If just a glimpse of something cute and fluffy gets you feeling tingly with excitement, then this little hidden gem in Paarl will have you feeling absolutely giddy. Just 40 minutes outside of Cape Town lies the Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop and Weaving Studio, a furry paradise with well over 300 alpacas and a few other furry creatures too.
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For those unfamiliar with the alpaca, they are domesticated South American animals belonging to the camel family and also pretty closely related to another fluffy favourite – the llama. Both of which can be found at the Alpaca Loom too, if you look in the right places.
Most importantly, alpacas are extremely cute and at the Alpaca loom, you can get up close and personal with them.
Take a tour through the barns, pet and feed them in the petting zoo area and browse through hand-woven products (using alpaca fibres, of course) while you wait for your warm cuppa and sweet treat as the little ones let loose at the play area. It’s a fluffy delight for both kids and adults alike.
Weaving studio
Historically bred for its luxurious fibre whose woven wool was worn exclusively by Incan royalty, a relatively small number of alpacas have begun to build a home in South Africa’s wool industry, courtesy of the multifaceted Alpaca loom.
Alpaca wool is one of the softest animal fibres and can even give cashmere a run for its money in terms of softness. It has hypoallergenic properties and is also comparably warmer than sheep wool and mohair, making it ideal for pretty much everyone.
All the alpacas at the loom are sheared every year in September. After being spun into a variety of yarns, most of the annual clip gets woven right there at the shop.
You can browse through the exquisitely cosy alpaca products and watch the talented local ladies work their magic to produce scarves, shawls, ponchos, blankets and rugs. Hand-knitted mittens and beanies are also available for sale at the shop, as well as a range of alpaca yarn.
Coffee Shop
Before or after you spend some time with the alpacas and while you watch the weavers at work, take a seat in the coffee shop and soak in ‘aww’-inspiring views of the alpaca herd with stunning vistas of the farm and Table Mountain in the background.
Freshly brewed coffee, delicious cakes, gourmet puff pastry pies and lip-smacking quiches are on offer at the coffee shop alongside ham, cheese and tomato toasted sandwhiches and a selection of small or decadent muffins.
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From barn tours to adoptions, there’s so much to do
Since you made it to the loom, an Alpaca Barn Tour is an absolute must and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Available daily every hour on the hour from 11am, you’ll get to meet the adorable resident alpaca herd while learning more about them (did you know an alpaca’s gestation period can last up to 345 days?). You may even be lucky enough to spot or pet the youngest crias (babies).
The tour lasts about an hour an costs R100 per adult and R70 per child, which includes entry to the petting zoo and jungle gym area. Admission to just the petting zoo costs R20 per person.
At the petting zoo you’ll meet David, Nutella, Picasso and their alpaca friends who will probably come running to greet you.
An extra R20 will get you some alpaca treats and will have them gently muzzling the feed out of your hands in no time. Just hold thumbs that they don’t start spitting – although they tend to do this to each other more than on humans.
Savour the moment, it’s the perfect opportunity to snap a selfie or three with these peculiarly handsome creatures.
Another offering at The Alpaca Loom are the Alpaca Walks that take place daily at 10am and 4pm (bookings are essential). Here you’ll explore the farm and surroundings on a guided walk accompanied by an alpaca on a halter while learning more about the fascinating world of the alpacas.
As an added bonus, the jungle gym play area is perfect for the little ones to burn up any leftover pent-up energy. Parents can keep an eye on the kids from the coffee shop while they indulge in a hot or cold beverage and delectable baked goods.
There are also three different packages available to adopt one of these furry friends. Adoptive parents can name them and visit them during a barn tour. Regular Facebook updates are also done on their progress.
In addition to the hand-woven alpaca products, there are also some rather cute memorabilia available for purchase such as socks, homeware, caps, colouring books and puzzles, pencil bags and the stuffed toys too.
Here’s what a trip to the Alpaca Loom looks like:
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Details:
- Location: Suid-Agter-Paarl Road, Southern Paarl
- Times: Monday to Sunday 9:30am to 5:30pm
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Picture: Tauhira Ajam