One of South Africa’s most iconic drives has just been ranked number one in the world, putting it ahead of some of the planet’s most famous routes.

Garden Route, South Africa (04 April 2026) – You don’t need a passport stamp to experience one of the greatest road trips on Earth. You just need a good playlist, a sense of adventure and a stretch of road that South Africans have been bragging about for years.

And now, the rest of the world knows about it too.

In a new global study by Autotrader, in partnership with senior meteorologist Jim R N Dale, South Africa’s Garden Route has officially been ranked the best road trip in the world for driving conditions.

The research set out to understand what really makes a road trip feel effortless and enjoyable behind the wheel. Dale pointed out that visibility is the most important factor when it comes to ideal driving conditions, and from there, the study looked at five key elements: road surface conditions, clear days, wind speed, ground temperature and humidity comfort. All of these were combined into a “Perfect Driving Weather” score.

The Garden Route didn’t just perform well across those categories. It delivered a near-perfect score of 90.6 out of 100, placing it firmly at the top of the global rankings.

Running roughly 300 kilometres from Mossel Bay to Storms River, this iconic stretch offers more than just scenery. It’s a drive where everything seems to align. Clear skies that open up the horizon, gentle winds that don’t interrupt the journey and temperatures that make you want to keep going just a little bit further. Along the way, the Indian Ocean glimmers beside you, forests close in with that deep green calm, and mountain passes add just enough drama to keep things interesting.

Trailing just behind South Africa are some of the world’s most famous routes. Route 66 in the United States takes second place, followed by the Pacific Coast Highway. Both are known for their long, open stretches and reliable sunshine, while destinations like Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Spain’s Costa Brava and Australia’s Great Ocean Road also feature in the top ten.

1. Garden Route – South Africa
2. Route 66 – United States
3. Pacific Coast Highway – United States
4. Amalfi Coast Road – Italy
5. Costa Brava Coastal Roads – Spain
6. Great Ocean Road – Australia
7. Icefields Parkway – Canada
8. Loire Valley Drives – France
9. Kahekili Highway – United States
10. Norwegian Atlantic Road – Norway

But even among those globally celebrated drives, the Garden Route was number 1 for a reason.

Erin Baker from Autotrader captured the magic of it perfectly, “Every driver knows the feeling: windows down, the road stretching out under a clear sky, conditions so perfect you could stay behind the wheel all day.”

“We wanted to find out which of the world’s great roads most often deliver this experience and were pleasantly surprised by just how many countries across the globe have roads that scored highly in our Perfect Driving Weather index.”

“Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip along the Garden Route or a weekend loop somewhere closer to home, the right conditions and the right car can turn a good drive into an unforgettable one.”

But South Africans knew this already. This isn’t a hidden gem or a place you need to discover. It’s a route that families have travelled for generations, where friends have made memories on long weekends and where solo trips have turned into something meaningful along the way.

So the next time you find yourself on that road, windows open, music playing, taking in the coastline and everything that comes with it, remember this: you’re not just on a good drive… you’re on the best one in the world.

Sources: Autotrader 

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Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

The post The World’s Best Road Trip Is Right Here in South Africa! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

We know many South Africans are very excited to hit the road and make a getaway for the upcoming Easter weekend, but before you go, here are some safety tips to follow so you and the family stay safe on the roads.

South Africa (16 April 2025) – A family road trip is one of the best ways to explore the beauty and diversity of South Africa. From coastal drives to scenic mountain routes, the journey can be just as memorable as the destination. However, ensuring your vehicle is road-ready is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience, especially considering the condition of some South African roads, where potholes and long stretches of remote terrain are common.

Second to the condition of the roads being terribly poor is the high number of road accidents occurring over the Easter weekend. It happens every year, and we just want every road user to get to their destination safely.

Here are key steps families should take before hitting the road this Easter Weekend.

1. Check Your Tyres Thoroughly

Tyres are your vehicle’s first line of defence. Before setting off, inspect all tyres—including the spare—for wear and tear. Ensure tread depth meets legal safety standards (at least 1.6mm, though 3mm is preferable for long trips), and that tyres are correctly inflated according to your vehicle’s manual. Uneven wear might indicate misalignment or suspension issues, which should be addressed before travel.

2. Check Your Oil and Water

Even if your vehicle isn’t due for a service, a minor check-up can make all the difference. Have a trusted mechanic inspect vital components such as oil levels, brake pads, wiper blades, battery health, lights, and coolant.

Top up fluids and replace any worn-out parts to reduce the risk of roadside breakdowns. A quick service now can save you hours of inconvenience later, especially over the Easter Weekend when most mechanics are likely to be closed.

3. Watch Out for Potholes

South Africa’s roads can be unpredictable, with potholes being a frequent hazard, particularly in rural areas and after heavy rains (although the same is now true for most urban areas too…).

Stay vigilant, especially on lesser-maintained routes or roads you are not familiar with. Stick to the speed limit, increase your following distance, and drive with dipped headlights in low visibility conditions.

If a pothole is unavoidable, avoid sudden braking and try to drive straight over it at a reduced speed to minimise damage.

Good luck!

4. Pack Smart and Stay Connected

Pack a basic emergency kit including a first aid box, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a tyre repair kit. Load maps or download offline navigation apps in case of poor cell reception. Make sure mobile phones are charged, and carry a power bank or car charger.

Also, keep some drinking water and filling snacks in the car, just in case you are stopped for a prolonged period of time and need to stay hydrated.

5. Plan Rest Stops and Entertainment

Long drives can be tiring for both adults and children. Plan rest stops every two to three hours and keep snacks, water, and activities for children within reach to keep the journey smooth.

Fun Games to Play While Driving

• License Plate Game – Try to spot plates from all the provinces in South Africa and neighbouring countries.
• I Spy – Classic game where someone says “I spy with my little eye, something…” and others guess.
• Name That Tune – Play music and try to guess the song as fast as possible.
• Car Bingo – This one takes a little bit of planning, but is a fun way to keep the family engaged and looking out for fun things on the roadside (hello, herd of cows – these always make the whole family smile!) – Just Google and you will find a load of free printables to use.

By taking these simple yet effective steps, your family can enjoy a safer, more relaxed adventure on South African roads. Happy travels, and stay safe!

Sources: GTG

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Preparing for a Safe Family Road Trip on SA Roads This Easter Weekend appeared first on Good Things Guy.

With the Easter Holiday just around the corner, many South Africans will be missioning off on road trips near and far. No matter how long the journey, padkos is always essential. So, here are a few alternative padkos treat ideas to tuck into!

South Africa (17 March 2024) — Travels over the school holidays and Easter weekend bring the promise of adventure and exploration. The open road, the company, and, of course, padkos are all reasons that make the journey just as exciting as the destination.

As many an avid snacker knows, padkos is an essential element in any adventure that can make (or break!) a road trip. So, here are five alternative padkos treats to add to those biltong and coffee in a flask favourites, as recommended by the hospitality industry’s Wayne Blake:

1. Durban-Style Popcorn

Spicy pineapple – tangy fresh pineapple chunks doused in curry powder – is most definitely one of Durban’s most unique snacks, usually sold by street vendors along the beachfront. Make your own using a unique blend of spices and prepare a pre-mix of chilli powder, sugar, salt and a dash of vinegar and generously coat freshly popped popcorn. Make enough – it won’t last long!

2. Scotch Eggs South African Style

Portable and tasty as a cold snack, scotch eggs are filling and comfort food at its best (great for longer trips). Essentially, they are hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, coated in bread crumbs and deep-fried for a delicious snack on the go. For a South African twist, substitute the pork mince for boerewors by simply removing the wors meat from the casting. Prepare a dipping sauce with mayonnaise and a dash of hot sauce or sweet chilli sauce, and you’re ready to rumble!

3. Roasted Butternut Toasted Pumpkin Seed & Danish Feta Salad

This scrumptious salad is a perfect roadside snack when you need to stretch your legs. Packed with roasted butternut, toasted pumpkin seeds, and Danish feta, it’s a flavourful treat that keeps you satisfied (and healthy) on the go. Add couscous, quinoa, chickpeas or bulgar wheat for additional sustenance. Pack it in glass mason jars and enjoy a fresh taste wherever your journey leads.

4. Falafels

Made from wholesome chickpeas, falafels are a road trip snack perfect for the vegetarians in the car. Their crispy exterior and flavoursome interior offer a satisfying crunch and bold taste. Whether eaten on their own or in a pita with chilli and coriander, humus or tzatziki, falafels are not to be left behind.

5. Chocolate Brownies

Trade chocolate bunnies for chocolate brownies as a heavenly mid-journey pick-me-up or a post-adventure reward. Wayne shares his fool-proof recipe which you can make a day ahead of your trip:

Chocolate Brownies Recipe
READY IN: 25mins
YIELDS: 1 batch
INGREDIENTS

• 3⁄4 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup cocoa
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened – do not melt completely – best to leave outside the firdge s day before, in a cool dry spot.
• 2 eggs, whole
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄2 cup nuts chopped of your choice or use toasted mixed nuts
• 200g chopped baking chocolate

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 185 degrees.
• Grease a square 8cm x 8cm pan.
• Sift flour with sugar, salt, and cocoa into a mixing bowl, and set aside.
• Add butter, eggs, and vanilla.
• Use spoon and beat 100 strokes per minute for 3 minutes by hand or 2 minutes on medium speed, with mixer with a paddle attachment.
• Stir in nuts & chopped chocolate until evenly mixed through.
• Pour into pan and spread out evenly.
• Bake 20 to 22 minutes.
• Cool and then cut, into your desired shapes and sizes, pack into your road trip lunch box and enjoy on the road!

Sources: Supplied

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Alternative Padkos Treats for Easter Road Trips! appeared first on Good Things Guy.