(NITN): For the past 200 years, the Mona monkeys inhabiting the tropical forest surrounding the small village of Tafi-Atome have been protected because it was believed they were messengers to the gods. In 1996, the village began broader efforts to protect their forest and monkeys, as well as to offer tours for visitors.
As a result of these efforts, the monkey population has increased to about 200 and the forest, with its many species of birds and butterflies, has been preserved. The playful Mona monkeys are wild but often come down very close to visitors.
Things to Do
- Stop at the visitor centre to arrange your tour and shop for village crafts in the small shop.
- Tour the village with a sanctuary guide, where you can see food being prepared and other daily activities.
- Visit a village pineapple farm and meet the farmer. Fresh pineapples may be available for purchase.
- See kente weaving at the nearby village of Tafi Abuipe, one of the principal weaving sites in Ghana which is 14 km by car or seven km by trail if you walk or rent a bicycle.
- Enjoy evening entertainment including drumming, dancing or stories around a bonfire.
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When to Visit
Monkeys are generally out any time of day except during November through January, when they leave the village forest to forage for food from roughly 6:00-8:00 am and during 3:30-6:00 pm.
Accommodation, Food and Refreshments
The sanctuary offers a rustic six-room guest house adjacent to the Visitor Centre. Flush toilets, showers and sheets provided, but no towels. Home-stays are also available. A community cook serves meals at a pleasant circular open-air shelter. Liquid refreshments are also available in the village.
Hours
6 am to 6 pm daily
Getting there
43 km south of Hohoe. From the main Ho-Hohoe road at Logba Alekpeti, turn at the Monkey Sanctuary sign onto the dirt road for five km to the Visitor Centre. Trotros available from Accra, Ho or Hohoe to Logba Alekpeti. Take a local taxi or walk the five km from the main road to the Visitor Centre.
