Monkeyland a place to enjoy beauty of nature

MONKEYLAND in The Crags, on the way to Plettenberg Bay, is one of the Garden Route's most successful and popular tourist attractions – and regularly gets credit for its conservation efforts too.

When it opened in 1998, Monkeyland was the world's first free-roaming multispecies primate sanctuary, pioneering the concept of releasing multiple species into large and natural facilities.

It is set in a lush forest, so allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding fauna and flora while strolling along a raised wooden walkway giving them a bird's eye view of this natural paradise.

Rangers spot the primates and share fascinating information about them, the forest and anything else visitors might encounter during their tour.

Monkeyland received an important conservation accolade earlier this year when the South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (Saasa), of which it is a member, was awarded the Global Responsible Tourism Award at the Skål International World Congress in Mexico.

Saasa comprises Monkeyland and its sister sanctuaries Birds of Eden and the Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary.

The three venues are totally against the "pet, play and pay" industry, where visitors are allowed to handle wild animals.

Saasa provides homes for previously abused animals and birds which aren't suitable for release into their natural habitats.

"Saasa has always put the interest of the animals ahead of all material considerations," Saasa's Lara Mostert said.

There are many other attractions, suitable for all ages, in and around The Crags.

Monkeyland is on (044) 534-8906 or 082-979-5683. Entry is R175 per adult and R88 for children aged three to 12. Younger children enter for free. Specially priced packages are available for those who also want to explore Birds of Eden and Jukani. For more information visit: www.monkeyland.co.za - Louise Liebenberg