South Africa has been ranked among the world’s top 10 self-driving holiday destinations, placing eighth globally in a new international study that assessed overall road trip experience.
The research, released by motoring experts at Auto&General in March 2026, compared 15 popular holiday destinations using a broad set of measures, including traffic flow, road quality, climate conditions, emissions, and accident rates. According to the study, South Africa scored 52.71 out of 100, outperforming several well-known international destinations thanks to lower congestion levels, manageable travel distances, and favourable climate conditions for year-round travel.
The report notes that South Africa performs well in areas that matter most to motorists, including efficient traffic flow and a road network in which 50% of roads are rated three stars or higher. These factors, combined with the country’s diverse landscapes and accessible road trip routes, make it an appealing option for travellers seeking a relaxed and scenic driving experience.
Johanni Jennings, Head of Marketing at Auto&General, said South Africa stands out for the variety it offers travellers.
“While SA’s road infrastructure quality may fall short, South Africa is a destination where the journey is just as memorable as the destination. It stands out globally because it offers exceptional variety in a single road trip, affordable travel compared to many global destinations and a mix of adventure, wildlife, culture, and food experiences on route,” Jennings said.
The study found that the United Kingdom ranked first overall with a score of 98.24 out of 100, followed by Turkey in second place with 75.39 and Australia in third with 73.94. Argentina and Mexico completed the top five.
South Africa’s place in the global top 10 reflects growing interest in local road travel, particularly as more travellers seek shorter and more scenic breaks, with Google searches related to road trips reportedly rising by 33% year-on-year.
The study also highlighted some of South Africa’s most popular road trip routes for holidaymakers looking for a quick getaway.
Among them is the Garden Route in the Western Cape, stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River and known for its beaches, forests and small coastal towns. Visitors can explore Tsitsikamma National Park, Robberg Nature Reserve and, for those extending their trip, Addo Elephant National Park.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the Midlands Meander remains a favourite for its rolling countryside, craft markets, eateries and attractions such as Howick Falls and Karkloof Nature Reserve.
The Cape Peninsula route continues to attract travellers with dramatic coastal scenery, ocean views and landmarks such as Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak Drive and Boulders Beach.
Also in the Western Cape, the Cape Winelands offers a slower-paced drive through Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, combining wine estates, food experiences and mountain scenery. Clarence Drive, running between Gordon’s Bay and Hermanus, was singled out as one of the country’s most visually striking coastal drives.
Further inland, Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route remains one of the country’s standout scenic drives, taking travellers past God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon.
Auto&General said the findings show that the best driving holidays are shaped not by one factor alone, but by the overall comfort, ease and enjoyment of the journey.
