Monkeyland KZN
The world’s FIRST FREE ROAMING multi-species primate sanctuary, Monkeyland Plettenberg Bay, has a younger sister and she’s right here in the beautiful province of Kwazulu-Natal. Monkeyland KZN opened in 2019 and with its mission to “educate and foster greater understanding of our primate cousins and the threats and challenges they are facing”, you are not only experiencing a fun activity, you are experiencing an activity that is outdoors, educational and makes a real impact in the world today.
What Monkeyland KZN does
The Monkeyland sanctuaries provide primates who have been harmfully affected by the pet-play-and-pay industry as well as providing a sanctuary for those primates who have been displaced by the destruction and decline of their natural habitats.
Looking for outdoor family activities in Durban, an activity that the whole family will delight in, then this is definitely a visit you need to make.
Booking process Monkeyland KZN
We requested a booking by phone and were given more detail such as open and closing times which are 9am to 4pm and advised that tours run every 30 minutes. We gave our preferred time and the confirmation was emailed through to us.
You are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes as the sanctuary is set on 23 hectares of indigenous forest and yes, the tour may start off in a 4×4 vehicle but after that you’re on foot, making your way through natural forest, ravines, and man-made pathways. Monkeyland’s team do say that you should bring bug spray, but we were unaffected by any bugs. However, you do get individuals who seem to attract the little fellas so bring along that gogga deflector spray.
It’s Impossible to get bored at Monkeyland KZN
Arrived a bit early on tour day… Not to worry, there is plenty to keep you occupied. A short walk from the secure parking you will find the main reception area which also houses a curio gift shop, a restaurant offering tasty woodfired pizza as well as a jungle gym to keep the little ones occupied while you browse the array of offerings.
It is impossible to be bored here! Remember what our folks always use to say? Only boring people get bored.
The Tour
Approximately two hours in duration, it starts with a short drive via 4×4, stopping at the main gates to the indigenous forest and primate enclosure. Your guide gives you a briefing including rules that need to be followed to make this a safe experience for both you and the primates. The guides do have a wicked sense of humour and had us in stitches throughout the tour. My personal view is that the guides themselves really did add something special to the experience and there is a clear sense that they are passionate about what they do, knowledgeable, and determined to ensure you have the best experience.
You are taken through the sanctuary and if you’re lucky enough to have booked your tour at a feeding time, you are in for a real treat.
This is a truly eye-opening dive into how these primates are being threatened, the realities they face, and what is being done to protect them. Your guide will share tales of some of the residents in the sanctuary and how they came about being there. The Capuchin monkey is a naughty fellow but when you hear his story, you cannot help but love his cheeky nature and respect why he is the way he is.
But, it’s not a tour of doom and gloom and you’ll learn some interesting facts about these special primates, for example, the howler monkey can smell fruit from 2km away and it is said to be the loudest monkey (we can attest to that!). But we’re not giving it all away, you’ll have to make the visit yourself. We don’t want to spoil the fun.
To the heroes!
Here’s to the industries, organisations, and people who make it their goal to create and maintain a space in the world for animals who have been abused, neglected, and need rescuing and a place of sanctuary.
And, to you, the conscious traveler, explorer, and wayfarer who continues to contribute to the sustainability of these havens, by visiting, donating, and purchasing items from the restaurant or curio shop, you are making a meaningful impact. If we want this world and all its wonders to survive, it’s up to you. It’s up to US!
#AfricanTravelBird
#MonkeylandKZN
RATING: 10 out of 10 – And loads of monkey business (wink wink)
Contact Details
Online Booking and Website: www.monkeylandkzn.co.za
WhatsApp: +27 (0) 66 479 6138
Telephone: +27 (0) 32 004 0178
Address: Glendale Road, Shakaskraail, 4430
Email: [email protected]
IG: @monkeyland-kzn
FB: @monkeyland-kzn
Activities
Walking Tours
Birding
Curio Shop
Picnic Area
Restaurant
Jungle Gym