BOOK lovers can look forward to browsing to their heart’s content at the popular annual Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary Book Fair, taking place at Oos-Kerk in Robertson from 7-9 May 2026. Perfect timing with World Donkey Day on May 8. Whether you are looking for fiction, travel stories, children’s books, cookbooks, poetry collections, or rare and precious books, there will be thousands of new and second-hand books to choose from. Fresh new selections will be unpacked daily during the run of the event.
The majority of the books will be sold at R30 each. Additionally, there will be beautiful coffee table books that will be individually priced. For collectors a selection of rare books will be available in the form of a silent auction. Interested parties can view the books and put forward their bids on forms that will be available at the display table. The highest bidder will be notified of their purchase.
Eseltjiesrus near McGregor is a permanent home for elderly, neglected, and abused donkeys. Here they are given the opportunity to comfortably spend the rest of their lives in the company of other donkeys from similar dismal circumstances. The donkeys are individually named and receive daily care according to their age and needs.
In 2001, Dr Johan and Annemarie van Zijl of McGregor village in the Western Cape of South Africa responded to a request from the SPCA to provide shelter for two badly neglected donkeys. The two fellows arrived and were named Vaal and Japie – “vaaljapie” is an Afrikaans term for everyday wine. Soon it became evident there were many other donkeys similarly in desperate need of food, water, shelter and care. Eseltjiesrus was formally registered in 2007. At the time, a donkey named Adam was the first to arrive in donkey-paradise.
Each day the donkeys enjoy their breakfast at 8am. While they eat, the carers move among them to make sure that they are eating well and have no injuries or health concerns. Then the staff get their grooming brushes ready for morning care. This involves greeting, brushing and stroking each donkey. This loving routine also includes the cleaning of hooves and the application of fly repellent. The donkeys then move off into the spacious farmland to graze, while the carers do their chores. The last meal of the day is at 4pm, after which the donkeys are individually checked again and tucked in for the night. Sometimes there are visits from a vet, farrier or donkey-dentist. The donkeys are always the team`s top priority.
Eseltjiesrus also handles inquiries from all over the country about good care practice for donkeys. Most problems arise from ignorance or the misconception that donkeys do not require regular handling and care. This educational assistance provided by the sanctuary makes a significant difference in improving public knowledge of donkey-care.
Every book sold will help with the care and rehabilitation of these retired donkeys. The success of this year’s Book Fair in Robertson will thus play an indispensable role in the upcoming year’s work and activities at Eseltjiesrus.
You can donate books for the Book Fair or purchase gift vouchers for friends and family members. There is also an option to make a financial donation that will be used for donations for books for local schools and libraries. For more information, send an email to bookfair@donkeysanctuary.co.za or click here.
Also, look out for the corner at the Book Fair where you can adopt one or more of the donkeys at Eseltjiesrus. Or learn more about the adoption process here.
For accommodation options, contact the McGregor Tourism Office: 023 625 1954 or Robertson Tourism at 023 626 4437.
Facebook: Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary. Instagram: @eseltjiesrusdonkeysanctuary.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jackie Wernberg
