Things to Do – Western Cape Butterfly Sanctuary
Did you know? There are about 20,000 species of butterflies in the world, and South Africa is home to at least 671 of these.
The Western Cape Butterfly Sanctuary is a unique conservation effort between Ruiterbosch Lodge and CBISA. Experience a unique butterfly encounter at the only butterfly sanctuary in the Western Cape and only the second of its kind in South Africa!
During the hard lockdown with the Corona 19 Pandemic, while watching a wildlife programme on television, a seed of “What If” was planted within the hearts of Louise and Chris Nel.
What if they could create a haven for all the beautiful and sometimes endangered species of butterflies here at their lodge? Before long, their son, Hanlo, went to work by contacting the organization, Conservation of Butterflies in South Africa. And as they say, the rest is history!
Only 3% of butterfly eggs will develop into adult butterflies in their natural habitat. In a sanctuary, the odds are almost 100%. Ten per cent of the butterflies bred at the sanctuary will be released back into the wild, totalling 400-500.
Ultimately, the sanctuary will house over 4,000 butterflies, representing over 50 local species, among them the rarest butterflies worldwide, including the Ramsgate Piper, of which there are only 16 individual specimens known to exist.
They are open Tuesday through Sunday.
• 10:30 a.m.
• 11:30 a.m.
• 12:30 p.m.
• 13:30 p.m.
• 14:30 p.m.
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