Barbary macaque feeding station, Sandy Bay Travel Guide

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Observe Gibraltar's famous Barbary macaques in their natural habitat at this unique and memorable feeding station experience.

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Barbary macaque feeding station

The Barbary macaque feeding station in Gibraltar offers a unique opportunity to observe and interact with Europe's only wild monkey population. These playful primates, also known as 'rock apes', provide a memorable experience for wildlife enthusiasts and families.

A brief summary to Barbary macaque feeding station

Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, GI

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Barbary macaque feeding station.

Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and increase your chances of seeing the monkeys active.
Be mindful of the guidelines provided by staff and maintain a safe distance to respect the monkeys' space and behavior.
Note that feeding the macaques is illegal and can result in a fine.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Gibraltar Cable Car Top Station, exit the station and follow the signs leading towards the Apes' Den. The feeding station is located within a short walking distance from the Top Station. The walk offers scenic views of the Rock of Gibraltar.
Public Transport

From the city center, take a bus to the Gibraltar Cable Car station. From there, purchase a round-trip ticket for approximately £19. The cable car will take you to the Top Station, a short walk from the Barbary macaque feeding station. Alternatively, from Sandy Bay, take local bus number 2 towards 'Gibraltar Town'. Disembark at the 'Main Street' stop. From there, you can either walk to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve entrance (about a 15-minute walk) or catch a taxi for a quicker option, usually costing around £5-£7. Follow the signs to the Barbary macaque feeding station once you enter the reserve.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Gibraltar. A taxi from the city center to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, near the Barbary macaque feeding station, will cost approximately £20-£25. This option provides a direct and convenient way to reach the attraction.
Driving

If driving, follow signs for the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Note that there is an entry fee for vehicles entering the reserve, and parking is available for approximately £2 per hour. From the parking area, follow the signs to the Barbary macaque feeding station.

Discover more about Barbary macaque feeding station

The Barbary macaque feeding station is a popular tourist attraction located within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve in Gibraltar. It provides a safe and controlled environment for visitors to observe and sometimes interact with the Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), a species also referred to as Barbary apes or rock apes due to their lack of a tail. Despite the name, they are actually monkeys and not apes.These macaques are the only free-ranging wild primates in Europe. Originally from the Atlas Mountains and Rif Mountains of Morocco, their presence in Gibraltar dates back centuries, possibly since the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Today, the Gibraltar macaque population numbers around 230 individuals living in several troops.The feeding station offers visitors a chance to witness the monkeys' natural behaviors, social interactions, and playful antics. It's a unique opportunity to get up close to these fascinating creatures and learn about their role in Gibraltar's ecosystem. While direct feeding by tourists was once common, it is now illegal and punishable by a fine, as it disrupts their diet and can cause health problems. The feeding station provides a controlled feeding environment.According to local legend, the British will remain in Gibraltar as long as the Barbary macaques continue to inhabit the Rock. This has led to a historical interest in the well-being of the macaque population; at one point, their care was entrusted to the British Army.