MOM NEEDS BREAK
BREATHE OUT
RECHARGE
CONNECT
Re-igniting the spark of Garden Route moms.
Space to rest, circles to connect, support to carry you through.
The Woman Behind the Mom
Behind the mom, there’s a woman who needs to be seen and heard — and a spark that’s still there, waiting to be nurtured. “Mom Needs Break” ” is a community of Garden Route mothers who recharge and explore together. We do what we wouldn’t have done on our own. We say what we wouldn’t have said otherwise. Together, we take on day trips, workshops, retreats and good fun — building a circle of moms who show up for each other.
Almost everything will work better, if you unplug for a few minutes, including you!
Mothers Guided Circles
Mothers’ Circles are facilitated sessions integrated in every event, where mothers share their stories one by one: motherhood and work, partners, guilt, finding joy in the mundane, harder days too, self-kindness, and more. The main principle is letting each other share, without giving advice or judgment — just listening. Mothers’ stories help with new perspective, create a feeling of connection, and give simple relief
“Mom Needs Break Club” is a project of a registered Tour Operator, “Unravel Surf Travel,” which has been organizing adventure trips around Southern Africa for more than 15 years.
The project was created by professional Garden Route photographer, tour operator, and mom, Jenya Zhivaleva — born out of her own journey through burnout and recovery. To bring it to life, Jenya partners with other amazing women — psychologists, yoga instructors, and specialists — and is always on the lookout for new, exciting adventures for moms.
UPCOMING EVENTS
31 July – 2 August 2026
Mother’s Retreat: beach villa, yoga, chef and psychologist run sharing circles.
30 Oct – 1 Nov 2026. Buffels Bay
Mother’s Retreat at a beach nature reserve. Theme: Motherhood and fast paste living.
Reviews
I knew the sharing circle was going to be good, but.. it was so powerful and I was amazed and humbled to see how open these wonderful women were with strangers they hadn’t met before today. 
How supportive the environment was. Always a helping hand (literally) when navigating tricky mountain paths/trails/climbing with ‘balance issues’ I made it up and down that mountain strong 
Bronwyn Strydom
Tech marketing leader, mother of Gr 1 and preschooler, Mossel Bay Local
The hike in the Outeniqua Mountains was beautiful. It was challenging but it was such a great accomplishment making it to the end! The lunch was an absolute spoil as well as it being delicious.
Thank you to each and every mom that shared your stories, it’s a great thing to be a part of and I honestly woke up this morning (stiff) but so refreshed and ready to take on the day. I’m in a better head space today! I would definitely do something like this once a month and would recommend this to any mom who needs a bit of a break from life. 
Stacey Lee
Founder of Kids Education Center, Mom of two , George local
Mom Needs Break Club 