From Bar: Tour of Donkey Farm

Travelers seeking an authentic, family-friendly experience in Montenegro will find the Donkey Farm tour offers more than just a farm visit. This 7-hour excursion from Bar takes you about 20 kilometers into the scenic countryside near Podgorica, to a unique sanctuary dedicated to protecting donkeys from extinction. It’s an opportunity to connect with these gentle animals, learn about their cultural significance, and enjoy spectacular views — all at a reasonable price of $112 per person.

What makes this tour particularly enjoyable is the combination of hands-on interaction with donkeys, educational insights into Montenegro’s rural traditions, and the chance to explore a charming natural setting. We especially appreciated the farm’s mission-driven ethos and the chance to contribute by purchasing fruits or vegetables as a form of entry — a refreshing alternative to typical entrance fees.

However, it’s worth noting that this experience might be less suitable for those with mobility issues or animal allergies since the tour involves walking and close contact with animals. Still, it’s a wonderful pick for families, animal lovers, and eco-conscious travelers craving a meaningful encounter in Montenegro’s countryside.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: interact directly with donkeys, including feeding and brushing them.
• Cultural insight: discover the role of donkeys in Montenegrin traditions and rural life.
• Conservation focus: learn about the farm’s mission to save endangered donkeys.
• Panoramic views: enjoy stunning vistas during your walk around the farm.
• Child-friendly: offers special programs for children with autism and other conditions.
• Cost-effective: instead of a traditional fee, visitors buy fruits or vegetables to feed the animals, adding a local touch.

What to Expect from the Donkey Farm Tour

Scenic Journey from Bar

The adventure begins with an approximately 1.5-hour coach ride from AVE Tours’ office in Bar. The scenic drive takes you through the Montenegrin countryside, gradually revealing lush landscapes and traditional villages. This part of the trip helps set a relaxed tone for the day, giving you a taste of Montenegro’s rural charm before reaching the farm.

Arrival at the Donkey Farm

Once in Martinii village, you’ll be greeted at what is Montenegro’s first and only donkey farm. The farm’s main aim is preserving donkeys, which historically played an essential role in rural Montenegrin villages.

The farm is more than a rescue center; it’s a small but vibrant space where donkeys are cared for, groomed, and loved. It’s worth noting that the farm has a dedicated Donkey Museum — a place to learn about donkeys’ historical importance, their diet, breeding practices, and their role in Montenegrin culture, especially when they were a vital part of village life.

Hands-On Activities

A key highlight is the opportunity for hands-on interactions. Visitors often comment on how gentle and friendly the donkeys are, despite fairy-tale tales that paint them as stubborn. You’ll have a chance to feed the donkeys with fruits or vegetables (purchased on-site), brush their coats, and even play with them — the activities are designed for all ages and promote bonding.

The reviews praise the warmth and patience of the guides, who are knowledgeable and eager to share stories about the animals’ history and care. One visitor mentioned how the staff was “passionate about conservation and the farm’s mission,” which adds a meaningful layer to the visit.

Exploring the Surroundings

Beyond the animals, the farm’s setting offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and pastures. You’ll have time to stroll around, take photos, and absorb the peaceful rural atmosphere, making this a perfect break from more hectic sightseeing.

Food and Conservation

Instead of paying an entrance fee, visitors are encouraged to purchase fruits or vegetables to feed the donkeys. This not only supports the farm but also makes the experience more interactive and authentic. During the visit, you’ll gain insights into donkey nutrition and their importance in Montenegrin heritage.

Special Programs and Contributions

The farm has a special program for children with autism, cerebral palsy, MS, and rheumatoid arthritis. These programs provide therapeutic benefits, thanks to the calming presence of the animals and the farm’s nurturing environment.

Plus, the farm explores donkey milk, which is known for its health benefits, and offers skincare products made from donkey milk — a perfect souvenir or gift for loved ones. Visitors often remark that the opportunity to buy these products adds a unique local touch to the experience.

Final Stop and Return

After about three and a half hours at the farm, you’ll head to the nearby Skadar Lake National Park for a brief sightseeing stop, giving you a chance to stretch, take photos, and enjoy more Montenegro scenery before heading back to Bar.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Starting in Bar, you’ll board a comfortable coach for the 1.5-hour drive through Montenegro’s varied landscape. The journey itself is pleasant, offering glimpses of rural life and nature.

In Danilovgrad, the guide provides a brief orientation before heading to the farm. This stop is straightforward but helps set expectations for the day’s activities.

The donkey farm visit lasts about 3.5 hours, packed with engaging activities like feeding and grooming. The farm’s emphasis on education and conservation shines through, providing context about the endangered status of donkeys and the importance of preserving local breeds.

The visit to the Donkey Museum is informative, with visual aids and stories that deepen understanding. Guests often comment how learning about the role of donkeys in traditional Montenegrin life made the experience more meaningful.

At Skadar Lake, the quick 20-minute break allows for photos and a breath of fresh air, rounding out the day on a high note with scenic views.

Finally, the return journey takes you back to your starting point in Bar, leaving you with memorable impressions of Montenegro’s countryside and its endearing donkeys.

Practical Details and Value Analysis

Cost & Value

At $112 per person, the tour offers a lot of value, especially considering the interactive aspect and educational content. The price includes transfers, the farm experience, and a visit to the museum, making it a comprehensive cultural and nature outing. The cost is essentially pay-what-you-feed — you purchase fruits or vegetables to give to the donkeys, which keeps the experience affordable and authentic.

Duration & Group Size

With a total of about 7 hours, the tour strikes a good balance between travel and activity time, avoiding fatigue. The group size, managed by AVE Tours, tends to be small enough for personal interaction but large enough to feel lively and social.

Transportation & Accessibility

The coach ride is smooth, with clear pickup instructions from the AVE Tours office in Bar. However, the experience might be less accessible for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues, owing to the farm’s natural terrain and walking around the pastures.

Ideal for

This tour is perfect for families with children, animal lovers, or anyone interested in Montenegro’s rural traditions. It’s also suitable for those seeking a meaningful conservation experience and a break from usual sightseeing.

The Sum Up

The Donkey Farm tour from Bar is a genuinely charming way to explore a different side of Montenegro. It combines animal interaction, cultural storytelling, and scenic views in a well-paced, budget-friendly package. The focus on conservation and community involvement adds depth to a fun and hands-on experience, making it especially rewarding for travelers looking for authentic and meaningful activities.

While not suited for those with mobility challenges, it offers a warm, educational, and playful day for families, nature enthusiasts, or anyone eager to connect with Montenegro’s rural roots. The stunning views and good value for money make this a worthwhile addition to your Montenegro itinerary.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes transfers to and from the Donkey Farm, departing from AVE Tours’ office in Bar.

How long does the whole tour last?
The entire experience runs approximately 7 hours, including travel time, farm activities, and sightseeing stops.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, snacks, and water are recommended. You are encouraged to bring fruits or vegetables to feed the donkeys.

Can I ride the donkeys?
No, riding the animals is not allowed, but you can enjoy feeding, grooming, and playing with them.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially since there are special programs for children with autism and other conditions, and the activities are family-friendly.

What’s the main focus of this tour?
It’s a blend of cultural education, conservation, and hands-on interaction, emphasizing the importance of donkeys in Montenegrin history and rural life.

Is there an entrance fee?
Instead of a traditional fee, visitors buy fruits or vegetables to feed the donkeys, supporting the farm’s mission and making the experience more interactive.

In essence, if you’re after a genuine, heartwarming, and scenic experience that supports conservation and culture, this donkey farm tour from Bar is a delightful choice.