Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary
A sanctuary for rescued primates, offering unique, up-close encounters via elevated walkways and feeding tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Feeding is included
Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary
Best Time
Feeding is included
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary for rescued primates, offering unique, up-close encounters via elevated walkways and feeding tours.
"An unforgettable experience with rescued monkeys, but secure your belongings!"
🔒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are curious and will grab items! Use the lockers provided.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on elevated walkways and uneven terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hands-On Monkey Feeding
Designated feeding areas
Get up close and personal feeding rescued primates. A truly unique and interactive wildlife experience.
Elevated Walkway Tours
Sanctuary pathways
Explore the natural habitat via wooden walkways and suspension bridges, offering unique perspectives.
Rescued Primate Haven
Sanctuary enclosures
See a variety of rescued monkeys living in a spacious, natural environment. Learn their stories.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Close Encounters
Feeding Times & Pricing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are curious and will grab items! Use the lockers provided.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on elevated walkways and uneven terrain.
📅 Check Feeding Times
Feeding tours are a highlight, confirm pricing and availability.
📸 Keep Phone Handy
Capture amazing close-up moments, but be mindful of your belongings!
Harties Trip
Tips
from all over the internet
🔒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are curious and will grab items! Use the lockers provided.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on elevated walkways and uneven terrain.
📅 Check Feeding Times
Feeding tours are a highlight, confirm pricing and availability.
📸 Keep Phone Handy
Capture amazing close-up moments, but be mindful of your belongings!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Drinks are available for purchase on-site at affordable prices.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique, hands-on experience of interacting with rescued monkeys, praising the knowledgeable guides and the natural habitat. However, some find the pricing for feeding tours to be a bit steep, and a few felt they didn't see as many monkeys as expected.
"Visited this attraction. The website does not distinguish on pricing between feeding the monkeys and not feeding the monkeys. It appears at12pm, the walking tour includes feeding and that is an extra R50 to the price. I am not sure of the other times but it appears you have to pay this for the 12pm walking tour. Roughly 150 monkeys in a 7 hectare enclosure and some of the monkeys hang around the entrance because the kitchen is there and a central feeding point when they know they are going to be fed. Monkeys are friendly and interact , especially as we took feeding bowls to feed them and get them to come close to us as we walked. There are a couple of suspension bridges you walk over, unfortunately we did not get to see a lot of the monkeys maybe around 25 throughout the whole tour, and I expected the enclosure to have more than 150 monkeys. It is a novelty experience as one cannot get close to these animals any other way but I do believe that it is not value for money. More than 70% of the walk, we did not see any monkeys or interact with them. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly."
Jetsetter World
"What a wonderful experience! This place really surprised me in the best way. You get proper hands-on interaction with Asian monkeys, which is amazing if you love being up close with animals. But I’ll be honest—if the thought of monkeys jumping on you or sitting on your shoulder makes you nervous, then this might not be for you.
Most of the monkeys here are rescues, many of them used to be pets, so they are very comfortable around people. A lot of them will come right up to you. They are not aggressive, but they are curious and quick—so my biggest advice: put all your belongings in the lockers at the entrance. Don’t risk carrying a bag, backpack, or even loose things in your pockets. These little guys will happily grab whatever they can—your sunglasses, purse, or even car keys—and run off.
Our guide, Sam, was fantastic. He was very informative and gave us the chance to feed the monkeys, which was definitely a highlight. The walk through the sanctuary itself is also beautiful. You wander along paths, cross a few rope bridges, and climb over some rocky spots—so wear comfortable shoes.
What I loved most was how well the monkeys are looked after. The sanctuary is huge, with plenty of space for them to climb, play, and explore. It doesn’t feel cramped or staged—it feels like a proper safe haven.
Overall, it’s an unforgettable experience. Thumbs up to our guide Sam for making it extra special. I’ll definitely be back—next time, without a backpack!"
Magda Ehlers Opvoedkundige Kindervideo's
"Our guide, Daniel, was amazing. Great sense of humor and so knowledgeable. We really enjoyed the entire experience, it was just fabulous. Breathtaking scenery and the sweetest interaction with the different monkeys 🐒"
Kiki 0707
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sanctuary is located in Hartbeespoort, which is about an hour's drive from Johannesburg. You can drive yourself, or consider ride-sharing services. The drive offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Yes, there is safe parking available on-site, and friendly car guards are often present to assist.
The sanctuary typically operates daily, but it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening hours and tour times, especially for feeding sessions.
Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination from Johannesburg and Pretoria, offering a unique wildlife experience within a few hours.
Public transport options can be limited for reaching Hartbeespoort. Driving is the most convenient method. If relying on public transport, research local bus routes or consider pre-booking a private transfer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, and it's recommended to check their official website for the latest information. Some reviews mention that feeding tours may have an additional cost.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for feeding tours or during peak seasons, is advisable to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
Yes, feeding the monkeys is often an additional cost to the general admission. Confirm the exact price and what it includes when booking your tour.
Information on discounts for specific age groups is best obtained directly from the sanctuary. It's worth inquiring when you book your visit.
General admission typically includes access to the sanctuary and the elevated walkway tours. Feeding experiences are usually a separate, optional activity.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect to walk on elevated wooden walkways and suspension bridges, with opportunities to see and interact with rescued monkeys. Guides are knowledgeable and share insights into the animals' lives.
The monkeys are very comfortable with people and may jump on you or sit on your shoulder. While not aggressive, they are curious and quick.
The sanctuary houses approximately 150 monkeys in a spacious 7-hectare enclosure, with many being rescued former pets.
The sanctuary features elevated wooden walkways and suspension bridges, which may pose challenges for individuals with significant mobility issues. It's advisable to contact the sanctuary directly to discuss accessibility.
Feeding times, particularly around midday, tend to be when the monkeys are most active and gathered. However, they can be seen throughout the day.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, be cautious with your equipment as monkeys are known to grab items.
The elevated walkways and suspension bridges offer unique vantage points. Keep an eye out for monkeys interacting with each other or visitors.
It's generally best to avoid using flash photography, as it can startle or disturb the animals. Natural light is usually sufficient, especially during the day.
While general photography is permitted, avoid intrusive behavior. Always prioritize the well-being of the animals and follow any specific guidelines provided by the sanctuary staff.
A camera with good zoom capabilities is helpful for capturing candid moments from a distance. However, many memorable shots can be taken with a smartphone due to the close proximity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a feeding tour for an extra layer of engagement. It's a fantastic way for kids to learn about animal behavior and the importance of respecting wildlife. The knowledgeable guides can also make the experience more interactive and fun for younger visitors. Pack snacks and drinks, or be prepared to purchase them on-site, as exploring can be tiring for little ones.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be mindful of lighting conditions, as the elevated walkways can create dappled light. Experiment with different angles from the walkways and suspension bridges. The natural habitat provides a beautiful backdrop for your photos. Remember to prioritize the animals' well-being and avoid using flash photography, which can disturb them. The guides can often point out interesting behaviors or individuals that make for great photographic subjects.
🐒 Animal Lovers & Conservationists
Engage with the guides to deepen your understanding of primate behavior and the importance of ethical wildlife tourism. By visiting, you are directly contributing to the sanctuary's efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect these fascinating creatures. It's a chance to connect with wildlife in a meaningful way and support a worthy cause.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Rescued Residents
This focus on rescue and rehabilitation is a core aspect of the sanctuary's mission, offering visitors a chance to learn about the challenges of exotic pet ownership and the importance of conservation.Visitors can expect these monkeys to be remarkably comfortable around humans, a testament to their past experiences. This means they might approach you, jump on you, or even try to take items from your pockets or bags. While this can be an exciting part of the experience, it's crucial to be prepared. The sanctuary strongly advises visitors to secure all personal belongings in the provided lockers to prevent them from being taken by curious primates.
During your visit, you'll likely encounter a variety of species, each with its own personality. The elevated wooden walkways and suspension bridges allow you to observe them in their expansive enclosures, which are designed to mimic their natural habitats as much as possible. The guides are instrumental in sharing the individual stories of these monkeys, highlighting their journeys and the sanctuary's efforts to provide them with a better life.
Navigating the Sanctuary Experience
Feeding tours are a significant draw for many visitors. These tours offer a chance to actively participate in feeding the monkeys, which can lead to very close encounters. It's important to note that the distribution of feeding buckets can sometimes be uneven, with some visitors feeling they didn't receive their fair share, especially in larger groups.
Beyond the physical experience, the guides play a crucial role in enhancing your visit. They are typically very knowledgeable about the different monkey species, their individual histories, and the sanctuary's conservation efforts. Their engaging commentary and sense of humor can transform a simple walk into an educational and entertaining adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit