Guided Llama Safari & Tours
It has been a long time a-coming, but the llamas and alpacas are ready to let you into their wonderful camelid world. And they are doing it in style! Join us on a guided llama safari, accompany them on walks, visit them as they siesta in the shade of the trees or cool off in the ‘Pacca’ pools and sprinklers.
Escape from the concrete jungle for a couple of hours and explore the world of llamas and alpacas in the tranquility of The Llama Sanctuary. Track and identify the many llamas that roam the 40 acres of gentle parkland trails and manicured paddocks. The Llama Sanctuary has been assisting llamas and alpacas in need since 2005 and provides a home for 30 to 40 camelids at any given time. Every one has a story to tell of why they needed help; perhaps they will share a story or two with you as you meander through the meadows and forest of their magical home.
Interaction with Animals
Many of the animals at the Llama Sanctuary have been through tough times and can be wary of people. They have not been trained to perform tricks and mostly, they are not happy about being hugged. There are however, a few who will hug for treats!
Llamas and alpacas have a reputation for spitting. It is true that they can spit, but it is extremely rare for these llamas and alpacas to spit at people. However, it is possible to be caught in crossfire between two alpacas. The Llama Sanctuary does not welcome people who try to encourage the animals to spit.
You will learn everything you desire to know about spitting during your visit!
Llamas and alpacas are generally hand-shy. Unlike dogs, they are not interested in sniffing your hand, they would much rather smell your breath! If you stand still and keep your arms by your side or behind your back, the llama may stretch forward and try and smell your breath. Many times, this llama behaviour is mistaken for aggression. It’s just a llama’s way of learning about you.
If you would like to feed the llamas, we have special llama treats available. Please do not feed your own food to them. It can cause choking!
Book Your Llama Safari Now
Tours begin at 2pm. By appointment only
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Beautiful Location
The Llama Sanctuary is set in beautiful surroundings. The paddocks are green, lush and well groomed, whilst the safari takes you out into 30 acres of woodland, meadows and shady groves. A sizeable creek runs through the valley bottom that beckons a refreshing stop.
Basic Protocol
We love young visitors and so do the llamas, but please be advised that all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times and not allowed to roam on their own. Children are your responsibility, not ours.
Do not chase the animals nor run after them.
These are early days for The Llama Safari, so facilities are minimal. Refreshments are not available at this time, but you are welcome to bring a picnic. We do request that if you bring something into The Sanctuary, that you take it away with you and that includes your rubbish.
Dogs
Sorry, no dogs (or other pets) allowed. Please leave dogs at home. Don’t leave them in the car! Service dogs are welcome, but please advise us beforehand. Some camelids love dogs and cats, whilst others can be ferocious guardians and herd protectors and see all dogs as threats.
What to Wear
This is not a zoo. Visitors will be entering the llama’s environment, so sterilization of footwear may be required before entering The Sanctuary, to prevent the possibility of contamination.
The land can be rugged and even wet under foot. In the meadows there may be thistles, nettles and buttercups, so we strongly recommend that you wear sturdy footwear. Open-toe footwear and bare legs might provide you with a painful experience!
Weather can be unpredictable and doesn’t always conform to what the weather forecasters tell us! As the Boy Scouts say: ‘Be prepared’.
Accessibility
The paddocks are generally smooth and easy to navigate for wheel chairs and other wheeled vehicles. The Safari terrain is a bit more rugged and not really suitable for wheel chairs, unless you have an all-wheel drive model! However, only about half of the residents are roaming, so there are plenty of llamas and alpacas to visit if you don’t take the safari route.
Parking is free and plentiful and close to the Sanctuary gates. Access is easy for anyone with mobility difficulties.
Toilet & Washroom Facilities
Basic facilities are available.
What to Bring
- Camera
- Appropriate clothing
- A BIG Smile
- Money
The Sanctuary Store will be open, offering llama and alpaca mementos, as well as yarn and hand-crafted fiber items.
Mobile Phone Reception
Be advised that mobile phone reception is spotty to non-existent here. You are welcome to demonstrate some of those weird poses and hand gestures that apparently help find reception, but don’t rely on being connected.
Liability
All visitors entering through the gates of The Llama Sanctuary agree to abide by the rules of The Llama Sanctuary, which include accepting full liability for accident, injury or damage, howsoever caused, whilst within the grounds of The Llama Sanctuary. This is the Great Outdoors, filled with all the wonderful ‘hazards’ of life: sharp sticks that poke, gate hinges that bite, rocks waiting for unprotected toes to stub, tree roots to trip over.
Important Notice about the Horses
The Llama Sanctuary shares an entrance with a large horse-boarding facility. The horses are NOT part of The Llama Sanctuary and visitors are requested not to feed the horses, not to enter the horse corals nor to wander around the property beyond the gates of The Sanctuary.
The Llama Sanctuary is signposted at the main gates to the property. Follow the signs through the property to the ‘Parking’ sign.
