The Monkey Country Reserve was founded in 1998 by Tony Blignauth 16 kilometres east of the town of Plettenberg Bay, on a 12 hectare site. This first free-range primate park has become one of the Garden Route Garden Valley's famous and favourite attractions. It is home to over 550 monkeys of 28 different species, including gibbons, howler monkey, vervet monkeys, Sakis langurs, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs and the endangered black and white lemurs.
Most of the sanctuary's primates were born in captivity. Some, before finding a home in this forest, lived with humans as pets where they were kept mostly in cages. Others were rejected by their mothers, as primates raised in isolation rarely learn how to raise their cubs. After the rehabilitation centre, these animals became members of their own species again and eventually reunited with their family group. Many of the reserve's 28 species are on the endangered list, mainly due to habitat loss due to deforestation and poaching.
The Ape Country Reserve aims to contribute to the conservation and protection of endangered primates. Here, visitors are offered a guided tour of a suspended trail that offers amazing views of the dense forest from the treetops. This unique suspension trail is the only one of its kind in Africa. As you walk across the bridge, you are likely to see gibbons and hear their cries, as well as the incomparable song of the black and white wari lemurs.
After your walk through the reserve, you can visit the restaurant. Next to the main entrance is a play park for children with a swimming pool. You can also stay here for a few days in a luxury guest house. The staff of the reserve guarantee that no visitor will be bored in this amazing place. And the memories of the time spent in the "Land of the Monkeys" will stay with you for a lifetime.
