Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary

At Tafi Atome the mona monkeys living in the forest around the village are regarded as sacred, associated with the deity brought by the community's ancestors, and have therefore never been hunted, which is why they are habituated and approach people closely. A community sanctuary was formalised in the 1990s with outside support, and guided walks go out early in the morning and late in the afternoon when the troops come to the forest edge to feed. Bananas are provided by the guides. The forest patch is small and surrounded by farmland, and the project also runs a village homestay and cultural programme with drumming and dance.

The landscape

• Mona monkeys - habituated troops that come close to visitors.
• The sacred grove - the forest patch protected by the community.
• Village walks - the guided route from the settlement into the trees.
• Homestay and drumming - the community cultural programme.

When to go

November to March for the dry season. Early morning and late afternoon are the feeding times when monkeys reliably appear; midday visits often see nothing. Weekdays are quieter.

Before you go

The monkeys are fed by guides to bring them in, which is a managed encounter rather than a wild one. The forest patch is small and hemmed in by farms. Facilities are basic and the homestay is simple. Fees are charged per person plus a camera charge.

Nearby

Tafi Abuipe kente village is close; Hohoe lies north.