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Apes' Den: Gibraltar's Wild Monkey Encounter

4.5 (1227)

Encounter Europe's only wild monkeys at Apes' Den in Gibraltar, a unique wildlife experience with stunning views of the Mediterranean.

Apes' Den, located within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, offers a unique opportunity to observe Barbary macaques, Europe's only wild monkey population, in their natural habitat. It's a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts and families visiting Gibraltar.

A brief summary to Apes Den

  • 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
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

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

  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and see the monkeys when they are most active.
  • Keep your belongings secure, as the monkeys are known for their curiosity and may try to grab items from bags.
  • Do not feed or touch the monkeys, as it is harmful to their well-being and can provoke aggressive behavior.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, the best way to reach Apes' Den is by walking. From the main entrance, follow the well-marked trails towards 'Old Queen's Road,' a scenic route through the reserve. The walk from the reserve entrance to Apes' Den takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Note that a Nature Reserve ticket is required for entry. Adult tickets cost €21, and child tickets (ages 5-11) cost €14.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Apes' Den using public transport, take a bus that services Gibraltar's main areas. Disembark at the nearest bus stop to the entrance of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve. From there, follow the walking directions. Bus routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10 can get you close to the Nature Reserve. A single bus fare costs a few euros. Note that a Nature Reserve ticket is required for entry. Adult tickets cost €21, and child tickets (ages 5-11) cost €14.

  • Cable Car

    The easiest way to access Apes' Den is by taking the Cable Car from the base station near the Alameda Gardens. The cable car ride takes approximately 6 minutes to reach the Top of the Rock. From the top station, it's a 10-minute walk down through the Nature Reserve towards Apes' Den. A Nature Reserve ticket is required. As of July 2025, a round-trip cable car ticket including Nature Reserve access costs approximately £37 for adults. Be aware that the cable car service may be suspended in windy conditions.

Discover more about Apes Den

Apes' Den is one of Gibraltar's most iconic attractions, nestled within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve on the Upper Rock. It's home to the famous Barbary macaques, the only wild monkey population in Europe. These fascinating creatures, more commonly found in North Africa, have become a symbol of Gibraltar's natural heritage. Their presence on the Rock is believed to date back to the early days of the British Garrison.Visitors to Apes' Den can observe the macaques in their natural habitat, witnessing their playful interactions, grooming habits, and social dynamics. The troop residing here is known as the Queen's Gate group. While the monkeys are accustomed to human presence, it's important to remember that they are still wild animals. Visitors are advised to keep a safe distance, refrain from feeding them, and secure their belongings, as these curious primates are known to be opportunistic.Beyond the macaques, Apes' Den offers stunning panoramic views of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Strait of Gibraltar. The surrounding landscape features lush greenery and rocky cliffs, creating a picturesque setting for exploration and photography. The area is accessible via well-maintained paths, though some parts of the terrain may be challenging for those with mobility issues.Interesting fact: Apes' Den doesn't resemble a den or cave. It's an open area where the monkeys have made their home. Legend has it that if the macaques ever disappear from Gibraltar, the British will leave. During World War II, when the macaque population dwindled, Winston Churchill ordered additional monkeys to be imported from Morocco to ensure their survival.

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