Village monkeys
Monkeys living among people.
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Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary is a forest of 4.4 square kilometres between twin villages in Ghana's Bono East region. It holds about 700 monkeys, including Campbell's mona and the critically endangered Geoffroy's pied colobus, and what sets it apart is that monkeys and people live side by side in the two villages. For generations the people of Boabeng and Fiema have believed these monkeys are sacred and have prohibited harming them, under traditional law. When a monkey dies it is buried in a coffin with special funeral rites, one of the best-known stories of the place. Some residents leave food out for the animals, though the sanctuary discourages this, as it leads to conflicts with monkeys over food. You walk through forest with giant trees on huge roots and climbers wrapped around the trunks, along with birds, reptiles and deer. Monkeys appear in the trees and at the edges of houses, peering out from behind trunks. A guide can tell you how residents bury their monkeys, which reveals the special bond between them and these animals. The sanctuary lies about 42.4 km from Kintampo Waterfalls in a straight line and is accessible by road. Take a local guide, do not feed or bother the monkeys, as they are respected here and harming them is not tolerated. Ask before photographing people or homes, and wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes for the forest.
Monkeys living among people.
Huge roots and wrapped climbers.
Burial in coffins with special rites.
Boabeng and Fiema, Bono East Region, Ghana
Yes to the two villages, protected by traditional law and buried in coffins.
It is not advised, since the sanctuary discourages it because of conflicts over food.