A trip to Plettenberg Bay cannot be done without a visit to Monkeyland. This incredible animal sanctuary is the world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary. And it is one of the things you simply must do in Plettenberg Bay. Monkeyland is home to more than 550 primates of different species – such as capuchin monkeys, gibbons, lemurs, spider monkeys, and howler monkeys. This is a great way to learn more about the different monkeys while walking in the jungle. In this guide, you will find every bit of information you need before a visit to the wonderful Monkeyland in Plettenberg Bay.
Everything you need to know for a visit to Monkeyland
Monkeyland in Plettenberg Bay is home to many species – some of them are already endangered or critically endangered. But since they have come to the sanctuary they can now survive and reproduce for a future reintroduction into the wild. However, there are some of the primates who are not going out into the wild. They have been rescued from family homes and are often too tame to live in the wild. Monkeyland therefore serves as their forever home. And you are able to visit these cute monkeys.
Getting to Monkeyland
The Monkeyland sanctuary is located just about 16 kilometers east of Plettenberg Bay in South Africa. From the city, you must take the N2 and continue past Keurboomstrand onto the Grags. From the N2 you will see a sign guiding you towards Monkeyland – you cannot miss it. Turn off and then just follow the signs towards Monkeyland for about 2 kilometers along a gravel road. And then you are there.
Opening hours
Monkeyland is open every day from 8:00 to 17:00 with its last entry and tour at 16:00.
Entrance fee
The Monkeyland sanctuary is part of a larger corporation under which Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary and Birds of Eden also are part. This means that you have a few options when it comes to entrance fees and tickets. Your first option would be to buy a single ticket. This allows you to visit 1 of the sanctuaries. The second option is to buy a combo ticket. With this kind of ticket, you can choose 2 of the sanctuaries to visit. Your third option is to buy a triptic ticket. This ticket is valid for all 3 of the animal sanctuaries. And is definitely worth it if you plan on visiting each of the sanctuaries – which we would highly recommend that you do. It is worth noting that the tickets will be valid for a couple of days, which means you are able to visit whenever it fits into your schedule and travel plans.
| Type of ticket | January 2024 – December 2024 | Januar 2025 – December 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Single Ticket (1 Sanctuary) | R 380.00 (adult) R 190.00 (child 3 – 12 years) | R 410.00 (adult) R 205.00 (child 3 – 12 years) |
| Combo Ticket (Any 2 Sanctuaries) | R 610.00 (adult) R 305.00 (child 3 – 12 years) | R 660.00 (adult) R 330.00 (child 3 – 12 years) |
| Triptic Ticket (All 3 Sanctuaries) | R 760.00 (adult) R 380.00 (child 3 – 12 years) | R 820.00 (adult) R 410.00 (child 3 – 12 years) |
| Children (2 years and younger) | Free | Free |
NB: It seems that the prices rise every year. It is always a good idea to look on the websites for the current entrance fees.
Guided walking tours in Monkeyland
The only way for you to visit Monkeyland is to join a guided tour. These are walking tours in the forest in which the monkeys have been released and are free-roaming. During the tour your ranger/guide will track the primates while telling you about them, the forest, and whatever you come across. They are very friendly and knowledgeable, so you can ask as many questions as you want. During the tour, which lasts about 1 hour, you will also walk across the 128-meter-long canopy walk. This rises above the forest and is a perfect place to spot some of the monkeys. The tours depart from the reception every 15 to 20 minutes and are well worth it.
Best time to visit Monkeyland in Plettenberg Bay
We would say that the best time to visit Monkeyland in Plettenberg Bay is in the morning. This is when the crowds are smaller – on our tour we were only 4 people. The monkeys are fed every 2 hours. So especially the guided tours starting at 8 or 10 in the morning are good to join, as the monkeys are hungrier in the morning than later in the day. In the morning hours, you are therefore sure of seeing as many monkeys as possible.
Other animal sanctuaries in Plettenberg Bay
As mentioned earlier, there are other animal sanctuaries in the Plettenberg Bay area. And they are also well worth a visit.
Birds of Eden
Birds of Eden is a free flight-bird sanctuary. The 2-hectare dome, which is actually the largest in the world, is home to more than 3.500 birds. There are over 220 different species – mainly African birds. At Birds of Eden, you will go on a self-guided tour (without a guide), which allows you to take in the atmosphere and beautiful colors of the birds at your own pace.
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many different animals. You will both find lions, jaguars, leopards, tigers, cheetahs, caracals, and pumas. Each of these animals has been rescued from circuses around the world, and from people’s homes where they have had them illegally. You can only visit the Jukani sanctuary by joining a guided tour. This lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes and takes you by every one of the animals in the sanctuary.
