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31 March 2018

South Africa - Walking with Alpacas, Paarl

Alpaca Loom, Paarl, South Africa



A short drive from Cape Town, one comes upon a farm with Alpacas, Camels and a Llama!

Alpacas are similar to Llamas, although smaller. Originating from South America, they are bred purely for their fiber and come from the camel family.


The camels at The Alpaca Loom are used in photo shoots and ads - my goodness, they have the most incredible teeth that I have ever seen!

The Alpacas are sheared once a year and yield approx.2 - 4 kg of fibre in as many as 12 natural colours.







 Alpacas can live 15 - 20 years so provide a good income even though only sheared once per annum.
Gestation is a lengthly 11 - 12 months and the farm has a day old baby which was already on 4 legs and suckling from the mother.
Beautiful to see.







 The Alapacas can walk with harnesses and we enjoyed a walk around the property with these delightful animals.

Having said that, their behaviour can sometimes be strange - they show dominance by spitting and this is also their communication method if fearful or in distress. Thankfully, they all behaved very well during our walk!


 



 The shop offers numerous items such as blankets, shawls, rugs, scarves, mittens, beanies, and jerseys.

The coffee shop offers light meals and delicious cakes.

Well worth an outing when looking for something different.

Children are most welcome too!







© Judelle Drake

                      http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

                  For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa
                                     www.bradclin.com