From Bar: Tour of Donkey Farm

From Bar: Tour of Donkey Farm — An Authentic Montenegrin Experience

If you’re looking to add a touch of local charm and nature to your Montenegro trip, a visit to the Donkey Farm near Podgorica might just be the highlight you didn’t know you needed. While it’s not a typical sightseeing stop, this tour offers a genuine look into rural traditions, animal care, and the importance of donkeys in Montenegrin culture.

What really drew us in are the farm’s efforts to protect endangered donkeys—a cause that feels meaningful—and the opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle animals. Plus, the panoramic views you’ll enjoy while exploring the farm’s surroundings add a scenic bonus.

On the flip side, keep in mind that this is a nature-focused experience and may not suit everyone, especially if you’re not a fan of animals or outdoor settings. It’s a tour best suited for those curious about local traditions, animal lovers, or travelers seeking something different from the usual city tours.

This tour works well for those interested in authentic cultural stories and animal interaction, especially families, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a quiet, meaningful outing away from the crowds.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Unique Experience: First and only donkey farm in Montenegro, offering a look into rural life.
• Cultural Significance: Learn about donkeys’ role in Montenegrin history and tradition.
• Interactive: Feeding and brushing donkeys provides a hands-on, memorable experience.
• Scenic Views: Farm surroundings offer breathtaking vistas of the Montenegrin landscape.
• Accessible to Families: Special programs for children and therapeutic benefits.
• Affordable & Eco-Friendly: No standard entry fee; instead, visitors buy food for the animals, supporting the farm’s mission.

What is the Tour of Donkey Farm?

This 7-hour excursion is designed to connect you with Montenegro’s rural roots and the noble donkeys that have been part of local life for generations. Starting from Bar, your journey takes around an hour and a half by bus, heading toward the peaceful village of Martinii, just 20 km from Podgorica.

Once at the farm, you’ll spend roughly three and a half hours exploring, learning, and interacting. The farm is a sanctuary dedicated to protecting donkeys from extinction, and it’s also a hub for educating visitors about their traditional importance.

The tour includes an engaging visit to the Donkey Museum, where you’ll discover how these animals used to be vital for rural work and how the farm now plays a role in conservation. You’ll also learn about donkey milk’s nutritional benefits and explore skincare products made from it—an interesting twist that adds a local flavor to your trip.

Finally, a quick visit to Skadar Lake National Park offers a bit of variety with photo stops and sightseeing on the way back, rounding out a well-balanced day.

The Itinerary — A Closer Look

Starting at Ave Tours office, you’ll hop aboard a comfortable coach for a scenic 1.5-hour drive through Montenegrin countryside. This ride is a good chance to get your bearings and take in some of the rural scenery.

After arriving at the farm, you’ll spend about three and a half hours immersed in the donkeys’ world. Here, feeding, brushing, and playing with the animals will be the main activities. Visitors often find this part unexpectedly calming—“they are friendlier than fairy tales suggest,” one review notes—making it a perfect activity for animal lovers.

The Donkey Museum offers insights into how donkeys were once essential for village life, and you’ll see traditional farming tools that highlight their historical significance. It’s a little slice of rural history, presented in a way that’s accessible and engaging.

During your visit, you’ll also gain information on the endangered status of donkeys and how the farm’s conservation efforts make a difference. Their mission is clear: save these noble animals from disappearing from our landscapes, and they do so with a warm approach that visitors appreciate.

A highlight for many is the panoramic view from the farm’s pastures—vast green fields stretching into the distance, dotted with donkeys, and framed by Montenegro’s rugged hills.

Before leaving, you’ll stop at Skadar Lake National Park for about 20 minutes, which is enough time for a quick photo and stretch break, adding a scenic touch to your day.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for people interested in cultural stories and rural traditions. It’s a gentle, outdoor activity that doesn’t involve strenuous walking or physical activities like riding animals—riding is explicitly not allowed—making it suitable for most ages, provided you’re comfortable with animals and outdoor settings.

Families with children will find this especially appealing, as the farm offers programs tailored to kids with autism, cerebral palsy, and other conditions, emphasizing therapeutic benefits.

Those seeking a meaningful, eco-conscious activity will find this tour rewarding, especially since visitors buy food for the donkeys instead of paying an entrance fee, directly supporting the farm’s conservation efforts.

Finally, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a high-energy adventure but rather a peaceful, educational, and photo-friendly outing. The views, the animals, and the stories about traditional Montenegrin life all combine to create a memorable experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

In-Depth Look at the Experience

Transport and Duration: The 1.5-hour bus ride from Bar is smooth and comfortable, giving you time to relax and enjoy the scenic landscape before arriving at the farm. The total tour runs around 7 hours, which includes the stops and the drive, so it’s a good full-day activity without feeling rushed.

Cost and Value: At $112 per person, this might seem a bit on the higher side for some, but considering the exclusive experience and the farm’s mission, it’s quite reasonable. The fact that there’s no traditional entrance fee—only the purchase of fruits or vegetables—makes it more of an authentic, participatory activity rather than a commercialized attraction.

Activities: Interacting with the donkeys—feeding, brushing, and playing—are what most visitors cherish. The farm’s approach is gentle, and the animals are described as friendly, making it suitable even for those who aren’t super comfortable around animals.

Educational Aspects: The visit to the Donkey Museum and learning about their role in Montenegrin culture add depth to the experience. You’ll leave with a better understanding of why donkeys are so cherished and how they’re helping preserve rural traditions.

Views and Surroundings: The farm’s natural setting provides sweeping vistas of Montenegro’s countryside, with the farm itself offering a peaceful escape from city life. Many reviews mention how stunning the views are, making the photo opportunities plentiful.

Special Programs: The farm’s efforts to include children with special needs through therapeutic programs are a noteworthy feature that highlights the inclusive and caring environment.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for outdoor walking.
• Bring a sun hat and sunscreen, especially in summer.
• Pack snacks and water, though you can buy some at the farm if needed.
• Remember that riding the animals isn’t permitted, so plan your expectations accordingly.
• Buying fruits or vegetables for the donkeys supports the farm’s conservation mission—consider bringing extra if you want to feed more animals.
• The tour is conducted in English, and guides are friendly and willing to share stories and answer questions.

Final Thoughts

This tour isn’t about adrenaline or big crowds. It’s about connecting with a quieter, more traditional side of Montenegro through animal interaction and cultural education. If you’re after a different kind of adventure—more meaningful, more personal—this could be a perfect fit.

Many visitors appreciate the genuine care for the animals and the scenic beauty, making it feel like a true escape into the countryside. It’s an experience that offers a little bit of everything: history, nature, wildlife, and a chance to get involved in local conservation efforts.

For those curious about rural Montenegro and eager to help preserve its traditions, this farm visit offers a warm and authentic slice of the countryside you won’t forget.

FAQs About the Tour of Donkey Farm

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s especially good for families. The farm has a special program for children, including those with autism and other conditions, focusing on therapeutic interactions with the donkeys.

Can I ride the donkeys?
No, riding isn’t allowed. The focus is on gentle interaction—feeding, brushing, and playing with the animals.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, snacks, and water are recommended. It’s an outdoor setting, so dress accordingly.

How long is the drive from Bar?
The bus ride takes about 1.5 hours each way, so be prepared for a scenic journey through Montenegrin countryside.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers transfer to and from the farm, the educational visit, activities like feeding and grooming, and a visit to the Donkey Museum. Instead of a traditional entrance fee, visitors purchase fruits or vegetables to support the farm.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the farm’s terrain.

Are there any age restrictions?
Not explicitly, but the activity is best suited for those able to enjoy outdoor nature and animal interactions.

What makes this farm unique?
It’s the only donkey farm in Montenegro dedicated to conservation, and it actively involves visitors in supporting these animals’ survival.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through AVE Tours or check availability on platforms like GetYourGuide.

Is the tour canceled if it rains?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so always check the weather forecast and confirm your booking.

In the end, this tour offers a genuine glimpse into Montenegro’s rural heart, wrapped in scenic views and animal love. Perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful, meaningful experience that supports conservation and tradition.

You can check availability for your dates here: