Patensie is a small town in the Gamtoos River Valley in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, near Humansdorp.
Patensie is situated in a citrus producing area on the edge of the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve and the Stinkhoutberg Nature Reserve. The town exists mostly to support the citrus farms surrounding it, but with the stunning views in the valley, proximity to the nature reserves and many game farms, it is also offers a lot of opportunities for tourism.
The Gamtoos valley offers many stunning views and rock formations. Best way is to take a slow drive and explore the surrounding area.
- Tolbos, +27 42 283-0437. Open 8Am to 5PM, Monday to Friday. Opens 8:30AM and 9AM respectively on Saturday and Sunday. All kinds of stuff from homemade jams to arts and crafts. Try the doringdraad mampoer. Also a good place to pick up some travel guides as Tolbos is an official Tourist Information center for the area.
- Tolbos, +27 42 283-0437. They serve a very decent breakfast
- Ripple Hill Lodge, +27 42 283-0809.
Further inland along the R331 is the Paul Sauer dam and the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve . The dam can be accessed with a normal car as it is all tar road except for the last 4km that is well graded gravel. A 4x4 is a must to enjoy the Baviaanskloof.
- Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve, +27 43 742-4450. A world heritage site. 200 square kilometers of unspoiled mountain terrain. Self catering chalets, huts, camping and caravan sites distributed throughout the park.
- The beaches and surf at St Francis and Jeffreys Bay is less than 50km away.
- Visit Hankey and final resting place of Sarah Baartman.