Klaas Voogds Maze amongst top hedge mazes in the world

Interesting to see that globally mazes are attracting more people.

South Africans haven't been brought up in a maze culture and a maze is a relatively new phenomene. But there are a few mazes in this country (and, surprise, surprise: numerous labyrinths) like the one (maize-maze) in Honeydew (J'burg) and a small one at a wine cellar in Wellington. The 'Mother of all South African Mazes' however is the Klaas Voogds Maze of Soekershof near Robertson in the Western Cape and although only a relative few (? around 20,000 in the past 8-9 yrs) South Africans have discovered this maze the majority is still reluctant to loose themselves. But the local interest is growing (merely word of mouth).

Internationally the Klaas Voogds Maze is recognised as not only the largest hedge-maze in the world but also because of its unique character with visualised stories as orientating beacons towering above the hedges; the unique story-telling quest; the different 'resting points' (instead of one central point); the different path names; etc. etc. Above all, despite all prejudice perceptions, the Klaas Voogds Maze is not a maze to get lost in. It's a hugely entertaining one with a surprise around every corner and visitors can earn a unique hand crafted memento.

Anyway: UK's prime 'Maze Lady' Jo Edkins has chosen the Klaas Voogds Maze of Soekershof as one of the top 8 (hedge-) mazes in the world.

Did you already read this tweet today: NOT IN CAPE TOWN: South African Soekershof Maze in expert's global top 8 mazes http://bit.ly/JdC8h ?

"Not in Cape Town"

Cape Town has many things on offer for guests from abroad but, by far, not everything. That's the reason that quite a few off-the-beaten-track-guys started a "whisper campaign". Soekershof is one of these. We all are not state financed and not state promoted; we all have to do it from out own resources including paying membershipfees to a tourism bureau that promotes Cape Town mainstream and that is it. Recently we started very selective tweeting messages that start with "Not in Cape Town" followed by a short teaser and a bit.ly link. Every day another slogan.

Our one of today is:
Not in Cape Town: THE Nursery http://bit.ly/hdLK8 and THE Garden http://bit.ly/18Wwyw

We tweet in different selected twibe groups and via Tweetdeck the message is also distributed via Facebook plus we automatically reply to travel related Capetonian tweets. And the response is slowly coming in; even from within South Africa.

"Not in Cape Town" is not meant to keep tourists away from Cape Town but just to raise awareness of activities/attractions/etc. outside Cape Town and that cannot be found in Cape Town.

Remedy for wacky wine weekend hangover and a few insider tips.

How to get rid of a misty head after the Wacky Wine Weekend this weekend (4-6 June) in Robertson?
And how to enjoy under eighteens who are not allowed (?) to drink alcoholic drinks?

There are many possibilities but a visit to Soekershof is a proven remedy.

What you do?
After a warm welcome just before 11 AM during opening days (open during wacky wine weekend) you can try to uncover the mysteries of a cycling Dutchman and a womanising German in the Maze and earn a handcrafted memento. Or choose for an interactive discovery in the succulent gardens (>2500 different succulent plants) including South Africa’s oldest cactus.
In between or there after you can enjoy your picnic; have a stroll through the other gardens; discuss the different locally made Land Art objects; support local artists/craftspeople in buying exclusive gifts in our Visitors Centre; be challenged by the shortest hiking trail in South Africa; explore ‘Our Little Nursery’ with organically grown succulent plants (During Wacky Wine Weekend a Wacky Plant Sale) and get proper customised advise about their cultivation. And there is more ………..

And a few tips for wacky wine weekend visitors: click here.

Life is aMAZing

Many overseas visitors and also South Africans are asking us from time to time why Soekershof and other 'Quality of Life' destinations/attractions/accomodations/wine cellars/etc. are undermarketed. Questions like "Why did our travel agency not tell us about you?" or "Why are these special places not always mentioned in itineraries?"
There are several reasons for this undermarketing; the main one is that most people simply choose for mainstream because they have heard or read about these.
Off-beat is still a niche market (but growing because an increasing number of travellers explore on internet and guide books like Lonely Planet the different possibilities inline with their own interests) and seemingly not commercial viable for the mainstream of tour operators and destination promotors.
No hard feelings from our side. We experience this amiss as a challenge.
For us the reason to initiate the new blog Life is aMAZing earlier today. The first submission is about ourselves but soon the descriptions of more Quality of Life tourism related businesses will follow. We focus on South Africa with an emphasis on the Western Cape. In the 'about' section of this blog readers are invited to submit their own stories (subject to moderation) about the 'raisins in the maize porridge' of tourism in South Africa. Read also this article about one of South Africa's hopes in uncertain times.

How to win an unusual day outing in Robertson

A year ago we started to implement our marketing strategy and not without success. It's a real challenge to promote and brand an unusual concept as Soekershof. More challenging however is how to explain a concept that goes beyond the perception of many. Still there are people who think they can do this experience within half an hour or even less; even (in their own words) they read about our little enterprise on different internet sites, media publications, etcetera. And although the website provides clear road directions; for some it seems still not clear enough.

For us a reason to review our efforts in the past year and, if and where possible, improve.

To cater for the perceptions as indicated we feel the need for a more explicit text on the homepage of our website.

That's where you come in. Compare both concept texts (second is revised one after suggestions via LinkedIn-forum) below with the one on the homepage and e-mail us your remarks (info -at- soekershof.co.za). You may even create a complete different text.

The person who is most original in his/her approach of 'our problem' wins a Day Out in our maze and gardens (for 2) including a picnic with a glass of prime quality wine from the Klaas Voogds area.

Our Gardens – Your Home (for a day)

Soekershof is a day lasting interactive, inspirational and enjoyable exploration of mazes and gardens covering 10 hectares in Klaas Voogds West; 10 kilometres East of Robertson in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Soekershof, as it is today, draws on the wealth of story-telling folklore in the world’s largest hedge-maze plus, globally, one of the largest outdoor collections of succulent plants including the oldest cactus in South Africa, which dates from 1910.

There are two options:
1) The total experience starts with a Stone Age Cinema screening. Then, it's off to the maze, where you will discover a surprise around every corner. Uncovering the mysteries of a womanising German and a cycling Dutchman will leave a smile on your face and a souvenir in your pocket. After a refreshment there is a short introduction in the succulent gardens and than you can explore the other gardens such as the Philosophers and the Dry Garden; enjoy your picnic and become inspired by the different Land Art sculptures such as Mama Africa.

2) If the maze quest does not attract you there is also the possibility to enjoy an interactive exploration of Soekershof's highly acclaimed outdoor succulent collection: we have more than 2500 different registered succulent plants that originate from several continents. Discover hidden ‘baby bumps’, ‘horse teeth’ and other gems. Let a flower tasting experience stimulate your senses. This entertaining and educational journey in the gardens lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. After that you are free to enjoy your picnic, the other gardens and the different Land Art sculptures.

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

Ideal for: Family outings, group outings, horticultural/botanical educationals, garden clubs, photo & film shooting, school outings, teambuilding, night adventures, weddings, active functions, etc.

Enquire about (customized) possibilities such as a package including Dutch picnic with a glass of prime quality wine from the Klaas Voogds area.

Not your usual garden

Not your ordinary day outing either.
Soekershof is an interactive, inspirational and whimsical exploration of mazes and gardens covering 10 hectares in Klaas Voogds West; 10 kilometres East of Robertson in the Western Cape, South Africa.

What we do?
We offer a place of peace, serenity, and potentially finding solutions to life's quandaries in one of the world's largest and most unusual mazes and comprehensive botanical gardens dedicated solely to the preservation, culture, and display of cacti and other succulent plants.

What you do?
After a warm welcome just before 11 AM during opening days you can try to uncover the mysteries of a cycling Dutchman and a womanising German in the Maze and earn a handcrafted memento. Or choose for an interactive discovery in the succulent gardens (>2500 different succulent plants) including South Africa’s oldest cactus.

In other words:
“Soekershof is the place where Klaas Voogds, James Bond and Albert Einstein meet”.
Or:
“Everything you always wanted to know about SEX ……… between plants but never dared to ask”.

In between or there after you can enjoy your picnic; have a stroll through the other gardens; discuss the different locally made Land Art objects; support local artists/craftspeople in buying exclusive gifts in our Visitors Centre; be challenged by the shortest hiking trail in South Africa; explore ‘Our Little Nursery’ with organically grown succulent plants and get proper customised advise about their cultivation. And there is more ………..

Ideal for:

Family outings, group outings, horticultural/botanical educationals, garden clubs, photo & film shooting, school outings, teambuilding, night adventures, weddings, active functions, etc. Enquire about (customized) possibilities such as a package including Dutch picnic with a glass of prime quality wine from the Klaas Voogds area.