The images below were taken this morning (11 June 2026 @ 07:27) from my QTH in Mossel Bay, South Africa. The images really do not capture the complete beauty of the sun rise because a two-dimensional photograph cannot convey lived experience, movement, atmospheric lighting, or the emotional depth of a moment. Real-world beauty engages all the senses, whereas an image flattens reality into a simple static frame. None the less the images are better than no images at all.
Garden Route was officially crowned the best road trip in the world.
South Africa's Garden Route was officially crowned the best road trip in the world by a global study. It achieved an impressive score of 90.6 out of 100, outperforming iconic drives like Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway due to its stellar visibility, low winds, and perfect driving weather.
🗺️ The Route at a Glance
- The Stretch: Roughly 300km (about 185 miles) along the N2 highway.
- The Path: Runs directly through your area—stretching from Mossel Bay eastward to the Storms River Mouth.
- Key Highlights: The route is celebrated for seamlessly blending towering mountains, ancient indigenous forests, lagoons, and the rugged Indian Ocean coastline.
🌲 Core Attractions
At the heart of this global champion is the Garden Route National Park, which is divided into three main, unmissable sections:
- Wilderness Section: Famous for calm waterways, birdwatching, and outdoor activities like canoeing and mountain biking.
- Knysna Section: Known for its lush forests, estuarine environments, and the chance to spot the endangered Knysna seahorse.
- Tsitsikamma Section: Offers rugged coastal scenery, dramatic hiking trails, and the iconic suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth.
🚗 Popular Towns to Stop and Explore
You don't just drive through this route; the stops are what make it special. Some of the top towns and villages along the way include:
- Mossel Bay: The official starting/end point for the drive.
- Wilderness: Quiet, sweeping beaches and river estuaries.
- Sedgefield: Famous for its bustling Wild Oats Community Farmers' Market (go early to beat the crowds).
- Knysna: Great for oysters, lagoon cruises, and forest walks.
- Plettenberg Bay: Beautiful beaches, marine safaris, and upscale eaterie
Why not explore this world-renowned coastal drive over 3 to 7 days, discovering hidden gems and local wildlife along the way and as a bonus you might experience sun rises as seen in the image below.
Enjoy!
(Click in images for larger view.)
