Who We Are.
Brought to you by the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here brings people from all over South Africa and the world to explore incredible destinations.
Lauren Melnick launched her blog, Wanderlust Movement, in 2016 to inspire South Africans to explore more, whether it’s tackling a new hike, discovering a lesser-known gem, or venturing into Africa and beyond.
After spending lockdown cooped up indoors, and struggling to find hiking or travel buddies, the concept for Wander to Here was born!
We now offer hiking getaways, retreats, and tours hosted by Lauren and her team for travellers looking to get out into the wilderness and reconnect with nature. Our trips will take you on an adventure to a new destination, introduce you to multi-day hikes (and other outdoor sports), allow you to feast on delicious cuisine, and make some rad new friends!
Meet the Team
LAUREN MELNICK
I’m Lauren. I’m a South Africa travel blogger, freelance writer and course creator. Over the last four years, I’ve travelled to over 30 countries and ticked off almost everything on my South African bucket list.
I’ve worked with numerous brands on campaigns like Hi-Tec, Ford South Africa, Canopy Tours South Africa, Reunion Island Tourism and shot product photography for local brands like Rowdy.
Over the years, I’ve conquered the Otter Trail, Cape Point, Tugela Falls, Mnweni (a gorgeous multi-day hike in the Berg), Mount Batur in Bali and a 3-day trek through Sapa, Vietnam.
I’m excited to meet you and be apart of your adventure!
BLAKE DYASON
Blake Dyason is a qualified guide and an outdoor enthusiast having run, hiked and cycled across numerous countries and provinces.
Blake is passionate about adventure and protecting our natural environment, and in 2015, he founded Love Our Trails – an organisation focussed on protecting our environment.
Blake dedicated his life to making a difference after running a hundred miler trail run for a friend fighting cancer. He has co-founded Brownie Points a digital platform connecting people and companies to charities tracking and rewarding good deeds.
He also helps run an orphanage in Cape Town and is an activist for our planet. In 2015, Blake hosted Cape Towns biggest Cleanup, and Africas Biggest cleanup in 2018, campaigning against single-use plastic and driving awareness to conscious living.
PATRICK RICHARDSON
My name is Patrick and I am a qualified mountain guide who specializes in hiking and mountaineering in South Africa and internationally.
I have a burning passion for all things outdoors.
I’m a highly experienced mountaineer and have climbed mountains all over the world including Denali, The Matterhorn, and Mont Blanc.
Other than my international summits, I have logged nearly 400 nights in the Drakensberg over the span of 5 years, having summited most peaks multiple times and completing over 80 passes.
For me, hiking brings oneself to the core of survival, leaving behind all privileges that we have been given in this age, and pushing ourselves into a wild environment to experience Mother Nature and all her elements.
