Soekershof Walkabout Mazes and Botanical Gardens

Head Gardener's Comment

Uncovering the mystery of Soekershof is a true experience.

Soekershof, Private Mazes & Botanical Gardens in South Africa, is simply described as “the world’s largest hedge maze” and/or “a succulent garden with more than 2500 different succulent plants (registered!) under the open sky”.

But Soekershof is more.

The original concept goes beyond prejudice perceptions and is merely based on local history and folklore, the name Soekershof (= Seekers Court) and the original succulent garden of Marthinus Malherbe (buried in his garden) including the oldest cactus of South Africa (Anno 1910).

Soekershof is all about the challenge of uncovering its mystery, with the people of Soekershof on board to provide an enjoyable and inspirational experience in the mazes and gardens. It is creativity-come-to-life.

Soekershof; Private Mazes & Botanical Gardens in South Africa, offers an unique mix of calmness, tranquility, inspiration and relaxation coupled with fun and exploration. It is an outdoor adventure for the whole family.

Owners and their staff not only entertain their guests but have also a proven record of guiding horticulturists and botanists of fame through the gardens with a scientifically accountable explanation of the different plants.

There is a surprise around every corner for everyone who dares to open his or her heart and mind. You leave Soekershof with a smile in your heart and a memento in your pocket.

‘Our Little Nursery’ and ‘The Shop’ offer naturally grown succulent plants and, "exclusivily Soekershof", locally made garden accessories for your own garden.

Soekershof is one of the 60+ tourism related businesses in South Africa with a certificate of Fair Trade in Tourism in South Africa and therefor invests in local communities and staff training.

"Best Garden in the Western Cape" (The Independent, UK; January 2010)

Certified by Fair Trade in Tourism in South Africa since 2006.

Flower Magazine (USA), Spring 2010: "They have fun; they inspire; and, most of all, they communicate the transcedent message of beauty"

Visitor testimonials:

"It was so unexpected to have such a personalized tour."

"Thank you sooooo much for a wonderful afternoon."

"We will always remember the beautiful day at Soekershof!"

"You have an amazing talent for cultivating some of Gods most beautiful creations!!"

The passion you both show for your garden, plants and the project as a whole, is truly admirable."

"I could get into all sorts of fun trouble if you were just a little bit closer to me. I'd probably come 2x per week - forget that - I'd probably beg you to employ me"

"Thumbs up from the Sonoran Desert"

"So different to anything we have experienced before."

"Best garden experience in South Africa"

"This garden is absolutely amazing ! I love it!"

History

After 24 years of neglect the present (Dutch) owners (since April 2000) have restored the original Malherbe gardens and extended these with rockeries. The total surface of the succulent gardens (excluding nursery part) is more than 15,000 square metres. The cultivation of the plants in the garden and in 'Our Little Nursery' is fully organic.

Plants of Note

A.o. Pachycereus weberii (anno 1910) ca 11 metres high. Diverse Moringe species and virtually all cyphostemma species. Brachychiton Australis and B. Ruprestis next to bottle shaped Delonix species from Madagascar and diverse (young) Adansonia species (baobabs).