Bring the whole family along to the Bushbaby and Monkey Sanctuary in Hartbeespoort. You're guaranteed to have a wild time exploring this one-of-a-kind wildlife haven.
Hartbeespoort is one of the top family-friendly getaway destinations. There are a ton of fun activities to do and many awesome sights to see. We recently discovered the Bushbaby and Monkey Sanctuary which is located at the foothills of the Magaliesberg mountain range.
This sanctuary is one of only eight free-release primate sanctuaries globally, making it incredibly special and well worth a visit. If you've ever visited the Elephant Sanctuary in Hartbeespoort, you've most likely passed by the Bushbaby and Monkey reserve. So, the next time you're in Harties add it to your list of must-sees. Here are some of the attractions at the sanctuary.
About The Bushbaby and Monkey Sanctuary
Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary, a privately owned, non-subsidised sanctuary, is located in Harties. It is one of eight free-release primate sanctuaries worldwide. Their primates come from public rescues and are supported by funded by their guided tours and curios sales.
The sanctuary rehabilitates Squirrel, Spider, and Capuchin Monkeys. After being rescued from the pet trade, these monkeys are introduced to a wild world with waterfalls, lush vegetation, natural mountain springs, and as much natural environment as possible. They get to finally live wild.
Photo by Carlo Lucin
Conservation Projects
The sanctuary's main initiative is conservation through education. They firmly believe that the key to conservation is to educate young people about the benefits of allowing primates to live in the wild rather than as pets.
The sanctuary hopes to create awareness and understanding about these creatures by allowing visitors to see and experience the monkeys in their natural environment.
The Sanctuary Residents
There are plenty of beautiful and unique species that you'll find at the Bushbaby and Monkey Sanctuary. Here are a few that you'll get to meet and admire in their natural habitats:
- Ring-Tailed Lemurs
- Galagos – also known as Bushbabies or Nagapies
- Squirrel Monkeys
- Black-Handed Spider Monkeys
- Common Brown Lemurs
- Capuchin Monkeys
Rates & Operating Hours
The Bushbaby and Monkey Sanctuary offers guided tours for children and adults at reasonable rates. Tours are roughly an hour long and take place over a leisurely 3km walk through the sanctuary. You do not need to pre-book unless you are accompanied by a group of 15 or more explorers.
Rates from 01 November 2023 to 31 October 2024:
- R495 per adult
- R395 per pensioner
- R295 per child (4 – 14 years)
- Under 4 - FREE
Tours are on the hour, every hour. First tour 09h00, last tour 16h00.
For More Information
Visit www.monkeysanctuary.co.za.
You can also contact them by calling 012 258 9904 or emailing [email protected].
Address: R104 Old Rustenburg Road, Zandfontein, Hartebeespoort Dam, NorthWest.
