If you’re a South African, I’m sure you’re familiar with the Local is Lekker phrase. It celebrates and promotes everything proudly South African. This phrase was the inspiration for a new series on my blog – Local Travel is Lekker. I’m an avid supporter of local South African travel and feel extremely blessed to live in this beautiful country. Therefore I’ve decided to feature like-minded bloggers and travellers who share my Local Travel is Lekker sentiment and hopefully this series will inspire our South African citizens to get out there and explore this exquisite country.
This week’s featured blogger is Tamlyn from Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust.
1) What do you love most about South Africa?
I love the diversity not just of our people, languages, cuisines and cultures but of the natural scenery too. There is uniqueness ingrained in every inch of South Africa. No province, city or town is alike and yet, each offers something amazing for visitors to enjoy. Whether it is the mountains and historic wine farms that the Western Cape is famous for or the emerald greenery of KZN, there is something really special about every corner of SA.
2) What is your first local travel memory?
My first travel memory is probably a holiday at Zululand with my family. I clearly remember the beauty of the huts and the unique culture of the Zulus. Their heritage and ways have been so wonderfully maintained and preserved there without feeling too ‘touristy’ or put on.
3) What’s your favourite place to visit in your hometown?
I love driving through the main street, also called Long Street, of my hometown, Montagu. It captures the essence of this rural, friendly dorpie so well with the historic Cape Dutch-style buildings (which are protected as National Monuments), padstals and houses interspersed with farmland, like fruit orchards, fields and vineyards.
4) What’s on your South African travel bucket list?
I have so many places on my bucket list for my home province the Western Cape alone but there are definitely some consistent stand-out contenders for must-visit places. These include: the Cederberg, De Hoop Nature Reserve, the Drakensberg (I went when I was too young to remember, I think), Ballito, Robberg Nature Reserve, God’s Window and the Kruger National Park.
5) What are your top tips for planning a local getaway?
- Do your research beforehand so that even if you don’t visit all the places, you will know most of the top restaurants/eateries, accommodation and local attractions of a place. Compare reviews on TripAdvisor and Facebook and read up on local blogs/sites that promote the region. These are usually the most informative and useful.
- Also, pack light but ensure you have both warm and cooler clothing in because you never know what the weather is going to do.
- Be careful and mindful of possible dangers at all times but don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten track, visit both ‘touristy’ and lesser known spots alike and be open to adventure wherever you go.
6) Where can we follow your blog?
You can follow my blog at http://tamlynamberwanderlust.com or on Facebook at Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust.
How Do I Jump on the Local Travel is Lekker taxi?
That’s a wrap on this week’s Local Travel is Lekker blogger feature. Be sure to stop by every week to be inspired by another local traveller and awaken your own wanderlust for local South African travel. Join the conversation on social media with the Local Travel is Lekker hashtag. And if you’re interested in participating, get in touch with me!
