South Africa’s Garden Route has been ranked the number one road trip in the world by Autotrader, scoring 90.6 out of 100 in a global study that assessed leading road trips across a range of criteria.
The study evaluated road trips based on factors including road quality, scenery, weather conditions, visibility, temperature, and overall driving experience, with the Garden Route coming out on top.
The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Amb. Wu Peng, was among those who congratulated South Africa on the achievement, writing on social media: “Congratulations on South Africa’s iconic Garden Route being ranked as the world’s best road trip. Stretching along the country’s southern coast, this breathtaking route is renowned for its unique blend of ocean vistas, lush forests and vibrant communities.” 
At the heart of the route is the Garden Route National Park, which spans key sections of the journey and offers a wide range of nature-based experiences across three distinct sections.
The Wilderness Section, located along the N2, is known for its calm waterways, birdlife, forest cabins, and outdoor activities such as canoeing and mountain biking. The Knysna Section offers access to estuarine and forest environments, including visits to the Thesen Island area to see the endangered Knysna seahorse, as well as forest trails in Diepwalle and scenic viewpoints. The Tsitsikamma Section features rugged coastal scenery at Storms River Mouth, with accommodation options, camping sites, and access to the famous suspension bridge.
The Garden Route National Park brings together forests, rivers, mountains, and coastline in one of the most diverse landscapes in the world, and visitors are encouraged to experience the globally recognised journey for themselves.
