Ukraine is not only rich in historical and cultural monuments and picturesque natural places, but it can also surprise you with exotic things. Learn more about unusual Ukrainian farms and the animals that live there
Green tourism is becoming more and more popular every year. When planning their trips, tourists prefer to get to know animals and spend time outdoors. Traveling to farms is especially popular for families with children, as kids can get to know animals, learn how they live and what they eat.
Today we're going to tell you about nine of the most exotic farms in Ukraine. Take note and get ready for your next exciting trip. You can find the most interesting tour on the VisitUkraine website, which contains more than 200 different tours of Ukraine's safe regions. An extensive database of routes, both individual and group, will make you fall in love with every corner of the country.
Deer farm, Lypcha
The only deer farm in Ukraine is located in Transcarpathia. The farm is home to unique spotted deer. It was opened back in 1980 to obtain medicinal material - antlers (deer antlers).
In 2003, a private entrepreneur bought the farm and created a green tourism center. Now, more than 150 deer live on the 60-hectare area. Tourists are invited to walk around the grounds, watch the deer and feed them crackers, which are their favorite treat. You can meet the herd twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.
Location: Zakarpattia region, Khust district, Lypcha village.
Valley of ostriches, Yasnohorodka
Almost all species of ostriches living on the planet live in the Valley of the Ostrich. During the walk, tourists will see large and small ostriches, learn to distinguish boys from girls, visit the incubator where the babies hatch, and even try to learn the ostrich language.
Here you will also learn the origin of the legend that ostriches hide their heads in the sand in case of danger and will be able to test an ostrich egg for strength. The zoo is home to 40 species of diving ostriches and furry animals. Friendly communication with animals is the best therapy for children and adults.
Location: Kyiv region, Makariv district, Yasnohorodka village, 32 Pidlisna street.
Farm "Babi Kozi", Halayky
Founded in 2007, the family farm Babi's Goats is engaged in breeding Zaanen goats, producing cheese and soap from goat milk. The goats come from Switzerland and live in the meadows of Kyiv region. At the farm, you can see how the goats are milked, as well as what products are made from the extremely healthy goat's milk.
Location: Kyiv region, Tetiiv district, Halayky village.
Eco-farm "Ukrainian Shrimp"
The enterprise in Uzyn, Kyiv region, has been growing one of the largest freshwater shrimps, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, on an industrial scale for several years. The fry were brought here from Malaysia, and now the Ukrainian delicacy from Uzyn is enjoyed in Poland, Turkey, Lithuania, Georgia, and Armenia.
Tourists have a unique opportunity to see with their own eyes the path a shrimp takes from egg to mature individual and learn how to cook a super delicious and delicate delicacy.
Location: Kyiv region, Bila Tserkva district, Uzyn.
Carpathian buffalo farm, Steblivka
Buffaloes are animals that have been living in the Carpathians for many years. You can meet them at a unique buffalo farm in Steblivka, near Khust.
Until recently, the animals were threatened with extinction. However, the owner of the farm, German Michel Jacobi, opened a "buffalo rescue station" in Zakarpattia a few years ago. He bought the last surviving animals from Zakarpattia residents with sponsorship money. Currently, the farm is home to almost 100 purebred Carpathian buffaloes. You can also taste and buy products made from healthy buffalo milk at the farm.
Location: Transcarpathian region, Khust district, Steblivka village.
Recommendation from VisitUkraine: To feel safer traveling in Ukraine under martial law, take out an insurance policy that covers military risks. You can do it quickly and easily by following the link. Read about the benefits of this type of insurance here.
Osloff Donkey Farm
The only donkey farm in Ukraine is located 20 km from Kyiv. The donkeys are very sociable - you can feed them, hug them, enter the levada and ride them. Children will get a lot of positive emotions and learn a lot about life on the farm.
In addition to donkeys, there is a poultry yard with ducks, chickens, turkeys and guinea fowls. There is also a horse.
Adults are offered to taste donkey milk or homemade cheese, take unforgettable photos by the lake or in the meadow. There is also a lake with fish, barbecue facilities, a playground for kids, and even a small beach.
Location: Kyiv region, Obukhiv district, Velyki Dmytrovychi village.
Snail farm "Jiffy"
JIFFY is a snail farm that breeds snails in a natural environment and under environmentally friendly conditions. Tourists are offered tastings, interesting stories about the process of growing and cooking snails, and even snail races.
There is also a garden with about 100 fruit trees, vegetable greenhouses and modern facilities for feeding chickens, ducks and turkeys.
Location: Kyiv region, Bucha district, village of Horbovychi.
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Sheepland
An excursion to a sheep farm is a great option for a family vacation. In addition to sheep, there are also goats, donkeys, a cow, a pig, chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, and a shepherd dog. Visitors can meet all the inhabitants of the farm. There is also a camping area and houses for rent.
Location: Kyiv region, Vasylkiv district, Velyka Buhaivka village.
Trout Ponds, Kolochava
A farm that grows a valuable species of fish is popular among tourists. People come here to admire the beauty of the underwater kingdom, listen to interesting stories, and taste delicious fish. The farm is located in a picturesque place on the territory of the Synevyr National Nature Park.
At the trout ponds, you can: enjoy the excitement of fishing (you don't need to bring a fishing rod with you - they will give it to you), learn a lot about trout breeding, feed the fish with your own hands, and taste freshly caught trout, which will be baked on the grill according to a secret recipe.
Location: Zakarpattia region, Mizhhiria district, Kolochava village.
The airspace in Ukraine is currently closed, so you can get to the country only by land transport - bus, train or your own car. Find out the schedule and book tickets here. Another important component of a successful trip is a comfortable and safe hotel. The largest database of Ukrainian hotels is here.