A new report from Autotrader in the UK has found that a 300km stretch of the N2 in the Garden Route has the most “perfect driving conditions” in the world, which might inspire more tourists and road trippers to visit South Africa.

Autotrader partnered with senior Meteorologist and founder of British Weather Services, Jim Dale, to create a Perfect Driving Weather Score, ranking the Top 10 roads in the world.

They used a range of factors to define the perfect conditions for a road trip, including humidity, ground temperature, number of clear days, visibility quality and wind speed.

Using historical weather data, it was revealed that the route between Mossel Bay and Storms River provides the most ideal climate conditions. This stretch of the N2 beat out the famous Route 66 in the USA and the Amalfi Coastal Road in Italy, with a score of 90.6 out of 100 in the index.

Dale explains why South Africa came out tops:

“Between Mossel Bay and Storms River, this 300 km stretch of road consistently delivers what we all dream of when we hit the road; clear skies for most of the year, which give drivers the opportunity to take in the views of the Indian Ocean Coast, gentle winds and comfortable temperatures. The Garden Route takes you from ocean, to forest, to mountains and is as close to perfect as driving weather gets.”

SANParks has welcomed the ranking, highlighting some of the stunning scenery available on this route, and opportunities to overnight and explore the area, which encompasses the Garden Route National Park.

The Head of Communications, JP Louw, has encouraged visitors to experience this globally recognised route, which includes the Wilderness Section, 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, with activities 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 remains a key part of this internationally recognised route, offering diverse landscapes where forests, rivers, mountains, and coastline meet.”

1 of 5

America’s most iconic road, Route 66, takes the second spot worldwide with a Perfect Driving Weather score of 87.3, with California’s Pacific Coast Highway in third, delivering a score of 86.1.

Rounding off the Top 5 is Italy’s Amalfi Coast in fourth, with a score of 81 out of 100 on the Perfect Driving Weather score, followed by Costa Brava’s Coastal Roads in Spain.

With the Garden Route on our doorstep, it might just inspire your next road trip! Which other roads in the Western Cape (or South Africa) would you consider road trip worthy?