Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary
Volta
Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary is a community-based ecotourism site established in 1993 in the Volta Region of Ghana. The sanctuary protects Mona and Patas monkeys, species considered sacred by local villagers who believe the monkeys are messengers from the gods. This cultural reverence has fostered strong conservation efforts that have helped increase the monkey population and preserve the surrounding tropical forest, rich in bird and butterfly species. Visitors can enjoy guided tours led by local guides, offering close encounters with the playful and diurnal Mona monkeys, as well as insights into the monkeys' behaviour and cultural significance. The sanctuary has undergone recent upgrades, including modern visitor facilities and protective fencing, enhancing the tourist experience while safeguarding the habitat. Beyond wildlife viewing, tourists can engage with the local community through cultural activities like traditional drumming, dancing, and attending the annual Dayitsotsoke festival. The sanctuary also serves as a gateway to other natural attractions in the Volta Region, including Ghana's highest mountain, Mount Afadja, and Wli Waterfalls, the highest in West Africa.
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Tip: The best time to visit Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary is during the dry season for comfortable trekking and wildlife viewing. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to ensure a knowledgeable local guide. Visitors can combine their trip with cultural experiences in the village, including traditional drumming and dancing. Entry fees often support community projects, and discounts may be available for groups or students. Arriving early in the day increases chances of seeing active monkeys and enjoying cooler temperatures.
Interesting facts
- •The monkeys at Tafi Atome have been considered sacred for over 200 years, believed to be divine messengers.
- •The sanctuary was established as a community-driven ecotourism project with Peace Corps assistance in 1993.
- •Recent upgrades include modern washrooms and pavilions commissioned in 2020 to improve visitor experience.
- •The sanctuary protects both Mona monkeys and the less common Patas monkeys in their natural habitat.
History
For over two centuries, the monkeys of Tafi Atome have lived in the surrounding tropical forest and were traditionally revered as sacred messengers from the gods.
In 1993, with the help of a Peace Corps volunteer, the community formalized conservation efforts by establishing the sanctuary as a community-based ecotourism project.
By 1996, the village expanded protection measures and began offering visitor tours.
In 2020, the sanctuary's infrastructure was upgraded with new visitor facilities and fencing to enhance conservation and tourism.
Place Guide
Monkey Viewing Trails
Guided forest trails where visitors can observe Mona and Patas monkeys interacting naturally in their habitat, often approaching humans due to their habituation.
Visitor Reception Area2020
Modern facilities including a seven-seater washroom, pavilions, and a car park built to accommodate tourists comfortably and sustainably.
Cultural Experience Area
Spaces within the village where visitors can participate in traditional drumming, dancing, and learn about local customs and the Dayitsotsoke festival held every January.
Contact
Phone: 055 104 6644
