Butterfly Valley

About Butterfly Valley

On the east coast of South Africa, neighbouring Margate, is the KwaZulu-Natal village of Ramsgate. While it is popular for its gorgeous beaches during the summer holidays, the town is also home to the Ramsgate Butterfly Valley, where an enormous variety of butterflies can be enjoyed within a natural, accessible environment.

Because most of the butterflies of Ramsgate are bred on the local farm (as opposed to being imported, like many similar tourist attractions), visitors are able to see the entire life cycle of these intriguing insects. Ramsgate Butterfly Valley specialises in a plethora of indigenous South African butterfly species. This involves protecting them within a natural environment, educating the public about them and allowing visitors to experience being a part of the butterflies' home in a very special, hands-on way.

There is a flight dome, which allows visitors to amble around freely, with the at-home butterflies flitting around and perching nearby. Because these creatures know that they are safe in these surrounds, they often allow the guests to come very close to them, enjoying every detail on the colourful wings and their fascinating antics. The Life Cycle Tour educates visitors about the stages that take place, from pupa to butterfly and everything in-between.

The breeding centre is an informative resource at which visitors can learn about the butterflies and the host plants on which they survive.

In addition to the butterflies, there are other creatures that can be found here; including the Australian spiny leaf insect, emperor scorpion and bearded dragon.

Such diversity and educational facilities mean that Ramsgate Butterfly Valley makes for a great family outing or a school visit.