Hiking Tips
Tips for Hiking with a Donkey
A donkey can carry the luggage of 2 to 4 people, around 30 kg. It comes equipped with gear provided by the donkey handler: a pack saddle for carrying, a halter and lead rope for guiding, and saddlebags for the luggage. It walks steadily at 3 to 4 km/h, carries your bags, and can give tired young children a ride—under the responsibility of their parents.
The Donkey Handler Welcomes, Advises, and Guides You...
Donkey Care
Before departure, the handler will teach you how to care for your donkey: grooming, brushing, hoof cleaning. You’ll set off with the necessary grooming kit (brushes, curry combs, hoof pick, wound ointment, insect repellent, etc.). Growth and profit are not the main goals here.
Packing the Donkey
Learning to pack the donkey is a bit more technical but still accessible, as long as you follow the handler’s advice. Placing the pack saddle and adjusting the straps is the first step, followed by preparing your bags. The key is to balance the weight on both sides of the saddle—otherwise beware, things will fall toward the heavier side.
Leading the Donkey
The Donkey: A Cooperative but Clever Companion
Throughout the hike, you will lead the donkey with a rope, walking in front of it. It will follow you easily, but don’t let it nibble along the way—otherwise your hike might take a lot longer!
The donkey is cooperative but clever. From the start, your calm but firm authority will make it a great companion, not a spoiled brat that does whatever it wants…
Trust and Gentleness
A donkey should be approached gently and with trust, because like you, it doesn’t like to be startled.
As the saying goes: “A donkey never steps twice on the same stone.” With its excellent memory, your donkey knows the routes previously scouted by your handler.
If a difficulty arises, your donkey might help you find a way around it. And if not… the handler is never far away!
Luggage and Route
Packing Your Bags
Bags are loaded on either side of the donkey, so it’s essential that both sides are evenly weighted.
When packing your bags, think of your donkey: avoid suitcases and opt for soft bags like duffle bags, which are easier to fit into saddlebags.
Hard or sharp items should not be placed against the donkey’s sides.
Consider the load’s center of gravity: heavy items at the bottom, lighter ones on top.
Avoid overpacking—leave unnecessary items for the return trip…
Planning Your Route
You’ll set off on a route prepared and scouted by your handler, equipped with a map and a hiking guide. Basic hiking experience and a sense of direction are needed: the donkey is wise and sensible, but not a GPS…!!!
The handler always takes the time to give you all the necessary explanations so you can hike with peace of mind. These are summarized in the booklet “Tips for Leading a Donkey on a Hike,” which you’ll receive before departure—so you’ll ace the test if we ever invent a donkey-driving license!
- The donkey carries up to 30 kg (including luggage and children)
- Provided gear: pack saddle, lead rope, saddlebags
- Pace: 3–4 km/h, follows the hiker on a lead rope
- Care: brushing, hoof cleaning, grooming supplies provided
- Packing: balancing the load is essential
- Leading: calm but firm, don’t let it graze too much
- Route: pre-planned route, map and guide provided
- The donkey handler guides you and is available if needed