WHISK MOM ‘AWAY’ FOR MOTHER’S DAY
Simulate a surprise game-lodge getaway at home as a special treat, suggests Sanet Oberholzer
Today is the day to spoil this most special woman in your life. Even if you managed to nab her something nice on your last foray to the grocery store, and especially if you didn’t, here’s an instant something special you can do using things you (hopefully) already have at your disposal.
Start the day with brunch
You’ve missed the crack-of-dawn game drive — oh well — but do serve her a good cup of coffee and the obligatory rusk or two to tide her over while you tackle brunch. Game lodges never skimp on the first meal of the day. While it might be tricky to pull out all the stops, go for a good few basics: eggs done how she likes ’em, bacon, toast, a bowl of chopped fruit with a splash of yoghurt and perhaps some fragrant mushrooms fried in butter. Don’t forget the fruit juice.
A trip to the spa
Good news, mom! We’ve booked you in at the spa! At home, this means running her a bath, and maybe laying on a hand scrub, face mask and bath salts. If you’re running low on store-bought, you’ll find recipes using household items at timeslive.co.za
(search for “Life in Lockdown” “Day 24” — the quote marks are important).
Lazy hours
This is that part of the day when everyone mooches around the chalet, taking in the sounds of nature and generally doing their own thing. If you’ve got access to trees, lie under them and look for birds. It’s also a good time to disappear into a good book — how about a spot-present e-book? Perhaps one of book editor Jennifer Platt’s favourite “mommy memoirs”, such as Mom & Me & Mom by Maya Angelou or Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs. Just the ticket. You can find Platt’s full list on timeslive.co.za by searching “If it’s not one thing, it’s your mother”. For extra ambience, run the livestream webcam at Djuma Private Game Reserve in the background (djuma.com/djuma-waterhole).
Unwind with a sunset game drive
Yay, 3.30pm is game-drive time — and there is an impressive array of options to do this virtually. Wild Earth is our favourite, with live drives until 6.30pm daily. They really manage to create the feeling that you’re on the vehicle too. Send questions via social media and the rangers will answer you there and then. See wildearth.tv/safarilive. If you’re lucky enough to have any left, pour mom a G&T or a glass of wine for that sundowner.
Food glorious food
Dinner — al fresco if you can — should include some fancy breads, a meaty stew with some starchy deliciousness and a range of veggie sides. If all else fails, home deliveries are luckily now allowed and Uber Eats or Mr D will be ready to save the day. Mom’s choice, naturally.
Wrap things up with a movie night
Get some popcorn going and settle in to keep the bush fantasy going on celluloid. Mom will no doubt love the romantic classic Out of Africa (R18 rental on Google Play, no kids under 13) or do family fun with The Lion King. The original is for rent (R20) but you’ll have to buy last year’s CGI update (R140).