The Jimny cult owners came out in numbers to participate in the now-annual Jimny Gathering, which now holds the record for a very unlikely thing that you wouldn't expect.
Suzuki Auto South Africa wrapped up the second-ever Jimny Gathering this past weekend at Louvain Guest Farm in the Western Cape. Over a thousand Jimny owners and fans came together for a jam-packed lineup of outdoor fun, live music and that unmistakable Suzuki spirit.
What started out as a humble gathering of some Jimny owners coming together and camping in Clarens two years ago, has now imploded into a programme stacked event that is filled with experiences that celebrate the unique capability and playful character of the Japanese brand’s popular 4x4, a vehicle that continues to capture the imaginations of off-road enthusiasts around the world.
“Jimny Gathering is not just about celebrating the car we all love so much,” explains Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa. “It’s about honouring and saying thanks to all the people who make the close-knit Jimny family such a special one to be part of. Though this passion was felt throughout the event, it truly peaked on Saturday morning when a huge number of Jimny, LJ, SJ and Samurai models from all over South Africa took part in the world’s biggest synchronised door slam.”
This four day gathering saw participates from far and wide tackle purpose-built trails, explore the beautiful yet challenging terrain of the Outeniqua Mountains, putting their giant-slaying machines through their paces in true Jimny style. Visitors eager to prove put their chariot through its paces could engage low-range and steer down a number of curated routes specially designed by Suzuki Safaris and Jimny Drive.
Onsite there was a pop-up tent by Tiger Wheel & Tyre Fitment and Tyre Repair Centre for the entirety of the event to assist any Jimny that got in a bit of a sticky situation. What about things like food right? Well, there was a Checkers Outdoor pop-up shop as well as a fully stocked merchandise store filled with Jimny Gathering and Jimny clothing and accessories.
Those needing a break from behind the wheel were able to unwind with various lifestyle activities, including guided walks, yoga sessions and Thai massages. In a true Suzuki spirit there was a Suzuki Safari Town Music Festival, which was again open to everyone, not just Jimny owners.
“Jimny Gathering has shown us once more that this 4x4 is about so much more than getting from point A to B,” says Carpenter. “Old or new, three-door or five-door, it’s a vehicle that brings people together, encourages travel and creates memories that last long after the engines are switched off and the dust is shaken out the floor mats. We are grateful to every Jimny owner, fan and family member who joined us in the mountains for the last four days – they are the ones who make this community truly remarkable.”
The Music Festival was held in the nearby town of Oudtshoorn on Saturday, it kept crowds entertained late into the evening with performances from some of South Africa’s top artists including Jeremy Loops, Spoegwolf, Karen Zoid, Early B and Rhino & The Rasta. Hosted by comedian and Jimny owner Schalk Bezuidenhout, festivalgoers were also treated to a live screening of the Springboks battling against Argentina in The Rugby Championship.
The standout moment of the weekend was the achievement of a new Guinness World Record for the most cars to ever close their doors at the exact same time. Hundreds of Jimny owners lined up side by side to create a reel-worthy spectacle that reflected both the playful essence of the vehicle and the strong sense of camaraderie it inspires among its faithful.