South Africa’s Garden Route crowned best road trip on earth

— The Garden Route was named the world’s best road trip in a global ranking

— Its unique mix of ocean, mountains, forests and lagoons sets it apart

— Travellers were urged to stop, explore and not just drive through

— Recognition is expected to boost tourism across smaller towns

South Africa’s Garden Route has officially been named the world’s best road trip, topping a global study that evaluated routes based on road quality, scenery and weather conditions.

For many South Africans, it’s a familiar journey. A drive taken countless times. A route linking family visits, holidays and long-haul trips east.

Now, it’s been recognised as the best on the planet.

A road trip with everything

Travel journalist Byron van Gool said the Garden Route stands apart from other famous drives around the world.

“Most iconic road trips are known for one thing: desert, ocean or culture,” he explained.

“The Garden Route has multiple ecosystems in one trip. There are oceans, mountains, forests and lagoons.”

That diversity means the experience constantly changes.

“You get a new kind of beauty every hour.”

Not just a drive-through

The recognition could shift how people approach the route.

Instead of passing through, travellers are being encouraged to slow down.

“It’s no longer just a section you drive through. The Garden Route becomes the adventure itself,” Van Gool said.

That shift could benefit smaller towns often overlooked in favour of bigger stops like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

Where to stop along the Garden Route

For first-time travellers, Van Gool recommends structuring the trip from east to west, starting in Mossel Bay.

Key stops include:

— Wilderness, where forests and lagoons define the landscape

— Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, popular coastal hubs

— Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River; dramatic scenery and iconic views

“It feels like you’re in a completely different world,” he said of the Tsitsikamma stretch.

Adventure, history and food

The Garden Route offers more than scenery.

Activities range from hiking and kayaking to bungee jumping at the Bloukrans Bridge, one of the most famous in the world.

There’s also deep history.

The region includes sites linked to early human development, adding a cultural layer to the journey.

Food is another highlight.

“There are so many different places along the route where you could just do a cuisine trip,” Van Gool said, pointing to a mix of accessible dining and unique experiences.

When to travel the Garden Route

There is no single best time to go; it depends on the traveller.

— Summer brings warm weather and beach conditions, but bigger crowds

— Spring and autumn offer quieter exploration

— Winter delivers fuller rivers, lush forests and a slower pace

The Indian Ocean along the route is generally warmer than the Atlantic coastline near Cape Town, although some areas remain cool.

Related: Garden Route in the news

— Expert tips for a Garden Route road trip

A closer look at how to experience the route properly — from planning stops to exploring hidden gems beyond the main towns.

— Outeniqua Choo Tjoe train line set for rebuild

Plans to revive the iconic Garden Route steam train aim to boost tourism and reconnect a historic travel experience.

A global win for a local favourite

For South Africans who have driven it for years, the title confirms what many already believe.

The Garden Route isn’t just a road between destinations.

It is the destination.