Click here to find out more about Ripple Hill Hotel for accommodation in Patensie
On the brim of the magnificent Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve, in the heart of the citrus farming community of Patensie, lies the Ripple Hill Hotel. Built in 1946, the hotel carries an old-school charm and character, with raised ceilings and wooden floors throughout.Relax on the patio and take in the scenery of the tractor traffic humming by, whilst enjoying the best steak in town or a sundowner drink. We offer newly renovated rooms, a great restaurant with extensive a la carte menu, and a cosy pub with big screen TV, air-conditioning, and a fireplace. We also cater for small functions.Please be a
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Small venue available. Perfect for meetings & workshops. Seats up to 80 guests cinema style, and approx 20 guests school/boardroom style. Projector, whiteboard & free wi-fi available. Fees from R500/d. Catering optional & tailored to your budget.
We pledge to implement a high standard of hygiene and cleaning protocols to ensure the safest environment possible for our guests.
We adhere to the industry safety protocols set out by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA).
Patensie is a town in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Patensie lies along the R331 road just south of Noorshoek. The Kouga Dam is located several kilometres to the west. The name is Khoi in origin, and means “cattle resting place”. The town is a centre for the citrus, tobacco, and vegetable farms in the area.
atensie is the last stop before entering the Baviaanskloof Wilderness area. Guarded by the majestic Cockscomb Mountain, this little Town’s activities revolve around the Citrus Industry. It has become a very popular tourist destination with many B&B’s and self-catering establishments, as well as fuel-stops, banks and shops to choose from.
Tourism Information can be obtained from the Tolbos Country Shop and Tea Garden. Visit the impressive Kouga Dam built in 1967 – the first double-arched Dam engineered in South Africa.
The Farm “Patentie” of 3000 morgen was awarded to David Keyser jnr. In 1852 the Farm was sub-divided and in 1858 Patensie was declared a Town. The name Patensie has a Hottentot origin and means “lêplek van die beeste” (where the cattle lie). At first, because all of Patensie was privately owned, Town development was difficult and the Citrus and Tobacco co-ops had to develop their own Residential Areas.
The first oranges were exported in 1907 by Mr Bean and in 1929 the Patensie Citrus Co-op. was founded. The first packing facility was built in 1937. The Co-op is today known as the PSB company and is the biggest citrus packing facility in the Area. Export citrus is the main crop of the Patensie Area! The season runs from April to October.
The Tobacco Co-op. was founded in 1936 and played a vital part in farming of tobacco in the Area. It has since been sold to KaapAgri. Although tobacco is still planted the Tobacco Co-op no longer exists!
The narrow gauge railway, was extended from the Town of Loerie to Patensie in 1914, the improvement of access Roads and the construction of the Kouga Dam in the sixties, sped up the development of Patensie through the stimulation of agriculture and supporting industries. Despite the ever present threat of flooding, the Community is thriving and apart from citrus, vegetables, chicory and tobacco are also planted. Game Farming is growing into a lucrative business and the Area is fast becoming a big tourist attraction.
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Alan Straton
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