When you think of wildlife in Ghana, your mind might go straight to elephants in Mole, or crocodiles at Paga. But tucked away in quiet forest villages, far from the chaos of city life, are sanctuaries where humans and monkeys share something deeper than land — they share trust.
Welcome to Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Ghana’s most iconic sacred monkey forest — where conservation isn’t just science, it’s spirituality.
🌿 Where Monkeys Are Family: The Story of Boabeng-Fiema
Located in the Bono East Region, between the villages of Boabeng and Fiema, this sanctuary isn’t just a protected forest. It’s a living example of how traditional beliefs, community-led conservation, and eco-tourism can work hand-in-hand to protect endangered wildlife.
Spanning about 4.4 square kilometers, the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary is home to two main species:
The Mona monkey (Cercopithecus mona)
The Black-and-white Colobus monkey (Colobus vellerosus)
Over 700 monkeys roam freely here — swinging from tree to tree, walking through village paths, and in many cases, befriending the humans they share the land with.
But what makes this place truly sacred?
It’s the bond.
In Boabeng and Fiema, monkeys aren’t just animals — they’re believed to be spiritually protected beings, messengers, or even reincarnations of ancestors. It’s taboo to harm them. When one dies, villagers bury it with rituals and care, just like they would a person. There’s even a monkey cemetery with marked graves.
This isn’t just environmental protection.
It’s cultural protection.
🛕 Tradition Meets Conservation
Long before conservation became a buzzword, Ghanaian traditions were already doing it — naturally.
The elders of Boabeng and Fiema passed down sacred laws that forbid the killing or harming of monkeys. Hunters from neighboring areas avoid the forest out of respect. This deep cultural tie helped preserve the monkey population long before the sanctuary was officially recognized in the 1970s.
Today, it’s one of Ghana’s top eco-tourism sites — attracting visitors from around the world who come not just to see monkeys, but to witness coexistence in its purest form.
🌍 Why This Sanctuary Matters More Than Ever
In an age where forests are falling and species are vanishing, Boabeng-Fiema is a reminder that local knowledge and traditional belief systems are powerful tools in the fight to save nature.
And it’s not just about the monkeys:
The forest is home to 90+ species of medicinal plants
It supports over 200 bird species and small mammals
It creates jobs through tour guiding, accommodation, and craft sales
It strengthens the identity and pride of the community
In short: it’s working.
Boabeng-Fiema is proof that conservation doesn’t need fences. It needs respect, stories, and community ownership.
🐵 Other Monkey Sanctuaries in Ghana You Should Know
While Boabeng-Fiema is the most famous, it’s not alone. Ghana has other lesser-known but equally magical places where monkeys are protected and loved.
1. Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary – Volta Region
Hidden in the lush, green landscapes of the Volta Region lies Tafi Atome, a village where the True Mona monkeys also rule the trees.
Like Boabeng-Fiema, the monkeys here are considered sacred and spiritually significant. The local Ewe-speaking people believe these monkeys are symbols of good fortune, and have protected them for centuries.
Highlights:
Over 300 monkeys live in the surrounding forest
Visitors can walk among them, sometimes feeding them with bananas
The sanctuary also promotes cultural tourism, including traditional drumming and dancing
All proceeds go into community development, supporting schools and clean water
The Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary is another testament to Ghana’s community-powered conservation model.
2. Shai Hills Resource Reserve – Greater Accra Region
Want to see monkeys and get a dose of rock climbing, caves, and historic mystery? Head to Shai Hills, just an hour from Accra.
While it’s not a dedicated monkey sanctuary, Shai Hills is home to:
Olive baboons
Green monkeys
Spotted hyenas, antelopes, and over 150 bird species
What makes this reserve unique is its blend of ecology and ancient history — the Shai people once used the caves for shelter, worship, and community gatherings. Today, you can climb those same caves and meet baboons along the way.
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✨ How to Visit and Respect These Sacred Spaces
Ready to experience Ghana’s sacred monkey forests for yourself?
Here’s how to make it meaningful:
📝 Book a guide: Local tour guides not only show you the best paths but also share stories and customs that bring the place to life.
🍌 Bring fruit — respectfully: In Boabeng-Fiema and Tafi Atome, monkeys often accept gifts of bananas. But don’t force contact. Let them come to you.
📸 Take photos, not artifacts: Never disturb the forest or take anything from the sanctuary. Leave only footprints.
💰 Support the community: Buy crafts, tip your guide, and consider staying in a local guesthouse. Your visit supports conservation.
🙏 Honor the beliefs: These aren’t just tourist attractions — they’re sacred places. Be respectful in how you speak, dress, and act.
🧭 Why Akwaaba App Loves Ghana’s Monkey Sanctuaries
At Akwaaba App, we believe travel isn’t just about ticking off sites — it’s about connecting to something deeper. Ghana’s sacred monkey forests are exactly that: a portal into the country’s soul, spirit, and strength.
They remind us that conservation isn’t just policy — it’s personal, emotional, and generational.
And they prove that Africa doesn’t need to “catch up” — it’s already rich with solutions rooted in wisdom, tradition, and love for nature.
📲 Ready to Visit a Sacred Monkey Forest?
The Akwaaba App makes it easy to:
🐒 Find and book guided experiences to Boabeng-Fiema, Tafi Atome, or Shai Hills
🏡 Discover verified local guesthouses and food spots nearby
📍 Use GPS to navigate directly to these lesser-known treasures
💬 Chat with local guides before your visit
🎁 Earn points for every activity booked — and redeem for free meals, tours, or gifts
Explore Ghana. Respect her roots. Protect her magic.
📲 Download Akwaaba App now. Your monkey sanctuary adventure awaits.
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Akosua Adoma is Akwaaba’s Marketing Manager and Ghana travel specialist. She has spent years exploring Ghana’s most iconic destinations — from the Cape Coast dungeons to the canopy walkways of Kakum — and helping diaspora travelers reconnect with the continent. She oversees Akwaaba’s content strategy, community partnerships, and brand storytelling.
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