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From lunches and high teas to spa treatments and fun experiences, there’s no excuse not to have your Mother’s Day plans booked well in advance.

With another long weekend just around the corner, it's the perfect time to get your Mother’s Day plans sorted.
Although not a mom myself (Amy here, and planning on keeping it that way for a very, very, very long time), I've been lucky enough to have an incredible one, and to share both personal and professional spaces with equally incredible women who are. Just for clarity, when I say 'moms', I'm referring to all of the motherly figures in your life – your mom, grandmother, aunt, cousin, neighbour, teacher, or anyone who has filled in that gap.
A quick basic history lesson on where Mother’s Day comes from. Mother’s Day was first campaigned for by Anna Jarvis in the United States in 1905, following the death of her mother, a peace activist during the American Civil War. It was created to honour her, but it was only in 1914 that it was officially designated a national holiday in the United States. This year in South Africa, the celebration falls on Sunday, 10 May, yes, as in next weekend.
If you’re still trying to figure out how to celebrate the moms in your life and want to go beyond breakfast in bed and a bouquet of flowers (lovely as they are), we’ve rounded up some of the best Mother’s Day experiences in the Mother City.
Time Out Tip: I strongly recommend making bookings early to avoid disappointment...
Choose between a three-course brunch with unlimited mimosas or a brasserie à la carte lunch, with live jazz from Mr Keys & the Funky Munks from 1pm. Expect berry granola bowls, eggs Benedict, and orange crêpe brûlée.
A buffet lunch with a carvery, grilled linefish, steamed mussels, coconut curry, and decadent desserts like chocolate soufflé and malva pudding, plus live violin performances and a photo booth.
A flavour-driven three-course buffet including Mediterranean mezze starters, Malay lamb knuckle curry, and a chimichurri roast beef carvery, plus a glass of Chardonnay, live entertainment, and a gift for Mom.
A buffet lunch featuring spiced carrot and lentil soup to start, followed by a grazing table, beef and chicken options, and a selection of desserts, with a welcome drink on arrival.
'Not Your Mamma’s Pasta' but all mammas are warmly invited to celebrate Mother’s Day at Scala, where an Italian-inspired set menu is available with a choice of two or three courses.
With a buffet selection of oysters, leg of lamb, dessert tarts, and mini sweet treats, Pullman is pulling out all the stops for moms, complete with a complimentary welcome drink.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa’s Mother’s Day-themed high tea features a selection of handcrafted pastries, delicate savouries, freshly baked scones, and beautifully made sweet treats.
Mount Nelson – The Nellie
One of Cape Town’s most iconic high teas, complete with finger sandwiches, buttery scones, pastries, and more than 60 tea varieties curated by South Africa’s first tea sommelier.
Served in The Granary Café with sweeping views of Table Mountain and the harbour, this elegant tea experience comes with sweet and savoury treats on tiered stands and a wide selection of tea blends. Halaal-friendly, with kosher options available on request.
Enjoy high tea surrounded by sweeping garden views with treats like braised lamb croquettes, smoked snoek macarons, matcha and cherry tartlets, plus classic scones with Chantilly cream.
Think hydrotherapy pools, outdoor massage gazebos, a rasul chamber, and the signature “Apostles Touch” ritual with salt scrub, heated shell massage, and a foot treatment. Spa guests also get access to the Health Bar buffet.
Treatments include access to the hotel’s thermal facilities, including a heated vitality pool, sauna and steam room, all surrounded by tranquil gardens and water views.
Cooking with Mom and The Charming Chef
Ayesha, the pastry talent behind The Charming Chef, hosts cooking experiences focused on skill-sharing and baking everything from profiteroles to sweet pies. Her kids’ and adult cooking classes are a great option for a memorable hands-on outing with Mom.
Create a lasting keepsake together with Cape Town’s viral hand-casting experience, complete with music, food, drinks, and games while you wait.
Watch the famous white dancing stallions perform to ABBA classics in a unique family-friendly Mother’s Day outing with plenty of sparkle and a solid wine list for moms.
Enjoy the “Taste the Original” wine tour featuring the world’s first White Pinotage, plus wood-fired pizzas, gourmet milkshakes, charcuterie boards, and a kiddies play area.
Take on themed escape rooms like Mission Impossible and Avengers for a fun group outing, plus moms get a little extra treat.
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