Animal Sanctuaries around Stellenbosch
Visitors to Stellenbosch can look forward to seeing a variety of Animal and Bird species surrounding Stellenbosch. Villeria Wildlife Sanctuary, Giraffe House, Butterfly World, Vredenheim Big Cats Park and Eagle Encounters are all very rewarding experiences. Anyone who makes a trip to these very special wildlife centres is guaranteed to be moved both by the beautiful animals and by the work that is done to give the animals a home. All the sanctuaries offer hourly tours so it is possible to get them done in a morning or afternoon. The sanctuaries certainly don’t mind photography, but they ask that photographers be mindful and respectful of the animals at all times.
Eagle Encounters
Eagle Encounters at Spier is a Raptor Rescue centre doing their utmost to rehabilitate the birds for release in the wild again. Only hand-reared birds are retained for education purposes. Here you will be able to get up close and personal with the birds – the experienced handlers await you in the Touching Gallery to facilitate your personal encounter. Hold Wally, the Wahlberg’s Eagle & cuddle Fagen (Barn Owl) & Sykes (Spotted Eagle Owl). If you are daring enough, you can experience the great power of the Black Eagle.
Eagle Encounters is not a zoo, and the birds do not live in cages. Take a stroll through the ‘weathering area’, where you can view the largest, smallest, strongest, fastest and cheekiest of the birds.
The interactive Falconry display is a highlight (14h00 daily) – you are invited to view and participate as the handlers fly a selection of owls, kites, buzzards, hawks and falcons. This ever-popular, interactive show is a unique and thrilling experience for all ages!
Visit Eagle Encounters website for a full list of daily interactive shows.
Vredenheim Big Cats Park
Vredenheim Big Cats Park is home to a variety of the Big Cats of Africa. Visitors can look forward to see Lions, including White Lions, Leopard, Cheetah, Lynx and the new addition to the family “Jessica” the Tiger cub, yes not an African cat, certainly very at home though. The new raised platforms overlooking the camps allow for some great photo opportunities.
As you enter Vredenheim you will also be able to see some Game that include Springbok, Eland, Oryx (Gemsbok), Zebra and Fellow Deer. Birdlife around Vredenheim include White Pelican, Hadeda, Spur-winged Goose, Guinea-fowl and if you are lucky Fish Eagle.
Follow the link for more information on Vredenheim Wine Estate and their Big Cats Park.
Villiera Wildlife Sanctuary
At Villiera you can look forward to game drives in an open vehicle, with a knowledgeable game ranger. On the drive you will learn more about the Birds, Mammals and Veld (bush) in the sanctuary. A number of mammals have been introduced in the Wildlife Sanctuary: Springbuck, Red Hartebeest, Bontebok, Eland, Gemsbok, Bush Pig, Burchell’s Zebra, Common Duiker, Ostrich, Steen buck and Grysbok. Birdlife, especially bird of prey are plentiful, look out for Martial Eagle and Fish Eagle and the National Bird of South Africa the Blue Crane. On a clear day one has a beautiful panoramic view of the mountains overlooking the Cape Peninsula. A game drive at Villiera is a must for any visitor to Stellenbosch and highly recommended, afterwards you can sit down and do some wine tasting and/or enjoy a cheese platter with some superb wines.
Giraffe House
At Giraffe House the focus is primarily education, school groups and pre-school groups get a chance to learn more about animals, insects, reptiles, spiders and snakes in an inter-active session which have the children enthralled. A walk around the enclosures will allow you to see Giraffe, Eland, Zebra, Vervet Monkeys, Meerkat, Springbok, Grysbok, Tortoises, Ostrich and Nile Crocodile and loads of birds which include, Fischer’s Lovebird, Black-cheeked Lovebird, Ruppell’s Parrot, Senegal Parrot, Red-fronted Parrot, Yellow-billed Duck, Cape Teal and many more. Daily animal encounters will be presented at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. The Giraffe House will also do guided tours on request and must be arranged in advance.
Butterfly World
This place is a very unique centre that consists of 1000m² tropical garden in a green house, which allows for exotic butterflies to fly around and feel right at home. Butterfly World imports 500-800 butterfly pupae per week all year round. Butterflies are, apart from high temperature and humidity levels, also dependent on the amount of sunlight present. Some days which are overcast and cold may prevent the butterflies from being as active as on a sunny day. If you visit on such a day, spend your time investigating our other displays, and see the resting butterflies close up, a privilege not always available when they are active on a hot day. The Martin Filmer Spider Room displays indigenous and exotic spiders and scorpions in locked glass terraria and teaches the public to respect and appreciate these animals. Another attraction is the Iguana Cage which shows these large lizards in their tropical environment.