More than 1 000 Suzuki Jimny owners and enthusiasts gathered at Louvain Guest Farm near Oudtshoorn last weekend, setting a new Guinness World Record while celebrating the iconic 4×4 vehicle at the second annual Jimny Gathering.
The four-day event, held from 25-28 September, saw participants achieve the record for most car doors closed simultaneously, with 1 838 doors from 1 127 vehicles slamming shut in perfect unison on Saturday morning.
“We had an official representative from Guinness World Records on site and he confirmed we broke the record,” said Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa. “This accolade adds to the one we set at Jimny Gathering 2023 for the most vehicles to switch on their lights at the same time – quite a big deal for a small car.”
Building on the success of the inaugural event held in Clarens two years ago, this year’s gathering delivered an extensive program celebrating the Japanese brand’s popular compact off-roader. Participants tackled purpose-built trails through the challenging terrain of the Outeniqua Mountains, with routes specially designed by Suzuki Safaris and Jimny Drive.
The event featured comprehensive support services, including a Tiger Wheel & Tyre Fitment and Repair Centre, a Checkers Outdoor pop-up shop, and a merchandise store stocked with Jimny-themed clothing and accessories.
Beyond off-road adventures, attendees enjoyed lifestyle activities ranging from guided walks and yoga sessions to Thai massages. A unique collaboration with Cape Town’s Clay Café allowed participants to paint ceramic Jimny 5-Door models, while evening entertainment included intimate performances by Loki Rothman and Arno Carstens, culminating in Friday night’s silent disco featuring illuminated wireless headphones.
The weekend’s cultural highlight was the second Suzuki Safari Town Music Festival in nearby Oudtshoorn, open to the general public. Hosted by comedian and Jimny owner Schalk Bezuidenhout, the Saturday evening festival featured performances from Jeremy Loops, Spoegwolf, Karen Zoid, Early B, and Rhino & The Rasta. Attendees also enjoyed a live screening of the Springboks’ Rugby Championship match against Argentina.
A new addition to 2025’s celebration was the Jimny Gathering Pageant, recognising outstanding vehicles across five categories: The Trailblazer (best off-road equipped), The Globetrotter (best adventure-ready), The Showstopper (best styling), The Big Personality (most unique character), and Heritage Hero (best classic/vintage model).
“Jimny Gathering is not just about celebrating the car we all love so much,” Carpenter explained. “It’s about honoring and saying thanks to all the people who make the close-knit Jimny family such a special one to be part of.”
The event underscored the immense popularity of Suzuki’s compact off-roader in South Africa, reinforcing its status as a lifestyle vehicle that transcends mere transportation.
“Jimny Gathering has shown us once more that this 4×4 is about so much more than getting from point A to B,” Carpenter concluded. “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.”
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