Our first visit to Monkey Town Somerset West became our last
Our journey to Monkey Town – from a delayed first visit to a poignant last.
Our journey to Monkey Town – from a delayed first visit to a poignant last.
It has taken us months to finally make the drive out to Monkey Town. A fellow parent first mentioned the Somerset West primate centre to us back in March during a trip to the Winelands Light Railway in Stellenbosch, but life seemed to get in the way. Between bouts of illness and the usual “let’s go next weekend” mindset, we kept pushing it back until a “Closing Special” post on Facebook made it clear that if we didn’t go now, we never would.
We finally made it there for the final farewell weekend on May 4th and 5th, 2024. It was a strange sensation arriving at a place for the first time just as it was preparing to disappear for good. The weather was perfect for a family outing, but there was an unmistakable air of transition as we walked through the doors.
The entrance shop, which I imagine was once filled with souvenirs and snacks, stood barren on this final day. It was a stark visual reminder that the 23 year run of this Somerset West institution was coming to an end. However, once we stepped further inside, the quiet of the shop was replaced by a buzz of activity. The park was bustling with families, with both children and adults making the most of the last few hours of animal viewing.
My son was thrilled from the moment we arrived. He was handed a “special magical” green sticker at the entrance, which he was told granted him access to see the animals. It was a small, thoughtful touch that kept the magic alive for the younger visitors, even as the adults could feel the underlying tinge of sadness.
Walking through the enclosures, it was clear why Monkey Town had become such a staple for local parents over the last two decades. The layout allowed for a close look at the primates, and the energy of the crowd made the experience feel like a celebration rather than a funeral. We watched the monkeys alongside dozens of other families who had clearly also rushed down for one last look.
According to the staff we spoke with, the closure is permanent. We had held out some hope that they might be relocating elsewhere in the Western Cape, but they confirmed that there are no plans for a move. After 23 years, the primate park portion of the venue is being phased out completely.
While the primates are moving on, the site itself isn’t going completely dark. Information from the venue’s official channels indicates that while animal viewing ceased in April and May 2024, the location will continue to operate as a day venue. The braai and picnic facilities remain, along with the waterpark, though the heart of the original “Monkey Town” experience is now a thing of the past.
It felt bittersweet to leave. We were glad we finally made the time to see it, especially seeing how much our son enjoyed his magical green sticker and the monkeys, but there is a definite sense of loss for the Somerset West community. It was our first visit, and sadly, our last.
I’m a wife, mother and local publisher who traded Johannesburg and two years abroad for life in Somerset West. Through HelderbergStuff, I share lifestyle stories, local discoveries and noteworthy developments across Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay. For media and collaboration enquiries: marina@helderbergstuff.co.za
Leave a Reply