Apes' Den: Gibraltar's Macaque Haven

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Encounter Europe's only wild monkeys at Apes' Den in Gibraltar's Upper Rock Nature Reserve, offering unique wildlife experiences and stunning views.

Apes' Den, located within Gibraltar's Upper Rock Nature Reserve, offers a unique opportunity to observe Barbary macaques, Europe's only wild monkey population, in their natural habitat. This popular attraction provides visitors with memorable encounters with these playful primates amidst stunning views of the Rock and surrounding landscapes.

A brief summary to Apes Den

Old Queen's Rd, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, GI
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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

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and see the macaques when they are most active.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the trails and exploring the sometimes steep terrain within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.
Keep your belongings secure, as the monkeys are curious and may try to grab items, especially food.
Respect the wildlife by observing from a distance and never feeding the monkeys, as it can harm their health and alter their natural behavior.
Combine your visit to Apes' Den with other attractions in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, such as St. Michael's Cave and the Great Siege Tunnels, for a full-day adventure.

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Getting There

Walking

If you are already within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, the best way to reach Apes' Den is by walking. Follow the well-marked trails from the main entrance or other attractions like St. Michael's Cave. Head towards the 'Old Queen's Road,' a scenic route through the reserve. The path is relatively easy to navigate, with signs guiding you to Apes' Den. The walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace. Note that access to the Nature Reserve requires a ticket, which costs £30 for adults and £22 for children (ages 5-11).
Public Transport

For those 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 the city center, Citibus routes 5 or 10 will take you to Market Place, where you can connect to other routes. Routes 4 and 9 will take you to the Cable Car base station; the bus stop is called Alameda House. From the bus stop, it's a short walk along the trails to Apes' Den. A single bus fare costs a few euros. From the Cable Car base station, you can purchase a Nature Reserve ticket for £30 (adults) or £22 (children ages 5-11).
Cable Car

The easiest way to access Apes' Den is by taking the cable car from the base station near the Alameda Gardens. Purchase a round-trip ticket, which includes access to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, for £37 for adults and £25 for children (ages 5-11). The cable car ride offers stunning aerial views of Gibraltar. Alight at the middle station, which is located at Apes' Den. From the top station, you will need to walk down through the Nature Reserve towards the Ape's Den.

Discover more about Apes Den

Apes' Den is a must-see attraction in Gibraltar, providing an up-close experience with the famous Barbary macaques. These fascinating creatures, also known as Barbary apes, are the only wild monkey population in Europe and have become an iconic symbol of Gibraltar. Located within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, Apes' Den offers visitors the chance to observe these social animals in their natural habitat, roaming freely among the rocky outcrops and Mediterranean vegetation.The Barbary macaques are known for their playful and curious nature, often interacting with visitors, but it's important to remember that they are still wild animals. Visitors are advised to observe them respectfully, maintain a safe distance, and never feed them, as human food can harm their health and alter their natural behavior. Informative panels around the Apes' Den provide insights into the macaques' behavior, diet, and social structure, enhancing the visitor experience and promoting conservation efforts.According to local legend, the macaques' presence is intertwined with Gibraltar's fate, with some believing that as long as the monkeys remain, Gibraltar will stay under British rule. This belief led to Winston Churchill importing additional macaques from Morocco during World War II when their numbers dwindled. Apes' Den is easily accessible via the cable car's middle station or by walking along the scenic trails of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. The surrounding area offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Iberian Peninsula, making it an ideal spot for photography and relaxation.