About The Hidden Forest, KZN

Get into the swing of things and experience one of the most heart-warming family-friendly attractions on the Dolphin Coast at The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary. As the sister project of Monkeyland in Plettenberg Bay — the world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary — this breathtaking KwaZulu-Natal destination offers an ethical, unforgettable wildlife experience.

Spanning 23 hectares, The Hidden Forest is Africa’s largest free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary, giving visitors the chance to see rescued primates living naturally in a protected indigenous forest. It forms part of the award-winning South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA), alongside top wildlife attractions such as Birds of Eden and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary.

Located near Ballito in KwaZulu-Natal, The Hidden Forest is fast becoming one of the most popular Dolphin Coast activities and a must-see stop for travellers seeking ethical wildlife tourism and meaningful conservation experiences.

Beyond offering an unforgettable guided forest tour, The Hidden Forest has a mission at its core: to educate visitors about primate conservation, rescue work, and the threats these animals face. Your visit supports primate rehabilitation, long-term forest protection, and ethical care.

For those wanting to make a lasting impact, you can go even further by protecting a square metre of forest. This direct contribution strengthens sanctuary expansion, habitat conservation, and primate rescue efforts.

👉 Protect forests today — and be part of conserving Africa’s largest free-roaming primate forest. Click here to help us, without your help we cannot continue this fight for wildlife habitat.

Family fun at The Hidden Forest 

Discover a world of adventure, wildlife, and natural beauty at The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary, located just outside Ballito in KwaZulu-Natal. Our guided Monkey Safari tours take you deep into the indigenous forest, where you can encounter a variety of fascinating primate species that now live freely and safely in our care.
During your walk through the forest, you may spot:
  • Capuchin monkeys
  • Ring-tailed lemurs
  • Black-and-white ruffed lemurs
  • Buff-cheeked gibbons
  • Squirrel monkeys
  • Black howler monkeys
Each species has its own story of rescue and rehabilitation — and at The Hidden Forest, they finally experience the freedom they deserve.
A Nature Experience for the Whole Family
Our forest trails offer plenty of breathtaking natural scenes that nature lovers, photographers, and Instagram fans will enjoy. After your tour, be sure to visit our gift shop at reception — filled with beautifully curated keepsakes and souvenirs to remember your experience.
Delicious Food & Fun for Kids
Feeling hungry? Stop by our on-site pizza restaurant and enjoy a delicious light meal with the whole family.
Children can burn off some energy at the outdoor play area, and our environmental cinema provides a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages.
A Weather-Friendly, Family-Friendly Eco-Attraction
The Hidden Forest is open in all weather conditions and is perfect for visitors of all ages.
For the best experience, we recommend:
  • Comfortable, closed walking shoes
  • A good layer of mosquito repellent
  • A camera or smartphone to capture the magic
Join us for an unforgettable visit where nature, education, and conservation come together — and where every step you take helps support the rescued primates who now call The Hidden Forest their home.

Top Reasons to Visit The Hidden Forest

  1. Africa’s Largest Free-Roaming Primate Sanctuary
    Experience multiple species of rescued primates living naturally in a 23-hectare indigenous forest — no cages, no performances, no exploitation.

  2. A Truly Magical Hidden Forest Experience
    Wander through lush forest pathways filled with birds, butterflies, ancient trees, and incredible photographic opportunities at every turn.

  3. Guided, Educational Tours for All Ages
    Our trained rangers share fascinating insights into primate behaviour, conservation, rescue stories, and the bigger mission behind The Hidden Forest.

  4. Relaxed Family Dining in Nature
    Enjoy wood-fired pizzas and light meals at our on-site restaurant, complete with shaded seating and views of the surrounding forest.

  5. Fun, Safe Spaces for Children
    A dedicated outdoor play area plus our environmental cinema ensure kids are entertained and learning before or after your tour.

  6. Open 365 Days a Year — Come Rain or Shine
    We’re fully family-friendly, toddler-friendly, and completely weather-proof. The forest is magical in every season.

  7. Ethical, Responsible Wildlife Tourism
    Your visit supports a sanctuary that NEVER allows touching, feeding, petting, posing with animals, or animal tricks. Wild animals are #NotEntertainers — and we protect that.

  8. Every Visit Directly Supports Rescue & Care
    Your entrance fee helps fund food, veterinary care, enrichment, habitat maintenance, and continued protection for the primates who call The Hidden Forest home.


Contact Us

📞 032 004 0178 / 066 479 6138
📧 info@monkeylandkzn.co.za
🌍 www.monkeylandkzn.co.za
📍 Find us easily on Google Maps

Important Note

 

We have a strict no-touch policy. Please enjoy, observe, photograph, and appreciate — but never touch the animals.

Associated Files

The SAASA sanctuaries in Plettenberg Bay

The POPI ACT

The SAASA sanctuaries in Plettenberg Bay

The POPI ACT