Patensie
Citrus Land
This hamlet in the Eastern Cape is surrounded by citrus farms and packing sheds. It’s the area where most of the oranges you buy at Woolworths are likely to come from! It is green and lush with semi-tropical vegetation.
Being close to the southern entrance to the Baviaanskloof it’s a great place to stop if you’ve finished your trip or a place to base yourself if you want to only do part of the road. Pack a picnic and drive into the Kloof for the day and back to wine and dine in Patensie in the evening.
Close by is the Kouga Dam which was built as a flood-control dam and supplies irrigation to the nearby citrus farms. There is a picnic spot at the foot of the wall and a pretty drive from the village to arrive there.
Hedonist Hippy Recommends
To stay:
The Ripple Hill Hotel – this is a delightful, owner-run hotel, recently renovated with comfortable en-suite rooms. There is also a fabulous bar where all the locals hang out and the restaurant serves excellent steaks. A real country hotel that’s worth re-visiting more than once!
To eat:
Padlangs – a few kilometres outside Patensie, this restaurant is well known for its pizzas and afval. Also good coffee and cake and lots of interesting things to buy.
Tolbos country shop and restaurant– a lovely place to unwind and to sit in the garden and chill. Good food, friendly service and the shop is packed full of quirky items for sale.
The Ripple Hill Hotel – see above.
The charm of a small town
The surrounding countryside is beautiful which makes the setting for this small village. The locals are very friendly and it’s easy to find yourself unwinding over a beer or two and getting into the rhythm of the place. Definitely a place to return to.
For more information look at the website
Where to find it
