Things to do in Tafi Atome

Tafi Atome is a small village in the Volta Region where the forest itself is protected by tradition. The Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary is a community-run sacred grove, home to mona and patas monkeys that villagers have long regarded as sacred messengers of the gods. Because the grove is sacred rather than simply reserved, the monkeys are relaxed around people, and a walk here feels less like a wildlife park and more like visiting somewhere that has been looked after for generations.

All three places sit within the same grove and village, so you can see them in a single unhurried visit. The Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary Tourist Information / Receptive Centre is where guides, souvenirs and a rustic guesthouse are arranged, making it the natural first stop. From there, guides lead visitors into the grove, and the Tafi Atome Monkey Shrine sits at its heart, the fetish shrine where the monkeys are protected by tradition. The difference is one of access: the sanctuary and reception centre are open to visitors, while the shrine core is closed to all but the fetish priest, so you will see it from the outside and hear its story from your guide.