Some moms are loving homemakers, others love a little adventure. We’ve got a list of fun, crazy, different Mother’s Day gift ideas … just the thing to get mom out of her comfort zone.
For the conservation-loving mom…
For moms who love connecting with nature, a visit to Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh is a must! Strolling through the landscaped grounds set against the indigenous coastal forest, moms will view wonderful birdlife, including the residents of the new Raptor Wing – Booted Eagles, Eurasian Eagle Owls and Jackal Buzzards. Other wildlife inhabitants – apart from the crocs of course – include exotic and indigenous snake species; Laggie the white-throated monitor lizard, and furry friends at the animal farm. There are stunning sea views from the revamped Whale Watching Walkway and gorgeous wraparound deck of the Fish Eagle Café. Crocworld is open 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Sunday, and costs R90 a person. Details: Contact 039 976 1103 or e-mail [email protected].
A microlight adventure…
For a mom that seeks adventure, treat her to a breath-taking bird’s eye view of the Upper South Coast on a thrilling microlight flight. She will be in good hands with experienced World of Wings flight instructor and pilot Noel McDonagh, and will get to enjoy an overview of the ocean, lush coastal forests and other natural wonders found in this part of the world – including possible sightings of the early arrival of the humpback whales. World of Wings flight school is based at the Umkomaas Airfield. Cost: R700 (15 minutes), R850 (20 minutes), R1100 (30 minutes), R1650 (45 minutes) or R2200 for an hour.
Details: Follow them on FB: World of Wings Flight School or contact Noel on 072 117 5130, e-mail [email protected] or visit wowflight.co.za
A Freediving Experience
Healthy, fun and addictive… why not treat mom to a relaxing day out to Aliwal shoal, where she can swim with dolphins, turtles and whales? With the experts at Freediving South Africa, no experience is needed as they will be in the water all the way, all gear is supplied and she’ll be guaranteed to enjoy an amazing experience with marine life in one of the best locations to free dive in the world. It’s an enjoyable ride, on an eight-metre rubber duck, with snacks and a view of the ocean. Cost is R500 a person for three to four hours.
Details: Follow them on FB and IG: Freediving South Africa, contact 071 613 1953, e-mail [email protected] or visit freedivingsouthafrica.com
A clean getaway…
It is said that yoga is the best gift anyone can give themselves in this life, so if your mom needs to destress and unwind in a beautiful space, then an outdoor Hatha yoga experience with Bryan Smither is for her! Avid surfer, free diver and outdoor enthusiast, Bryan offers sunrise and sunset beach yoga classes and sessions in a breathtakingly beautiful indigenous garden in Clansthal, south of Durban. Hatha Yoga, which consists of the original 84 Asanas (postures) and breath work techniques, helps to calm the mind, ease anxiety and depression as well as promote general healing. Yoga Nidra Meditation, an ancient deep meditation technique, is used to heal the mind, body and soul. Bryan offers Yoga Retreats at various venues and has classes to assist Yogis from beginners to advanced levels as well as specialised classes for divers, free divers and surfers. Costs: R120 for a drop-in class. Other packages are also available. Daily classes are from 6.30am to 8am or 4.30pm to 6pm.
Details: Contact 072 207 5386 or e-mail [email protected]
Mindful movement – dancing with life…
How we move affects how we feel. How we feel affects how we think. How we think affects how we move, and so this unfolding energy becomes how we dance with life. For the mom whose head is leading her one way and her feet another, Mindful Movement with Liz Cunningham, is a great way to experience the inner joy, balance and energy for life that her soul-stirring Nia dance classes unleash. Hosted at The Hearts Space in Clansthal, south of Durban, or online via Zoom, classes are held Monday and Thursday at 5.30pm or Wednesday at 7.30am. Cost: Pay as you dance for R80 a session.
Details: Follow Liz on FB: The Heart Space or e-mail [email protected]
An authentic Durban curry experience
If mum loves to cook and could do with a lesson or two in curry-making, why not treat her to an authentic Durban curry cooking experience with Durban’s Curry Queen Shae Nair, who’s food, flavour and cooking classes in Hillcrest have made her the go-to-girl for curry lovers in need of a little inspiration. A school teacher who believes that curry is best made simply, she spends her weekends and evenings teaching curry lovers how to make authentic curries and sides in a flash, through group lessons and team building. Cost: Lessons start from R160 per person.
Details: Follow Shae on FB and IG: The Curry Queen. To book a lesson contact 083 721 1851 or e-mail [email protected]
