Monkey Town

by Shirley, Hermanus

Situated just off the N2 at Somerset West, Monkey Town is a privately owned primate centre that is home to over 230 animals, including monkeys obviously but also apes, birds a few antelope and other interesting creatures.

We arranged a special educational visit for a group of homeschoolers and our tour guide, Alan, gave a very informative and amusing commentary as we proceeded through the ‘cages’.

You see, at Monkey Town, the primates roam the trees in freedom and the people are kept in caged tunnels!

Caged tunnels for humans at Monkey Town

Our tour guide pointed out how we provided as much entertainment for the monkeys as they did for us.

One of the highlights was a game of copycat mimicry between a boy and a gorilla with a bullet-proof glass window between them!

It was a very cold and blustery day, but this was good as monkeys are more active and more visible on cold days than on hot days, when they tend to be lazy and lethargic and stay out of sight.

Monkey feeding

The end of our tour coincided with feeding time and we enjoyed watching the monkeys scamper down from the trees one by one to grab some of the very fresh fruit and vegetables that was served up for them on feeding tables.

Monkey Town is open 365 days a year from 8h00-17h00.
There is a restaurant as well as a playpark for children.

Tours last about an hour and there are also various combo options where for an additional fee visitors can go on a guided tour plus
1. play or play and swim
2. braai/picnic (includes play and swim)
3. combo (includes guided tour, braai/picnic, play and swim
4. celebrate birthday parties (young and old)
5. enjoy year end functions

Tel 021-858 1060 or visit http://www.monkeys.co.za/ for more info.

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