Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary

Monkeyland near Plettenberg Bay in South Africa is a multi-species sanctuary where primates roam freely through the forest. Going on the guided forest walk gives you a wonderful, unpredictable encounter with primates ranging from gibbons to lemurs to capuchins to squirrel monkeys, in a natural environment.

Monkeyland is most definitely not a zoo. On the hour-long walk through the forest, the guides reinforce all the time that the primates are free to do what they want to do and that human interaction with them is kept to a minimum. Feeding platforms with fruit and vegetables are provided because the forest doesn't supply enough food naturally, but no animal is fed directly by a human.

The forest walk includes a 128-metre suspension bridge that gives you a feel for what it's like to be up in the canopy like a lemur or bird. (It's got high, roped sides, so it's not so scary you can't enjoy the view!)

While many of the primate species are not native to South Africa (most are rescued from research institution or are unwanted pets), you do get the feeling that these primates have finally found somewhere where they can be free and safe. And if you're in any doubt as to how important Monkeyland is, you just have to see how habituated some of the rescued animals are that hang around the lodge looking for their next sugar rush. Or have the ones pointed out to you who've had their teeth removed so they didn't hurt their owners. Fortunately most of the primates can be rehabilitated to live a more normal, wild life.

Sitting at the main lodge, you'll see various primates especially the very entertaining spider monkeys. It's hard to tear yourself away, but you'll leave Monkeyland with a new appreciation for primates.