Total commitment and a love for animals drives this Plettenberg Bay woman to try and change the law about whether animals can own the land on which they live, and so protect their habitat forever.
Visit Monkeyland - the worlds first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa.
A true primate sanctuary
Monkeyland is the worlds first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary. It's mission is to educate and foster greater understanding of our primate cousins and the threats and challenges they are facing.
Free roaming primates
The majority of primates living in the wild do so in large family groups. We care for rescued primates and do all we can to give them as natural a life as possible in the habitat we have access to.
Support Monkeyland
At present, Monkeyland cares for over 550 primates which are spread across 9 species. You can support our cause by visiting the sanctuary, visiting our shop, volunteering, or buying a square meter (or more) of forest for the animals to help preserve our sanctuary!
Award-winning Sanctuaries
The South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA) consisting of Monkeyland, Birds of Eden , The Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary and The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary are winners of the Lilizela Service Excellence Awards - Best Visitor Experience 'Wildlife Encounters'; Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award - Best Major Attraction; winner of the 'Best Animal Welfare Initiative' and overall winner of the World Responsible Tourism Awards.
Most recently, SAASA was declared winner of the 2023 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award in the category of Major Tourist Attractions for The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary.
Our primates need your help!
For as little as $5 you can buy a square meter (or more)
of forest to help preserve our sanctuary.
TO PRE-PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE OUR RATES ARE:
- Single Tickets: R350
- Combo Tickets: R590
- TripTic Tickets: R700
- Children (aged 3 to 12): pay half price
- Babies 2 and under: Free
- Bookings not required
SPECIAL OFFER
Donate R1000 to SAASA and receive a voucher for our WackyWildlife special
This voucher includes a visit to Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, the Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary and an unforgettable Ocean Blue Adventures cruise.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Who conducts the 'monkey safaris'?
Our game rangers are all qualified safari guides, and conduct the one hour-long safaris into the heart of the forest with their visitor groups. Our guides are multi-lingual and can conduct safaris in a variety of international languages.
How many people per guided tour?
Groups consists of 1 to 16 people per tour, this ensures personal attention. When the sanctuary is not too busy, any visitor is entitled to request a private tour. It is always best to pre-book a private tour to ensure that we can assist you.
What type of primates will we see?
You can expect to see around 550+ primates, including the following species: the indigenous Vervet monkey, Brown-hooded capuchin, Squirrel monkey, Spider monkey, Howler monkey, Hanuman Langur, Saki monkey, Black and white ruffed lemur, Ringtail lemur, and white-handed gibbon.
Can visitors walk in the Monkeyland forest on their own?
You cannot walk in the forest without having a safari guide, curator or sanctuary manager present. We offer one hour guided walks through the forest, where the guide will track down the primates and tell you more about them. Your entry ticket is a day ticket and this means that you are able to go on as many tours as you wish to on the same day.
Is Monkeyland wheelchair accessible?
Yes, at Monkeyland, we have easy access ramps for wheelchairs and we provide wheelchairs (to use) at our sanctuary for the elderly and visitors who walk with difficulty. It is always better to pre-arrange the use of our wheelchairs.
Can I touch or hold any of the primates at Monkeyland?
No, touching and/or feeding of the bird is strictly prohibited. We don’t condone wildlife petting at our sanctuaries – it is a pure form of harassment.
How far do we walk on safari?
Monkeyland is about an 1km stop and stroll walk through the forest.
How long has Monkeyland been open?
Monkeyland opened its doors to the public on the 6th of April 1998.
Latest News
The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary
"...however this sanctuary is so special, it deserves its own unique name..." - Tony Blignaut
Empty The Cages: African grey parrots and the cruelty of confinement
Birds of Eden, the bird sanctuary in The Crags near Plettenberg Bay, is on an African grey parrot mission.
Get more information!
Send me an E-Brochure with rates and more!
Contact Us
Our Address
Monkeyland and Birds of Eden
The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, 6602
Turn off to Monkeyland & Birds of Eden from N2 highway
GPS: 33°57'52.0"S 23°29'01.6"E (-33.964434, 23.483778)
Map & Directions