Welcome to the Western Cape Butterfly Sanctuary (WCBS)
Immerse Yourself in Nature's Splendor
The Butterfly Experience
4 Years Of Success
Building the Western Cape Butterfly Sanctuary (WCBS) was not just a project; it was a dream turned into reality. Witnessing the transformation from an idea to a magnificent sanctuary was a testament to dedication and passion of Earle Whiteley.
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2020 - 2024
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History
It all started in 2020 during Covert. When most people had to stay indoors for fear of contracting the Corona virus. This affected people and businesses alike. Gatherings we limited to a maximum of 50 people at functions provided you got a permit to do so.
September 2020, Conservation of Butterflies in South Africa (CBISA) KZN, was contacted by Hanlo Nel (2nd from the left in photo) and asked if it was feasible to build a Butterfly Sanctuary at the Ruiterbosh Lodge? (Earle Whiteley 2nd from the right), Director of CBISA personally came to do a sight inspection of the property. This took 2 weeks and finally the location was chosen.
Cbisa was then contracted to build the Butterfly Sanctuary, which was to be called the Western Cape Butterfly Sanctuary (WCBS). Plans were drawn and submitted to the local municipality and construction began on the 18th November 2020.
The entire structure was completed at the end of June 2021. (This picture shows the pathway, some of the introduced host plants and vegetation)From tis point one can see the depth of the sanctuary.
But, the plants still have to grow and butterflies have to be introduced. An opening day was planned for the 18th November 2021 and there is still a lot of touching up work to do. More trees and flowers must be introduced. And of course the butterflies.
The structure is not just a building; it is a work of art. Here we thank all our local supporters, who have supplied us stone, cement, steel and rubble for the sanctuary.
The big day had arrived. Dr. Ivan Meyer, the Minister of Agriculture of the Western Cape officially opened the Western Cape Butterfly Sanctuary (WCBS) to the general public on the 18th November 2021.
From the outside the sanctuary looks like a huge rock and visitors are dumfounded when they are led into the cave like entrance by their tour guide and step into another world with exclamations of wonder. In Dr. Ivan Meyers closing speech he concluded by calling this sanctuary “the jewel of the Western Cape”.
In the picture left, Dr. Ivan Meyer seen speaking to Earle Whiteley, lepidopterist and designer, builder of the butterfly sanctuary, who is explaining how it all came about.
Overnight the sanctuary has become a sensation and many people from all over come to see this marvel of our SA butterflies. We have had many visitors from the Netherlands, Australia, England, Germany and other countries come and see “the Jewel of the Western cape”.
The Western Cape Butterfly Sanctuary (WCBS)
In 2021, the sanctuary boasted only 3 species. But the sanctuary had just opened. In 2022 the sanctuary now boasted 5 species. In 2023 the sanctuary now boasted 7 species and the first time that butterflies had appeared throughout the year in the sanctuary. Now in 2024, so far the sanctuary now boasts 11 species. So far each year has been an improvement in the butterfly sanctuaries ecosystem with richer environment and fuller habitats. Our experts aim to make the sanctuary one of the best live butterfly sanctuaries of South African Butterflies in the world.
The Western Cape Butterfly Sanctuary (WCBS) has complied with the Western Cape Butterfly Breeding Association’s (WCBBA) Code of Conduct and adheres to the aims and objectives of Conservation of Butterflies in South Africa (CBISA). All the Staff of the Western Cape Butterfly Sanctuary has studied through the National School of Lepidoptera (NSL) and are certified as Tour Guides and/or Butterfly Breeders.
Butterfly Breeding Centre
This first section of the Breeding Centre was added and built in 2023 to the existing main Lepidome of the sanctuary. The breeding area is essential to the welfare of the butterfly populations of the butterfly sanctuary.
Here our visitors get up close and personal with every aspect of our butterflies life cycles. Seeing for the first time how butterflies lay their eggs. What the larvae look like in their four instars of growth. If you are lucky, you can see how a larvae becomes a chrysalis. But, the cherry on top is to see how a butterfly emerges from its chrysalis. It’s amazing to watch and at the end of the tour you are left with an awesome experience.
At the moment we are building phase 2, 3 and 4 of the breeding area, which will allow us to breed more species for you to see.
Butterfly Weddings
Butterfly Weddings held in our Butterfly Sanctuary is becoming a big thing. This has been added to our program that takes place in the main lepidome as well as in our breeding centre.
This had become a popular demand from visitors to the sanctuary who’s daughters, son’s or other friend or relative fancied the idea of having a wedding amongst our beautiful butterflies. Also the releasing of newly hatched butterflies into the main lepidome which usually will fly and sit on the nearest place they can find. Most of the time on a visitor.
Tour Times
| Oct - Mar | 9:30 | 10:30 | 11:30 | 12:30 | 13:30 | 14:30 | 15:30 |
| Apr - Sep | 10:30 | 11:30 | 12:30 | 13:30 | 14:30 |
Note; We are open on all Public Holidays, School Holidays and Weekends (Friday to Sunday). We are open everyday for Group tours (see Bookings)
Photographers
Visitors
can not join into a tour once it has started. So please be on time. No exceptions allowed.
Entrance fees
| Children under 5 | Free |
| Children 5 - 12 yrs | R 40.00 |
| Adults | R 80.00 |
| Pensioners | R 40.00 |
| Photographers | R 80.00 |
| Scholars grade 8 to 12 | R 60.00 |
| Teacher on school tour | Free |
| Challenged individuals | Free |
Bookings
| Group Specials of | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 - 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pensioners | R 40.00 | R35.00 | R 30.00 | R 25.00 | R 20.00 |
| Adults | R 80.00 | R 75.00 | R 70.00 | R 65.00 | R 60.00 |
| School Tours | R 40.00 | R 40.00 | R 40.00 | R 40.00 | R 40.00 |
| Members | R 600.00 | For the year 2024 to 2025 | For the year 2024 to 2025 | For the year 2024 to 2025 | For the year 2024 to 2025 |
Affiliations
- Conservation of Butterflies in South Africa (CBISA)
- The South African Butterfly breeding association (SABBA)
- The Western Cape Butterfly Breeding Association (WCBBA)
- The National School of Lepidoptera (NSL)
- Serurubele Nurseries (SA)
- Serurubele Butterfly Weddings (SA)
- Serurubele Crafts (SA)
- Serurubele Consulting Agents (SA)
- Serurubele Safari’s (SA)
- Serurubele Rock Features and Landscaping (SA)
