A true wildlife sanctuary

The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary is a forever home for various wildlife species near Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal. It's mission is to educate and foster greater understanding of wildlife and the threats and challenges they are facing.


Free roaming wildlife

Wild animals establish their own dynamics whether they are social (group) animals or solitary. We care for rescued wildlife and do all we can to give them as natural a life as possible in habitat we have access to.


Support The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary

You can support our cause by visiting the sanctuary, visiting our shop, volunteering, or donating money or food for the animals to help preserve our sanctuary!

Monkeyland Plettenberg Bay
Birds of Eden
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance
South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance

Award-winning Sanctuaries

The South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA) consisting of Monkeyland, Birds of Eden , The Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary and The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary are winners of the Lilizela Service Excellence Awards - Best Visitor Experience 'Wildlife Encounters'; Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award - Best Major Attraction; winner of the 'Best Animal Welfare Initiative' and overall winner of the World Responsible Tourism Awards.


Most recently, SAASA was declared winner of the 2023 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award in the category of Major Tourist Attractions for The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best Animal Welfare Initiative' at the World Responsible Tourism Awards
Overall winner of the World Responsible Tourism Awards
Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award - Best Major Attraction
Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award - Best Major Attraction 2019
Lilizela Service Excellence Awards - Best Visitor Experience 'Wildlife Encounters'
The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary

Book your adventure now!

  • Adult ticket: R380
  • Children (aged 3 to 12): R190
  • Children under 3: Free of charge
  • Family ticket (up to 2 adults & 2 children): R920
BOOK NOW


For additional information, or groups larger than 10 people please contact us on 032 004 0178.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary situated?

The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the Glendale Road, Shakaskraal, in the Dolphin Coast region of KwaZulu-Natal, just 20kms from Ballito.

The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary is also just 38kms north of King Shaka International Airport.

How do you get there?

To find us, simply put The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary into Google Maps or Waze. The simplest route is to take Exit 222 from the N2 (Tinley Manor Beach / Shakaskraal) and head inland towards Shakaskraal. After 6kms, you will reach the junction with the R102. Cross straight over the R102, heading towards Glendale. The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary is 10kms further down this road on the left hand side.

What species of primates live there?

Capuchin Monkeys, Black and White-Ruffed Lemurs, Ringtailed Lemurs, Buff-Cheeked Gibbon, Squirrel Monkeys, Spider Monkeys and Black Howler Monkeys.

Do you breed with the primates who live there?

No, we do not breed at all. All the male primates are sterilised before being released into the The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary forest..

Can I hold, touch or feed the primates at The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary?

No you cannot. As with all of the SAASA sanctuaries, we have a strict hands-off policy. Touching and petting monkeys is a form of harrasment. Follow the hashtag #HandsOffOurWildlife

What else is there to do at The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary?

Other than the guided forest tours we have a gift shop, a children's jungle gym and a licensed pizza restaurant, serving delicious wood-fired pizza.

How much does a guided forest tour cost?

Day tickets are R380 per adult, R190 per child aged 3 to 12 (under 3s are free of charge) and R920 for a Family Ticket (up to 2 adults and 2 children).

Do you offer memberships or discounts?

Yes, we also have membership tickets which are R760 per adult, R380 per child and R1,830 for a family of up to 2 adults and 2 children. Members can visit as often as they wish during the 12 months of their membership. Contact us for rates for school groups and follow us on social media for special offers.

Latest News

Easter Extravaganza

Don't miss out on these incredible special offers from Thursday 21st March until Monday 1st April.

Easter Extravaganza

Don't miss out on these incredible special offers from Thursday 21st March until Monday 1st April.

Wildlife Frenzy

Incredible combo deal. For just R450 per adult and R350 per child, you get a day ticket for The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary AND a game drive at Rain Farm Game Lodge & Spa. 

Read more

Get more information!

Send me an E-Brochure with rates and more!

Receive a Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary E-Brochure with rates and more

Contact Us


Call Us

Phone: +27 (0)32 004 0178
Mobile: +27 (0)66 479 6138


Email Us

E-mail: info@hiddenforest.co.za

DIRECTIONS

The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary - Dolphin Coast, KwaZulu-Natal
From the N2, take exit 222 for Tinley Manor Beach / Shakaskraal. Head inland towards Shakaskraal and stay on this road for approximately 16kms. After 6kms, at the junction with the R102, cross straight over the R102 towards Glendale. You will find The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary a little under 10kms further down this road on the left-hand side.