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Monkey Park

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Animal habitat
—°1
Monkey Park (Senegal)

Weather…

The Monkey Park, located in the Thies region of Senegal, is a vital sanctuary dedicated to the protection and observation of West African primate species in their natural habitat. This lush, forested enclave provides a safe haven for various monkeys, most notably the agile Green Monkey and the rarer Red Colobus, allowing them to thrive away from the pressures of urban expansion. The park serves as a key educational center where local guides lead observation tours that teach visitors about primate behavior, social structures, and the delicate balance of the regional ecosystem. Unlike traditional zoos, the park emphasizes minimal human interference, encouraging guests to maintain a respectful distance while watching the animals forage and play in the forest canopy. By combining eco-tourism with active conservation efforts, the Monkey Park plays a crucial role in raising awareness about biodiversity in Senegal and ensuring the long-term survival of its indigenous wildlife species.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232324242528282828282624
Rain mm89219217891761504287

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The dry season from November to May gives the best conditions for monkey watching, as they find food more easily. In the rainy season the animals are active, but dense foliage hinders visibility.
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Best time of day
Early morning and late afternoon the monkeys are most active, foraging and interacting in groups. During hot midday hours they retreat to the shade.
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Etiquette
Keep distance from the monkeys - at least ten metres - and never feed them. Approach slowly and avoid direct eye contact, which might be seen as a threat.
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What to bring
Binoculars are useful for watching monkeys from a safe distance. Wear sturdy shoes and long trousers to protect against ticks and thorns.
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Getting there
The monkey sanctuary is located near Dakar and reachable by rental car or taxi. Follow signs for 'Parc des Singes' on the outskirts of the city.
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What to expect
Monkeys are curious but not always immediately visible - they often move through branches. Settle in a quiet spot and wait for the group to emerge from the thicket.

Geography

Coordinates
14.75000, -16.95000

Facts

  • Mainly home to Green Monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus).
  • Important site for researching the social behavior of primates.
  • Offers guided tours for safe wildlife observation.
  • Contributes to the protection of the Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas).
  • Embedded within the typical Senegalese thorn savanna landscape.
  • Promotes the end of illegal wildlife trade through educational campaigns.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

ThièsThiès5 km · NEExplore →
Thiès poultry farmThiès poultry farm8 km · NEExplore →
Thiès ridgeThiès ridge8 km · NWExplore →
Dangote Cement Factory PoutDangote Cement Factory Pout11 km · SExplore →
Bandia ReserveBandia Reserve13 km · SWExplore →
Tobène Power PlantTobène Power Plant16 km · EExplore →
Kirène Cement PlantKirène Cement Plant16 km · SWExplore →
Ndayane Deepwater PortNdayane Deepwater Port19 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Monkey Park (1)

Forêt classée de Thiès🌿 nature

This classified forest reserve near Thiès protects the local flora and fauna of Senegal.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time for a visit?
Monkeys are most active in the morning.
Is it allowed to feed the monkeys?
No, please keep distance for your own protection.
How long does the tour take?
Plan for about 90 minutes.
Are there toilet facilities?
Yes, there are facilities at the park entrance.
Is it allowed to picnic in the park?
Only in the designated zones.
Monkey Park: where is it located?
Monkey Park is located in Senegal.
Monkey Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Monkey Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Monkey Park, located in the Thies region of Senegal, is a vital sanctuary dedicated to the protection and observation of West African primate species in their natural habitat.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Thiès — Monkey Park (Senegal)
Thiès
An important transport hub and industrial center known for its tapestry production and historic railway lines.
Mbour — Monkey Park (Senegal)
Mbour
A bustling fishing port on the Petite Côte, famous for its vibrant daily fish market and authentic local atmosphere.
Saly — Monkey Park (Senegal)
Saly
Senegal's premier seaside resort on the Petite Côte, known for palm-lined beaches and luxury resorts.
Lompoul Desert — Monkey Park (Senegal)
Lompoul Desert
A captivating area of high, orange sand dunes offering an authentic desert experience in the heart of Senegal.

History & landmarks

Bandia Reserve — Monkey Park (Senegal)
Bandia Reserve
A privately owned nature reserve offering an exciting safari experience with many of Africa's iconic large animals.
Keur Moussa Abbey — Monkey Park (Senegal)
Keur Moussa Abbey
A Benedictine monastery in the Thiès region, famous for its spiritual chants blending African instruments with Gregorian chant.
Great Mosque of Tivaouane — Monkey Park (Senegal)
Great Mosque of Tivaouane
The most important religious center of the Tijaniyyah order in Senegal, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually at the Maouloud festival.
Basilica of Popenguine — Monkey Park (Senegal)
Basilica of Popenguine
An important Catholic sanctuary in Popenguine, attracting thousands of pilgrims from across the country each year.

More places

Historic Railway Hub of Thiès — Monkey Park (Senegal)
Historic Railway Hub of Thiès
A major center of historical rail transport and the site of a famous railway workers' strike.
Thiès poultry farm — Monkey Park (Senegal)
Thiès poultry farm
A significant poultry farm that provides fresh eggs for the region.
Thiès Forest — Monkey Park (Senegal)
Thiès Forest
A protected forest area in the Thiès region.
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Thiès Plateau
A prominent plateau near the coast that dominates the hinterland.
Thiès ridge — Monkey Park (Senegal)
Thiès ridge
A distinct, elongated ridge near Thiès.
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Dangote Cement Factory Pout
The Dangote cement factory in Pout is part of Senegal's expanding construction sector.
Bandia Reserve — Monkey Park (Senegal)
Bandia Reserve
A private nature reserve where you can spot giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.
🗺️
Tobène Power Plant
An independent power project that uses heavy fuel oil to stabilize the Senegalese electricity grid.