Patensie

Patensie is a small town in the Gamtoos River Valley in the Eastern Cape province, near Humansdorp. 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.

Understand
Patensie is in a citrus-producing area on the edge of the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve (part of the Cape Floral Region world heritage site) and the Stinkhoutberg Nature Reserve.

By car
Follow the N2 West from Port Elizabeth (about 70 km) or the N2 East from Garden Route and take the Humansdorp turnoff (R330). Follow the R330 to Hankey and then the R331 to Patensie.

The R330 and R331 are tarred roads in very good condition, but if you intend to explore further into Baviaanskloof, a 4x4 is advisable.

By plane
The nearest domestic airport is Port Elizabeth Airport, approximately 110 km away, the nearest international airport is Cape Town International Airport, approximately 600 km away.

Get around
The town is very small and most of the attractions you would want to see will be in the surrounding areas, you really need a hired car in order to explore.

The R330 and R331 into Patensie and most of the surrounding roads are in very good condition and a normal car is all you will need. If however, you want to explore further into Baviaanskloof a 4x4 is recommended as many of the roads in the reserve are gravel and some roads may not be driveable with a normal car. This is especially true for the road between Combrink's pass and Sandvlakte. for an update on the condition of the road.

See
The Gamtoos valley offers many stunning views and rock formations. Best way is to take a slow drive and explore the surrounding area.

Go next
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 4 km that is well graded gravel. A 4x4 is a must to enjoy the Baviaanskloof.


 * The beaches and surf at St Francis and Jeffreys Bay is less than 50 km away.
 * The Tsitsikamma National Park.
 * Visit Hankey and final resting place of Sarah Baartman.
 * Visit Hankey and final resting place of Sarah Baartman.