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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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and 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 and hear their incredible stories:

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. 

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A new global study ranking the best cities to raise a family in 2026 has placed Johannesburg first among South African cities, with Cape Town and Durban also making the international top 50.

Global (08 March 2026) – There are an estimated 15,000 cities around the world, each one filled with families raising kids, building communities and trying to create meaningful lives. So when a global study narrows that down to just 50 cities worth highlighting, it becomes something worth talking about… especially when 3 South African cities make the list.

A new study by Compare the Market AU ranked cities around the world to determine the best places to raise a family in 2026, using 9 key data points that include safety, happiness, cost of living, family benefits, green spaces, vaccination rates and education investment.

Cities like Brisbane, London, Auckland, Helsinki and Sydney claimed the top 5 spots, but further down the list, among some of the biggest global metros, were 3 familiar names: Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

They ranked 41st, 46th and 49th, respectively.

Now, that might not sound like a headline victory. But when you consider that the world has thousands of cities competing for that recognition, simply landing inside the top 50 is something worth celebrating. And perhaps more importantly, the rankings remind us of something locals already know… raising a family in South Africa comes with a lifestyle that many parts of the world can only dream about.

Johannesburg Leads the Local Rankings

Johannesburg ranked highest among South African cities, at number 41, with an overall index score of 3.307.

The city’s score reflects a combination of lifestyle indicators that matter to families. There are 126 activities for children, access to green spaces, and strong national investment in education, with South Africa allocating around 6% of GDP to education, one of the highest proportions in the global comparison.

But numbers only tell part of the story. Growing up in Johannesburg means things like visiting Gold Reef City, exploring museums and science centres, or spending weekends discovering markets, parks and local adventures.

And then there’s the bigger playground that exists just beyond the city limits… within a few hours’ drive, families can stand on the edge of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons on Earth, or travel along the Panorama Route, a scenic stretch of Mpumalanga famous for waterfalls, forests and incredible viewpoints, or visit Kruger National Park! Those are childhood memories that stay with you forever.

Cape Town Brings the Natural Wonder

Cape Town ranked 46th globally, with an index score of 3.180, and anyone who has spent time there knows exactly why it would appear on a list like this.

The city scored highly for lifestyle factors, including 275 things to do with kids, and offers something few places on Earth can compete with… daily access to nature that feels almost cinematic.

Families can hike up Lion’s Head or spend weekends exploring beaches and tidal pools along the Cape Peninsula. Table Mountain alone attracts visitors from around the world who hike or ride the cableway to its flat summit overlooking the city. Kids growing up there might spend one weekend visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach, one of the only places where African penguins can be seen up close in the wild, and the next exploring colourful neighbourhoods like Bo-Kaap or wandering the V&A Waterfront. And of course, wine farms, mountain trails and ocean sunsets are simply part of everyday life.

Durban’s Coastal Childhood

Durban rounded out the South African trio in 49th place, with an index score of 2.752, supported by a lower cost of living and a lifestyle centred around the ocean.

For many families, Durban childhoods look like surf lessons, beach walks and long summer evenings along the Golden Mile. And when the adventure bug really bites, families can head inland to the Drakensberg, where mountains like Giant’s Castle and the surrounding nature reserves offer hiking, wildlife and ancient rock art experiences that feel worlds away from city life.

Interestingly, many of the experiences that make South Africa such a wonderful place to grow up appear on our “100 Things to Do in South Africa” list.

Things like visiting the Wilds, spotting Whales in Hermanus, or walking across the Bloukrans Bridge are not just bucket-list adventures for travellers… they are experiences that families here can actually access. And that’s something incredibly powerful. While global rankings measure statistics like safety scores and cost of living, they cannot capture community spirit, family braais, or road trips that turn into lifelong memories.

3 South African cities appearing in a global top-50 list is not about claiming perfection. We all know the challenges our cities face but it does highlight something many of us forget when the headlines get heavy: South Africa remains a country filled with extraordinary places, incredible people and experiences that are rich with culture, nature and adventure.

And that feels like a pretty good reminder that there is still so much good worth celebrating about raising a family in South Africa.

Sources: Compare the Market AU 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and 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 and hear their incredible stories:

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. 

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Club Med’s all-inclusive model, where meals, drinks and activities are part of the package, may actually make it more accessible than many expect.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (29 September 2025) – South Africa is buzzing with excitement as Club Med prepares to open its first-ever resorts in our country in July 2026. The dual-destination concept, a seaside escape on KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast paired with a safari adventure in Zululand, is unlike anything the country has seen before. It’s bold, it’s beautiful and it’s already making waves by creating over 1,700 jobs and reducing crime in the local area by 60%.

But alongside the celebrations, an important question has surfaced: will South Africans actually be able to afford to stay there?

Luxury travel anywhere in the world comes at a price and Club Med is no different. We asked the Club Med team what the rates looked like for this new resort. We tried to get an idea for a weekend getaway, or a whole week’s stay, so we worked on a 3-night stay and a 7-night stay for both single and shared accommodations. And this is what they had to say.

3-night stays (excluding flights and transfers):

• From R4,791 per person per night (single rate)
• From R4,365 per person per night (sharing/double occupancy)

7-night stays (excluding flights and transfers):

• From R4,730 per person per night (single rate)
• From R4,304 per person per night (sharing)

But they are running a pre-opening special. So, book now for 2026 and get a lekker little discount.

October special for 3 nights (excluding flights and transfers):

• From R4,088 per person per night (single rate)
• From R3,726 per person per night (sharing)

October special 7 nights (excluding flights and transfers):

• From R4,027 per person per night (single rate)
• From R3,665 per person per night (sharing)

At first glance, these numbers may feel steep. And for many South African households, they are. Luxury travel, whether coastal or safari, remains aspirational.

But how does it compare to other luxury resorts in South Africa?

Well, here’s where perspective helps. South Africa’s most sought-after safari lodges often start from R4,000 to R12,000 per person per night, with some of the ultra-luxury escapes topping R20,000+ per night. Even well-known coastal resorts can average R2,000 to R12,000 per person per night, and that’s usually before adding meals, drinks and activities. By comparison, Club Med’s pricing is in line, or lower than many of these options, and crucially, it follows an all-inclusive model. This means accommodation, meals, drinks, entertainment, and most activities are already bundled into the price, eliminating the hidden extras that can make luxury holidays spiral out of control.

Another side to the new resort is conferencing. Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari has built a 450-person conference centre, which will give many South African corporates a new spot to host big events. And at a corporate all-inclusive rate, a conference at Club Med might sound like a great idea.

We know it’s still expensive for some. And not every South African will be able to book a stay here. That is a reality. But affordability isn’t the only measure of impact. What Club Med Beach & Safari brings to the table is much bigger.

Job creation: Over 1,700 jobs already created, with hundreds more permanent positions to follow.

Community upliftment: Crime in the area has dropped by 60% thanks to employment opportunities.

Tourism growth: KwaZulu-Natal is being positioned as a new international hotspot, drawing visitors who will also support local businesses, tour operators and artisans.

Sustainability: From eco-conscious construction to anti-poaching patrols, the project is building with a long-term vision of preserving the environment.

While the resorts will certainly attract international tourists (and rightly so… this is the kind of holiday overseas travellers dream about), South Africans shouldn’t rule themselves out. For honeymoons, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or family getaways where budgeting upfront matters, Club Med’s all-inclusive model might make it easier to plan for luxury without the constant add-ons.

And with the “October Special” bringing prices closer to R3,700 per person per night, it’s not entirely out of reach compared with many of the resorts already operating in South Africa.

We believe Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari is a good things story! It’s a lekker resort but it’s also a statement that our country is ready to welcome the world, showcase its beauty and uplift communities in the process. Yes, affordability is a fair concern and luxury travel will always have limits on who can access it. But for South Africa, the benefits stretch far beyond the guest list. Jobs, growth, global attention, and community pride are already part of the story… and those wins belong to all of us.

Source: Club Med 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and 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 and hear their incredible stories:

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 Club Med South Africa is Opening in 2026… But What Will It Actually Cost? appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Wilson Tauro believes South Africa is one of the most remarkable countries in the world… and he’s proving it by helping build a school in rural SA this October.

Johannesburg, South Africa (27 August 2025) – Travel connects us. It brings us closer to each other, it opens up new worlds, and sometimes, it gives us the chance to give back in ways that matter most. This week on Good Things with Brent Lindeque, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Wilson Tauro, the Country Manager for Air France KLM, to talk about just that… travel, South Africa, and the power of purpose-driven tourism.

Wilson is not just passionate about flying people across the world; he’s passionate about South Africa itself. He spoke with so much warmth about our country, our people, our culture, and our endless potential as a global travel destination.

“South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries on earth. The world should see it, and we should keep celebrating it,” Wilson shared.

But our conversation didn’t stop at flights and destinations. We spoke about something bigger. In October, I’ll be joining Wilson and a group of South Africans on an incredible journey… not across the skies but into rural South Africa, where we’ll be helping to build a school.

For Wilson, this is what travel is all about. Not just visiting places but leaving them better than when you arrived.

This story is a good thing because it’s a reminder that tourism can be more than sightseeing. It can be a force for change. It can create jobs, empower communities, and give kids in rural villages the opportunity to dream bigger because they have a school to learn in. And the fact that global players like Air France KLM are rolling up their sleeves alongside everyday South Africans? That’s massive.

You can watch the full podcast episode below, where we chat about travel, about hope, about building futures and about how each of us can be part of something bigger than ourselves. At its heart, this is a story about connection. Between countries, between people and between purpose and passion. And if you ask me, that’s exactly what good things are all about.

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Sources: Good Things With Brent Lindeque

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.

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