Visit the gorgeous Western Cape village of McGregor with its traditional whitewashed, thatched cottages, quiet country streets, mountains, birdlife and wine, and you must certainly pop in to the Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary, a place of refuge for ill-treated and old donkeys. It’s a very special place where the donkeys can live out their lives with respect and dignity in a protected, natural environment.

The sanctuary was born in 2001 in response to a plea from the SPCA for a safe home for two neglected donkeys. Vaal and Japie (smile) duly arrived, and soon it was well evident that there were many other donkeys in need of care and shelter. The sanctuary expanded to accommodate more residents over the years and was opened to the public in 2007. The sanctuary not only offers badly-needed care to its donkeys, but also offers an educational programme to broaded awareness of the plight of donkeys.

If you’d like to help, you can make a donation on your visit to the sanctuary, or you can adopt a donkey for a year. See adopt-a-donkey details

McGregor has plenty to offer. It’s the home of the Temenos retreat centre, it has an art route, and it offers a beautiful natural setting amid hills and mountains. Tributaries of the Breede River, flowing from the Riviersondereind Mountains, pass near the village. It’s a popular place with hikers, who enjoy a number of trails in the area.

The nearby town of Robertson on Route 62 is a great place place to stay, set beneath the magnificent Langeberg mountains and close to the Breede River. Robertson has a 150-year history, and is one of the most appealing Cape Winelands towns. Jacaranda-bedecked streets, Victorian buildings, flourishing vineyards, and rows of red and yellow cannas paint a bright canvas in the town.  Stay at the exclusive and fashionable The Robertson Small Hotel.  Its signature restaurant, Reuben’s at the Robertson, has an excellent reputation and is a dining experience to be cherished! Ten luxury suites are furnished with king-size, extra-length beds fitted with exquisite linen, and fully equipped with air-conditioning, underfloor heating and heated towel rails. Hotel facilities include an intimate bar area, modern temperature-controlled wine cellar, The Wellness Room, two swimming pools, internet access and wi-fi connectivity, laundry service, and secure parking.

Robertson’s attractions include river cruises, mountain hikes, wining & dining, picnics and visits to historical sites. Stop at local farm stalls to buy dried fruit and freshly made breads and homemade preserves. Take a boat trip down the Breede River, visit the cactus garden  at  Soekershof, and stop by at Birds of Paradise. Enjoy picnics along the majestic Breede River which runs through the Valley. The hotel will gladly pack you a picnic basket to take with you when you explore the beautiful Robertson wine valley.

Mail our Getaway Consultants for more information, or call us on 0860 102 907 (local) or +27 21 797-7122 (international).