Monkeyland is a sanctuary for primates that have been rescued from captivity, set in a patch of indigenous forest in The Crags, close to Plettenberg Bay. The sanctuary cares for more than 550 primates from around nine species, including capuchins, squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, ring-tailed and ruffed lemurs, langurs, bearded sakis and gibbons, alongside the local vervet monkeys. The idea is that they live as freely as possible, so there are no cages along the route and the animals come and go through the trees. Visitors walk with a guide, which helps because the primates are easy to miss until someone points them out, and the commentary explains where each animal came from and why it needed a home. Walkways and rope bridges take you into the canopy and across the gorge. It is the kind of place where a quiet, patient walk is rewarded and where children and adults alike tend to remember a particular encounter, whether that is a lemur on the path or a gibbon calling through the forest.
What the visit involves
You gather at the entrance, usually for a guided walk led by a ranger, and head into the forest on paths and bridges. The route is not a cage-to-cage circuit but a trek through a habitat where the animals are the residents and you are the visitor, so sightings vary from one walk to the next.
The walk takes in the order of an hour, though exact timing depends on the tour and the animals, so check the sanctuary for the current schedule and any age or access rules. The sanctuary is on the same turn-off from the N2 as Birds of Eden, which makes the pair easy to combine.
Behaving well
The animals are free-ranging, so the usual rules apply. Keep food and loose items out of sight, because cheeky monkeys will investigate bags and pockets, and follow the guide when you are told to keep your distance. Never feed the animals or try to touch them. Wear closed shoes with a good sole, bring a light rain layer, and carry sun protection for the open stretches. Photographers will want a lens that copes with dappled light under the canopy.
Is it right for you? Monkeyland is a sanctuary, not a zoo, and many visitors value its focus on rescued animals and a more natural setting. It is a good rainy-day or hot-day activity because most of the walk is under trees, and it suits families with children old enough to walk steadily. If you want to see more, combined tickets cover Birds of Eden and the Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, which is about seven kilometres from Birds of Eden and has a ranger-led walk past big cats.
Set aside a half day for any two of the three, add lunch on the way, and you have a comfortable day off between the beach and the adventure sports.
A few last tips
Keep an eye on the ground as well as the trees, because some of the animals, such as the lemurs, spend time at ground level, and watch your step on the bridges and boardwalks. Leave valuables in the car or in a zipped bag, remove dangling jewellery, and do not carry fruit or sweets, since the monkeys are skilled thieves. Follow the guide's instructions about when to move and when to stand still, and use the quiet moments to listen, as the calls of the gibbons and the howler monkeys carry a long way through the forest and are often the best part of the visit.
What to expect
The experience
A guided forest walk on paths and rope bridges through a free-roaming primate habitat, led by a ranger who explains the animals and their stories.
Best time
Morning, when the animals are active and the forest is cool; the tree cover also makes it a sensible choice on hot or showery days.
How long
Allow around two hours including the walk and a look at the entrance area.
Tips
Keep food and loose items out of sight, wear closed shoes, and follow your guide's instructions on keeping a distance from the animals.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and animal lovers who prefer a rescue sanctuary to a traditional zoo.
- Families
- Children who can walk steadily and follow instructions will enjoy the bridges and the lemurs; check the sanctuary for age rules before you go.
- Couples
- A shady, unhurried walk that pairs well with lunch and a beach afternoon.
- Pair with
- Birds of Eden next door, or the Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary a few minutes away.
- Time needed
- Half a day with a second sanctuary.
Good questions
Are the animals in cages?+
No, the primates live free-roaming in the forest, which is why you walk with a guide who helps you spot them. Sightings vary from walk to walk.
How many animals live at Monkeyland?+
The sanctuary reports more than 550 primates from around nine species, including lemurs, gibbons, capuchins and spider monkeys.
Do I need to book?+
Check the sanctuary for the current tour schedule and booking advice, especially in school holidays when walks can fill up.
Is it close to Birds of Eden?+
Yes, they share the same turn-off from the N2 near Plettenberg Bay, and combined tickets for two or three sanctuaries are sold.
What should I wear?+
Closed shoes with grip, light clothes, a rain layer and sun protection. Keep snacks and loose items zipped away because the monkeys are curious.
