Patensie, a small town in the Gamtoos Valley, situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, is the gateway to the Baviaanskloof.  Known as the pantry of the Eastern Cape, towns with melodious names such as Loerie, Hankey and Patensie form the backbone of the Gamtoos Valley. This fertile valley with its interesting history is the gateway to the vast, brooding mountainous Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area.

The Gamtoos Valley's raison d'être is the packing and export of citrus grown in the valley. Visiting Patensie’s citrus packhouse, gives you an idea of the extent of the citrus industry in the valley. Besides oranges, the valley boasts an extraordinary variety of farm produce like potatoes, tobacco and vegetables.

The Gamtoos Valley-Baviaanskloof area is a treasure chest of scenic views as well as interesting and noteworthy landmarks of a historical nature such as major floods, family sagas and romantic love stories. Further down this route you will arrive at the starting point of the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, the third largest wilderness area in South Africa, worth a visit and an unforgettable experience, with excellent game viewing. 58 species of mammals, 310 bird species, 15 fresh water fish species and 17 protea species. The area also offers picturesque veld scenes, mountains, indigenous forests with crystal clear mountain streams fringed with ferns, sheer cliffs and small waterfalls which will enchant every visitor to this wilderness paradise.

Wilderness hiking, San rock paintings, 4X4 routes, mountain bike routes, magnificent drives, bird watching, fresh water fishing, farm tours and orange picking in season, nature and game reserves are some of its many attractions, perfect for outdoor and nature lovers.

A slight detour of approximately 7km leads you to the life source of the Gamtoos Valley, The Kouga dam.