Although the current craze for jargon has mercifully by-passed our profession,you will nevertheless need some explanation of the different options on offer. Here, then, is your donkey-trekking vade mecum :

The general rule to bear in mind is that a donkey carries 30 to 40 kg of luggage, and that one donkey is sufficient for from 2 to 5 people,depending on the circuit. There is also a proviso : all donkey-centres do not offer all the options.

 

  

THE FAMILY OPTIONS

 
You want to find out about donkey-trekking. Choose

THE ONE-DAY TREK
  
This option is provided in practically all the donkey-centres: it consists in a one-day walk along marked paths, presenting little difficulty.
It enables you to discover donkey-trekking, to get to know the donkey, and of course to prepare for a longer walking holiday!

  
You are already an experienced hiker and do not need a guide. Choose

THE FREE TREK
  
* You plan your own holiday, sleeping either under canvas, or in mountain shelters or more comfortable lodgings.
* You decide how far you want to walk and for how long, and you pay for whatever lodgings you require.
This option is for experienced hikers who can read a map and use a compass.
* The donkey owner will give you advice, and may require you to make a few changes in your itinerary to comply with local conditions.

 
You prefer to have everything organised in advance : go for

THE ALL IN TREK
 
* The donkey-owner takes care of all the organisation of your holiday.
* He plans the itinerary, reserves board and lodging in your name and works out the whole cost.
* Depending on the region, available all-in holidays can be up to 10 days long.


 

You'd like to have a guide : choose

THE GUIDED TREK
  
* You join a group
* The guide organises the whole trek
* His or her knowledge of and enthusiasm for the region will enrich your trek with lore about the local fauna and flora, geology, and present andpast rural life.

 
You already have a group and you'd like a guide : opt for

A GUIDE FOR YOUR GROUP
  
* You have a group of your own made up of friends and/or familly.
Check conditions for group sizes with your donkey-hirer
* The guide sees to the organisation of the trek as a whole
* His or her knowledge of and enthusiasm for the region will enrich your trek with lore about the local fauna and flora, geology, and present and past rural life.

 

SOME SPECIAL OPTIONS

 
GROUPS WITH A HANDICAP
  
* Many donkey-centres offer holidays suited to those with a mental handicap
* The treks present no difficulties and are never too long.
* The relationship with the animal is stressed: our donkeys are highly therapeutic!

 
DISCOVERY CLASSES
  
* for school outings or holidays abroad, many donkey centres specialize
in welcoming school groups
* the aim is mainly to make acquaintance with the donkeys and learn
about them, but there's also plenty of opportunity for exploration and
discovery of the environment.

CHILDRENS' HOLIDAYS
  
* during school holidays, you can leave your child at a donkey centre.
* he or she will belong to a small group, and soon become an expert
donkey-handler.

 

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