It's a huge maze and an incredibly succulent garden but there is more to it. Not the banter of restaurants, craft and curio shops but it is the real thing to do if you want to discover South African culture. And for garden lovers: one of the English visitors I met said that this garden is, in its own right, far more interesting than the ones of Kirstenbosch or Worcester.

It's a bit weird but Soekershof distinguishes itself from all the others by the absolute passion of owners and staff. These people are really devoted to their plants. But for me it's more; it was a very personal spiritual experience, hard to describe.

Being a black South African I learned something about by own country: the meaning of the handshake I grew up with; the meaning of the 'evil spirit' of the Uthikulose which does not have to be evil and what wonders me most of all: I had to learn it from two very nice Dutch people who joined our country seven years ago.

It's in Klaas Voogds West along Route62 between Robertson and Ashton; 2 hrs easy drive from Cape Town. I discovered 3 own URLs. The general one: www.soekershof.com The 'weird but passionate' one with the latest developments in and around Soekershof: soekershofwalkabout.blogspot.com and the one they regard themselves as a 'service tool for their nursery customers and other succulent lovers': soekershof.wordpress.com

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A nice 'green' combination between Cape Town and the Garden Route.

Bon Cape for it grows its grapes organically and produce South Africa's only wines with Michelangelo stars (see www.boncaporganic.co.za).

And Soekershof Walkabout, Mazes and Botanical Gardens because also this farm does not apply fertilisers and other chemicals in the cultivation of its unique collection of plants. Above all this place is a huge leg stretching entertainment area with an educational twist.

Bon Cap: Eilandia (between Worcester and Robertson) See: www.boncaporganics.co.za
Soekershof Walkabout: Klaas Voogds West (between Robertson and Ashton/Montagu also along Route62)
See: www.soekershof.com

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Mazes and Botanical Gardens

Why? It's weird and passionate
It's entertainment with an educational twist.
Visitors can 'taste' flowers in a wine tasting area.
The most diverse collection of succulent plants from all over the world under the open sky.
The world's largest hedge-maze but also unique for other qualities.
See their website for more details including accommodation in the area.

Adress: Klaas Voogds West which is 8 km East of Robertson on the Route62 towards Ashton/Montagu; approx. 2 hrs easy driving from Cape Town (Capetonians make daytripping picnics to this place).
Website: www.soekershof.com
Contact details, road directions etc. all on this very informative website.

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