Plizio Visual Lab

Community Baboon Sanctuary

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

The Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) was founded in 1985 by Dr. Robert Horwich and local landowners in Bermudian Landing to protect the endangered Black Howler Monkey (locally called 'Baboon'). This unique project is based on voluntary agreements from over 200 private landowners across seven villages along the Belize River. Participants commit to preserving rainforest corridors on their land to provide food and freedom of movement for the monkeys. Geographically, the sanctuary covers an area of approximately 50 square kilometers and is an outstanding example of community-based conservation. In addition to the howler monkeys, the area provides habitat for over 200 bird species and numerous other tropical animals. Visitors can experience the monkeys' loud calls on guided tours and learn more about the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature in Belize. The project has received international recognition for its model of involving the local population in wildlife protection.

Location: Belize
Nearby: Sand Hill (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	23	24	26	28	28	27	27	27	27	25	24	23
Rain mm	101	55	45	34	118	230	149	174	198	243	170	126

📋 Practical info

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Best season

Howler monkeys can be seen year-round, but the dry season from February to May features the best visibility due to less foliage. In the rainy season they are more active when cooler, but the dense canopy hinders viewing.

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Best time of day

Mornings are well-suited as howler monkeys start the day with their loud calls. Late afternoon they are also active, while they usually rest during the midday heat.

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Etiquette

Keep a distance of at least 20 meters from the monkeys and avoid loud noises. Feeding is prohibited as it can make the animals aggressive and disrupt their natural diet.

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What to bring

Binoculars with 8x to 10x magnification help spot monkeys in the canopy. Light, breathable clothing and insect repellent are advisable due to the humid, warm climate.

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Getting there

The sanctuary is about 50 km northwest of Belize City, near the village of Bermudian Landing. It is reachable by car via paved and gravel roads; public buses serve the nearby town.

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What to expect

Howler monkeys are loud but often hard to see in dense foliage. Stay quiet and wait for them to move or call - patience is often rewarded with good sightings.