Ride the World’s #1 Road Trip on Two Wheels – The Garden Route Motorcycle Experience
A recent global study by AutoTrader, conducted in partnership with senior meteorologist Jim R.N. Dale, ranked the Garden Route at the top of the world’s best driving routes, scoring an impressive 90.6 out of 100. The research focused on what makes a road trip feel truly effortless, measuring five key factors: road surface conditions, clear weather days, wind speed, ground temperature, and humidity comfort — all combined into a “Perfect Driving Weather” score.
The result? The Garden Route outperformed some of the most iconic routes on the planet, including Route 66 in the USA (87.3), the Pacific Coast Highway (86.1), and Italy’s legendary Amalfi Coast (81).
Why Bikers Are Calling It the Ultimate Motorcycle Tour
For motorcyclists, this ranking confirms what riders have always known — this route is pure magic on two wheels. Stretching approximately 300km from Mossel Bay to Storms River, the Garden Route delivers coastal beauty, lush forests, and spectacular mountain passes at every turn.
Picture this: the wind in your helmet as you carve through the iconic Outeniqua Pass, cruise along cliff-hugging coastal roads past Wilderness and Sedgefield, and ride across the legendary Bloukrans Bridge — home to the highest commercial bungee jump in the world.
World-Class Stops Along the Way
A Garden Route motorcycle tour isn’t just about the riding — it’s about the destinations in between. Highlights include:
- Knysna — Famous for its oysters, the stunning lagoon, and the iconic Knysna Heads
- Plettenberg Bay — White sandy beaches, whale watching, and a vibrant coastal town
- Tsitsikamma National Park — Ancient forests, dramatic coastline, and the famous suspension bridges over the Storms River Gorge
- George — The gateway to the Garden Route, with sweeping views from the Outeniqua Mountains
The Best Time to Ride the Garden Route
One of the key reasons the Garden Route earned its top global ranking is its year-round riding conditions. With mild temperatures, low humidity, excellent visibility, and minimal rainfall compared to other world-famous routes, it’s a destination that welcomes motorcyclists in every season. That said, the shoulder months of March–May and September–November offer particularly clear skies and quieter roads — ideal for an unhurried, immersive ride.
Ready to Ride the World’s Best Road Trip?
Don’t just read about the world’s best road trip — ride it. Whether you’re a seasoned biker or embarking on your first guided motorcycle tour in South Africa, the Garden Route promises an unmatched combination of perfect riding conditions, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable experiences.
Book your Garden Route motorcycle tour today and experience South Africa’s crown jewel the way it was meant to be seen — from the saddle.
