Educational family experiences in Gauteng
In our spring edition, we mention three places where families can immerse themselves in the interesting history of South Africa and the earth. Seeing that educational travel has become such a trend, here are some Gauteng-based activities that will undoubtedly spark curiosity among young and old:
The Donkey Dairy
After years of research on the beauty and health benefits of donkey milk, South African stage and screen actor, Zak Hendrikz and Jesse Christelis were gobsmacked at their findings. They’ve been rehabilitating and rehoming donkeys since 2012 and now, their donkeys have become dairy donkeys.
According to them, donkey milk aids in the treatment of skin ailments like eczema, psoriasis and acne and it can be used as a substitute for babies with milk allergies. Hence, they launched a natural skin range in 2016.
You can visit their farm for an authentic experience. Apart from all the lovely animals, you can also go on a family-friendly hike on their section of the Magaliesberg mountain range. They have two hiking trails – the Long Ears Lookout and Brayers Eye. No personal picnic baskets are allowed on the premises, so we recommend that you come hungry and get your grub from the farm deli.
There is also a farm shop with an array of homemade products, including rusks, preserves, donkey milk soap and creams and more.
Kids can also feed their baby dwarf goats at 9:30AM and 12:30PM at an additional cost. First come, first serve. In addition, kids can take part in grooming the donkeys, or they can even enjoy a donkey ride.
Ganico Organic Farm
If you’re keen on teaching your children about organic farming, look no further! As Ganico puts it: “The more people know and understand where their food comes from, the better it is for us and the rest of the world.”
Ganico is a certified organic Pomegranate farm located in Muldersdrift. They offer many farm tours and workshops – from their amazing Little Explorers Club to foraging workshops. All their tours are booked in advance, so keep an eye on their social media pages. Alternatively, you can also book a private tour of the farm for a minimum of 15 people – kids’ party alert!
Through their Little Explorers Club, they help you help your child reconnect with nature, guiding them through their estate. During the tour, they teach your child about food security, where food comes from and the principles or organic farming. They often also host fruit picking events.
P.S. Kids under three get in for free.
