Monkey Town in Somerset West, Western Cape

Lying just 3 kilometres outside of Somerset West on the N2 en route to the Garden Route, Monkey Town is literally that, a space in which over 230 primates roam freely. Visitors get a first-hand view of the monkeys and apes within their sanctuary, all 27 different species, from an enclosed walkway which winds through the park. The caged walkway means that human visitors do not intrude in any way on the primates’ living space, but it still allows an incredible opportunity to observe first hand the way in which they live.

The sanctuary was started by Roseline Grobler who rescued her first monkey, a brown capuchin called Cebus, over 20 years ago. Since then she has rescued and adopted 270 monkeys, and started Monkey Town Primate Sanctuary to allow the public a chance to experience the monkeys in the way that she does.

One of the most popular attractions at Monkey Town is the ‘close encounter of a monkey kind’ - the opportunity to get a hug from a monkey, in the sanctuary’s interaction area. There is also a touch farmyard, koi ponds and an array of birds and small antelope on the grounds. The sanctuary is big on educational programmes and offers awareness of the difference, and similarities, between humans and monkeys, aimed at various school grades. The children are encouraged to bring along a piece of fruit or veg to feed the monkeys.

Entertainment is not limited to school children, although it is aimed at them predominantly. The park has a rock swimming pool, water slides, trampoline, play park and a braai venue. There is also a restaurant on the premises for refreshments.

Additional Reading::
For a first hand account of the Monkey Town see "A Trip To Monkey Town".