Apes' Den: Gibraltar's Mischievous Macaques

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Meet the famous Barbary macaques at Apes' Den in Gibraltar, the only wild monkey population in Europe, offering a unique wildlife experience.

Apes' Den, located within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve in Gibraltar, offers an up-close encounter with the Barbary macaques, Europe's only wild monkey population. These playful primates roam freely, delighting visitors with their antics and providing a unique wildlife experience against the backdrop of Gibraltar's stunning scenery.

A brief summary to Apes Den

Old Queen's Rd, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, GI
Click to display

Monday 9:30 am-7:15 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-7:15 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-7:15 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-7:15 pm
Friday 9:30 am-7:15 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-7:15 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-7:15 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Apes Den.

Do not feed the monkeys. Feeding them is prohibited and can be harmful.
Keep a safe distance from the macaques, as they are still wild animals.
Protect your belongings, as the monkeys are known to be curious and may try to grab items, especially food.
Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Gibraltar Cable Car Top Station, Apes' Den is a downhill walk through the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Follow signs for St. Michael's Cave and the Windsor Suspension Bridge. Apes' Den is located near the Cable Car Middle Station. Note that the cable car does not stop at the Middle Station from April to October. Access to the Nature Reserve requires a ticket, which costs £30 for adults and £22 for children (ages 5-11).
Public Transport

Take a bus to the Cable Car base station from various points in Gibraltar. Citibus routes 2, 3, or 7 will get you close to the Cable Car. From the frontier or airport, take Citibus routes 5 or 10 to the town center and connect to other routes. A single bus ticket costs around £2. From the Cable Car base station, purchase a ticket to the Top Station and walk down to Apes' Den. A Nature Reserve ticket is also required, costing £30 for adults and £22 for children (ages 5-11).

Discover more about Apes Den

Apes' Den is a popular attraction within Gibraltar's Upper Rock Nature Reserve, famous for its resident Barbary macaques. These monkeys, also known as Barbary apes, are actually monkeys and not apes, are the only wild monkey population in Europe. Their presence in Gibraltar is believed to date back to the early days of the British Garrison. Legend has it that if the macaques ever disappear, the British will leave Gibraltar, a belief that led Winston Churchill to import more macaques from Morocco during WWII when their numbers dwindled.Today, the macaques freely roam the slopes of the Rock, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. Apes' Den provides a designated area to safely watch the monkeys as they climb, groom, and play. The troop residing at Apes' Den is known as the Queen's Gate group, known for their inquisitiveness and opportunistic behavior. While the macaques may appear tame, it's important to remember they are wild animals and caution should be exercised when in close proximity. Visitors are advised not to feed or touch the monkeys, as this can be harmful to their health and alter their natural behaviors.Beyond the macaques, Apes' Den offers stunning panoramic views of Gibraltar and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. The location itself doesn't resemble a den or cave, but rather an open area that the monkeys have made their home.