Monkeyland, South Africa
Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, located in Plettenberg Bay on South Africa's Garden Route, is a pioneering conservation haven dedicated to educating visitors about primates and the threats they face in the wild. As the world's first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary, it houses over 550 rescued primates from 9 species in a natural, family-group environment mimicking their habitats. Spanning indigenous forest, the sanctuary allows immersive, self-guided walks along boardwalks for close-up encounters without barriers. Supporting global efforts, it offers volunteer opportunities, a gift shop, and "forest square" sponsorships from $5 to fund habitat restoration. Adjacent to Birds of Eden aviary, it's part of award-winning eco-tourism initiatives. Just a 6-hour drive from Cape Town and near Robberg Nature Reserve, it's a family-friendly must-do in November 2025's mild autumn weather (18-22°C), when coastal trails and whale spotting add magic—pair with a Tsitsikamma hike or a stay at Beacon Island Resort. Features:
Award-winning Sanctuaries: Winners of Lilizela Service Excellence Awards for Best Visitor Experience 'Wildlife Encounters', Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award for Best Major Attraction, 'Best Animal Welfare Initiative', and overall World Responsible Tourism Awards. Most recently, 2023 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award for Major Tourist Attractions.
Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, located in Plettenberg Bay on South Africa's Garden Route, is a pioneering conservation haven dedicated to educating visitors about primates and the threats they face in the wild. As the world's first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary, it houses over 550 rescued primates from 9 species in a natural, family-group environment mimicking their habitats. Spanning indigenous forest, the sanctuary allows immersive, self-guided walks along boardwalks for close-up encounters without barriers. Supporting global efforts, it offers volunteer opportunities, a gift shop, and "forest square" sponsorships from $5 to fund habitat restoration. Adjacent to Birds of Eden aviary, it's part of award-winning eco-tourism initiatives. Just a 6-hour drive from Cape Town and near Robberg Nature Reserve, it's a family-friendly must-do in November 2025's mild autumn weather (18-22°C), when coastal trails and whale spotting add magic—pair with a Tsitsikamma hike or a stay at Beacon Island Resort. Features:
Award-winning Sanctuaries: Winners of Lilizela Service Excellence Awards for Best Visitor Experience 'Wildlife Encounters', Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award for Best Major Attraction, 'Best Animal Welfare Initiative', and overall World Responsible Tourism Awards. Most recently, 2023 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award for Major Tourist Attractions.
Whale Tail Lookout Point: Scenic viewpoint in Plettenberg Bay's Robberg Nature R...
Central Beach Plettenberg Bay: Stunning Blue Flag beach in Plettenberg Bay with ...
Plett Seal Adventures: Guided boat trips from Plettenberg Bay to swim/view Cape ...
Offshore Adventures: Swim with Cape fur seals in Plettenberg Bay, plus viewing t...
Elephant Sanctuary Plettenberg Bay: Hands-on African elephant experiences in The...
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary: Big cat rescue & rehab center in Plettenberg Bay with...