A 190-mile road trip route across South Africa has been deemed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for wildlife lovers with a passion for exploring. The route runs from Mossel Bay to the mouth of the Storms River and takes travellers through historic towns, botanical gardens, beautiful beaches, and parks packed with biodiversity. 

The Garden Route showcases South Africa’s diverse ecosystems like forests, lagoons and mountains, Harry Anapliotis, who has decades of experience in the travel and car rental industries, said. The CEO of Rental Center Crete added of the route: “Wildlife spotting opportunities abound, with possibilities to see whales, dolphins, and even elephants. Must-visit stops include Knysna's stunning lagoon, the suspension bridges of Tsitsikamma National Park, and the ostrich farms near Oudtshoorn.”

Travellers can hike the coastal St Blaize Trail at Mossel Bay, enjoy the historic timber town of George, and explore the Garden Route Botanical Garden.

The town of Knysna is recognised for its food and two large outcrops of rock called The Heads - which you can see from a cruise around the inlet. 

Plettenberg Bay has stunning beaches with sandy coves and rugged cliffs, and just 50 minutes away is Storms River village - the end of the route - with its suspension bridge.

At the Tsitsikamma Forest you can try zip-lining among 700-year-old trees, abseiling, kayaking, bungee jumping, and swimming.

Animal lovers will want to explore the Robberg Nature Reserve, which is home to seal colonies, and Birds of Eden, the biggest free-flight aviary in the world which is home to more than 3,000 exotic birds.

Wilderness National Park has wetlands and forests and is home to an array of exotic birds - it is also known for its walking trails named after local kingfisher species. 

If you want to see African penguins you can take a slight detour to Stony Point, and if whale-watching is your thing, you can look out for the magnificent creatures at Hermanus.

For adrenaline-junkies there is the Dragon Dune - which is said to be the longest and fastest sandboard ride in South Africa and is suitable for beginners. 

Anapliotis suggested planning at least five days to enjoy the route - which is pleasant year-round - properly.

He said: “Road trips offer a special kind of freedom that's hard to find elsewhere. After decades in the car rental industry, I've seen how a good road trip can transform a regular holiday into an unforgettable adventure.

For summer journeys, aim for late May to early June or September to avoid crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather.”

His other road trip recommendations included the USA's Pacific Coast Highway, the Ring Road in Iceland, the Great Ocean Road in Australia, and Italy's Amalfi Coast. The North Coast 500 in Scotland, and the Romantic Road in Germany also featured.