trails

    Photo Essay: Country Hike in the Klein Karoo Town of Montagu

    31 March 2016 - By 

    A friend and I decided to hike a good few kilometres in the vegetation that remains wonderfully untouched in our hometown of Montagu, which lies roughly 200 km from Cape Town. In this post, I share some photo highlights from our Montagu hike. Mountains All Around Aside from being a popular tourist town found along the famous Route 62, this sleepy village offers some amazing natural vegetation (including the national Protea flower and varieties of fynbos) and breathtaking mountain views of the majestic Langeberg mountain range. As you can see from the photos, the mountains literally encircles this unique town.…

  • Travel Review: Exploring Route 62’s Picturesque Legoland – The Cogman’s Kloof Mountain Pass

    13 April 2015 - By 

    Cogman’s Kloof Pass A recent drive back to Cape Town earlier this month made me realise how much I underappreciated the beautifully majestic and decidedly rugged mountains that surround my adopted hometown of Montagu during the 13-year period in which I resided in or near the quaint, little dorpie. It’s true that now instead I am blessed to wake up every morning to the sight of the one true mountain, fondly referred to as ‘The Table’, but its beauty is different to the, in places formidable, Langeberg mountain range, which encircles Montagu. It’s less foreboding and rough around the edges…