LOCAL TRAVEL
5GARDEN ROUTE DETOURS WORTH TAKING
BY MILOU STAUB
Fresh off being named the world’ s best road trip, South Africa’ s most iconic coastal drive is having its moment in the international spotlight. Look beyond the famous stops, and the real magic begins to reveal itself.
The Garden Route is enjoying some welldeserved international attention. A recent UK study by Autotrader ranked the roughly 300km stretch between Mossel Bay and Storms River first in the world for driving conditions, ahead of America’ s Route 66 and Italy’ s Amalfi Coast, with a score of 90.6 out of 100. For a road many South Africans have driven for decades, it is a welcome reminder of how extraordinary this coastline really is.
The spotlight, understandably, tends to fall on the Garden Route’ s headline acts: the Knysna Lagoon, Plettenberg Bay’ s beaches, and the ancient forests of Tsitsikamma. They earn their fame. But ask anyone who has driven the route more than once, and they will tell you the same thing: some of the finest discoveries are found just off the main itinerary.
Here are five Garden Route hidden gems worth the detour.
BUFFALO BAY Tucked between Knysna and Sedgefield, Buffelsbaai, or Buffalo Bay, is the sort of place locals mention reluctantly. This laid-back coastal village sits within a protected reserve and offers long stretches of pristine sand, gentle swimming conditions, and enough room to breathe.
Dolphins are regular visitors, surfers favour the waves, and families appreciate the space to spread out without competing for prime beachfront real estate. At low tide, the rock pools become nature’ s own treasure chests, inviting hours of unhurried exploration.
JUBILEE CREEK Hidden within the indigenous forest near the old mining settlement of Millwood, Jubilee Creek feels worlds away from the busier holiday towns nearby. A gentle walking trail follows a stream past reminders
AUGUST 2026 / INBOUND SA 13