About Us

Situated in a beautiful, hidden valley 10 kilometres from Villiersdorp in the Western Cape, Helderstroom is a three hundred year old farm house and estate. The farmhouse commands 360 degree views over wheatlands, orchards, vineyards and mountains stretching to the distant Langeberg range.

Like so many others, we left Zimbabwe and relocated at the end of 2002 to an almost derelict Helderstroom. After considerable renovation we settled in. Having read about the noble and aristocratic alpaca in an “in flight” magazine, we began our research into the breeding and management of these fascinating animals.

Our foundation herd consisted of five pregnant female Huacaya alpacas imported from Chile. Sixteen years later we have maintained our herd numbers at between 40 and 50 which is comfortable for our smallholding, endeavouring every year to produce better and better alpacas and improved fleeces.

In order to meet the demand we began dyeing some of our fibre so there really is something for the purists and something for the more colour adventurous. The same two wonderful ladies Brenda and Theresa who started working with us in 2009 are still with us and producing a wonderful range of handspun yarns. We call them yarn designers! We spin on traditional Ashford wheels, and we engage the services of professional knitters who produce an extensive variety of beautiful fashion garments and accessories.

Contact Information: Christopher and Alison Notley
Helderstroom Alpacas, P O Box 324 Villiersdorp 6848, Western Cape, South Africa
Mobile: Christopher +27 (0)72 236 9356, Alison +27 (0)82 662 9670
Email: alpacas@helderstroom.co.za