Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary is Ghana's most famous example of traditional African conservation. The sanctuary is nestled in between the two villages of Boabeng and Fiema; the sanctuary is home to over 200 Geoffrey’s Pied Columbus and 500 Campbell's Mona Monkeys.
For more than 150 years the people of Boabeng and Fiema have considered the monkeys sacred. The traditional beliefs in both communities prohibit physical harm to the monkeys. Additionally, the 2 communities came together in 1975 to pass a local modern law prohibiting harm to the monkeys.
Campbell's Mona Monkey
The monkeys are forest mol). Keys. They number about 500 in the sanctuary. They are brown in colour and eat leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, and insects. Many times these monkeys can be seen trying to steal food from local kitchens.
Geoffrey's Pied Columbus
These Columbus Monkeys are black and white in colour. They eat leaves, stems, and mineralized earth. There are about 200 in the sanctuary. Early in the morning, the visitor can hear them calling loudly to one another. Despite their sacred status within Boabeng and Fiema, these monkeys do not enjoy this status in many other places around the world. They are currently listed as vulnerable internationally and likely to become endangered if the present rate of habitat change and hunting continues. Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary is the only place in Africa where one can easily view this species in their numbers.
The forest
Led by a tour guide, you can amble through trails in the lush forest watching for monkeys on the ground and in the canopy of the trees above. You will see a variety of butterflies, birds, and over 90 identified species of trees. After your guided tour, feel free to explore the beautiful village on your own.
The guide will also lead you on a tour of the villages where you can see monkeys interacting with the people. You will see monkeys on the ground, op roofs, jumping from house to house, and in the courtyards of homes. You may also explore the villages on your own after the initial guided tour. Please respect local people when exploring the villages.
