For a gorgeous day out just two hours out of Joburg, The Donkey Diary in Magaliesburg offers a unique experience interacting with rare miniature animals in tranquil settings.
Day Trip to The Donkey Dairy in Magaliesburg
The Donkey Dairy in Magaliesburg is a working farm that offers visitors tranquil settings and interaction with some of the world's rarest (and most adorable) farm animals, including dwarf goats, miniature pigs, miniature rabbits, miniature cattle, miniature horses, silky chickens, Suri alpacas and not to forget the stars of the farm, miniature spotted donkeys.
Founded by Jesse Christelis and South African stage and screen Actor, Zak Hendrikz, the farm was founded with the intention of preserving a rare bloodline of blue eyed spotted donkeys which seem to be endemic to South Africa. The focus on the farm also began to include buying in donkeys from places of misery and rehabilitating them.
Donkey Milk, Anyone?
Donkey milk has proven health benefits, and its biochemical composition makes it the closest mammal milk to human breast milk, making is easy for our bodies to absorb. It is rich in vitamins A, E and C - which makes it excellent for the skin and anti-ageing. Why not experience a Donkey Milk Tasting at R45 per person?
There is a lovely little shop on the farm where you can purchase their donkey milk products - including day and night creams, hand cream and soap.
Also, their Farm Shop is a lovely spot if you're looking to do a little shopping! It stocks freshly homemade preserves, fine Italian ice cream, soft drinks, and of course, their famous Donkey Milk and unique Donkey Milk Skin Care range, along with other Donkey Dairy merchandise.
Day Vistors Welcomed
The Donkey Dairy is opening its farm gates to visitors! If you're craving an authentic farm experience, then come on over and join them.
There isn't a restaurant on the farm, but there is a stand where you can buy coffee, tea, cold drinks, chips, sweets or one of their famous foot-long boerie rolls. They have the most succulent, pasture raised and hormone-free Wagyu Burgers and Wagyu Boerie Rolls. And for the kids, they’ve got Cheese-Griller Dogs – the next level up from the Standard Hot-Dog!
They also have two hiking trails on their side of the Magaliesburg mountain that you can embark on. The Brayer’s Eye of 1km which is family-friendly, and a 3km Trail up Jack’s Trek for more advanced hikers. The hikes cost R40 per person.
Other activities on the farm include:
- Kids Donkey Rides (strictly under 30kg in weight) – R40 per child.
- Kids Horse Rides for the kids over 30kg in weight, up to 80kg.
- Bottle Feeding of Baby Goats – R80 per bottle.
ALL farm activities are strictly on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please note that bookings are required.
Make It A Weekend
The farm also has an AirBnB where you can stay the night for those wanting to make a weekend of it. Be sure to book in advance as this spot has become popular in the past few months.
A Donkey Dairy visit is a great way to get the entire family outdoors, teach the kids about farm animals, have a hike or a picnic, and learn something new. And who knows, maybe you're a donkey milk convert in the making, eh?
Please note: Personal interaction with almost all of our Animals: please be respectful and kind. Their range of Exotic and Rare animals include: Mammoth Donkeys, Standard Donkeys, Mini Donkeys, Mini Cows, Mini Goats, Mini Horses, Mini Pigs, Dwarf Rabbits, Hedgehogs, Alpacas, Camels, Chickens and Ducks.
For More Information
For more information about The Donkey Dairy visit www.thedonkeydairy.com.
Entrance fee is R80 per person (age 2 – 60), pensioners at R50 per person and kids under 2 are free.
All proceeds go to feeding the 112 donkeys on the farm, so your support is greatly appreciated.
Booking is essential and strictly done by WhatsApp on 072 262 5369. Send them your Name, the Date and Number of people in your group you can also make a booking online.
Open Saturdays and Sundays and Public Holidays from 09:00 to 15:00.
Don't forget to follow them on their social media platforms – Facebook and Instagram – for the latest news.
Address: Portion 23, Boshfontein, Maanhaarrand, Magaliesburg, 0346
If you enjoyed reading this article, be sure to view our article on Barnyard kids here.
