SCHOOL HOLIDAY'S are upon us aND wHY not taKE the kids to the Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop and Weaving Studio!

Taryn Allie | 3 April 2023

Paarl was having a HOT moment again. You know when the summer temperatures get a bit too much and the loadshedding won’t let up and you just have to leave your home before you lose all your marbles. Yes, that’s when I went in search of peace and I happened to find it at the Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop and Weaving Studio. It is a popular tourist attraction but also a working farm dedicated to raising and breeding alpacas and llamas. 

The farm is situated on the slopes of the Paarl Mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It offers a chance to learn about these interesting animals and to interact with them up close. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a visit to the farm is definitely worth considering if you're in the area. And this is where I planted myself for the next 3 hours. Seated under the tarp on the deck facing the views with a stunning Iced Coffee in hand!

I must report that this is the finest iced coffee I have experienced to date in Paarl! I was so pleasantly surprised that I got myself another. I don’t usually do iced coffees but the Paarl heat drives you to strange adventures.

The farm is open to the public and visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including guided tours of the farm, feeding and petting the alpacas and llamas, and shopping for handmade alpaca products, such as scarves, hats, and blankets. The wool is soft and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin.

During the guided tour, visitors can learn about the history of alpacas and llamas, their characteristics, and how they are raised and bred. They can also interact with the animals and take pictures with them.

In addition to the farm tours, the Alpaca and Llama farm also offers special events, such as birthday parties, corporate events, and educational programs for school groups. These programs provide a hands-on learning experience for children and adults alike, and are a great way to experience the farm and learn about these fascinating animals.

Did you know? I made eye contact with a camel. I was half expecting to have been SPAT on, since camels have a bit of temperament but this one was very chill. You will also find a very loud gaggle of geese that know exactly when it’s lunch time and some sheep and horse friends looking extra cute.

We visit frequently, just something about the place that draws you back. On one occasion we actually witnessed a birth. You can adopt an alpaca -  its a sponsorship for 12 months. The package comes with a lovely photo and a fleece sample from your new fur baby plus visiting rights. I think I will name sponsor a pair and call them Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. What would you name yours?

Looking for more fun activities to do this holiday with the whole family? Check out the following link for more awesome things to do in City of Paarl: 5 KID FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN CITY OF PAARL THIS SUMMER