Do you adore curious, friendly, fluffy creatures? Tried every petting zoo in the province? The Alpaca Loom in Paarl will steal your heart and make you fall in love with the South American member of the camel family. A visit offers informative barn tours, a delightful coffee shop, a kid’s area, a petting zoo, and a studio filled with covetable alpaca fibre products.
If you know as little as I did before my excursion, you will want to learn more about alpacas. You can find out all the about them, their fibre and processing from the industry experts during an informative barn tour. You may even be lucky enough to see or pet a newborn. The tour lasts about an hour and is the perfect opportunity for snapping a selfie with these peculiarly handsome beasts.
Visiting The Alpaca Loom is a child-friendly outing. The kids will enjoy interacting with the animals in the petting zoo and releasing pent up energy on the elaborate jungle gym. The Alpaca Loom loves educating people about their animals. Stopping by makes for an ideal school or Kindergarten field trip, so contact them to discuss the possibilities.
The coffee shop serves light lunches including an assortment of moreish pies, delectable cakes and German bakes. You can also look forward to freshly brewed coffee courtesy of the unbelievably smooth, award-winning Isabella blend by Byblos Trading.
Here, you will also find the studio where weavers create a variety of woven scarves, shawls, blankets and rugs. Snuggly hand-knitted mittens, beanies, and jerseys that are ideal for winter will tempt you. In addition, you will find an assortment of yarns if you prefer to get creative with your knitting needles.
Alpacas produce 12 natural colours in many shades. Their yarn has a silky feel and a natural sheen. It’s finer and stronger than cashmere, lighter and less irritating than lamb’s wool and warmer than both.
It was National Alpaca Day in South Africa on 30 April 2016 and several farms across the country opened to the public to celebrate.
The Alpaca Loom is currently running a competition. Post a photo of your visit on their Facebook page and stand the chance to win a R500 voucher. The competition ends on 10 May, so hurry over, enjoy a day out in Paarl, and capture a special moment.
OF NOTE
When Coffee shop: Monday – Sunday 10 am – 6 pm, Tours: Friday – Sunday 3 pm or by appointment
Where Suid-Agter Paarl Road, Klein Landskroon Farm, Paarl (directions)
Cost Entrance is free. Barn Tours: R50 for adults, R25 for children and pensioners. Free for children under three
Contact +27 84 793 3666, [email protected], www.alpacas.co.za
Photography courtesy author