News / 22 August 2025 / Michael Taylor

Suzuki wants to set a world record in South Africa – Again

Suzuki wants to set a new Guinness World Record in South Africa this September.

Earlier this year, the Japanese automaker announced that it would bring back the Safari Town Festival in response to popular demand.

The first Safari Town Festival was dreamt up in 2023 as a complement to the annual Jimny Gathering, where thousands of motorists gather to enjoy a fun-filled weekend.

The original event was held in September 2023 in the town of Clarens in the Free State, and Suzuki has confirmed that the festival will make its triumphant return next month.

One of the most significant moments to come out of the inaugural festival was the breaking of a new world record.

More specifically, Suzuki set a world record for “the most vehicles to switch their lights on simultaneously” – a feat made possible by the 787 Jimny 4x4s in attendance.

The unusual achievement was certified by the Guinness Book of World Records and was witnessed by Hisanori Matsushima, the manager of the Automobile Styling Department at Suzuki Motor Corporation, who is responsible for the design of the current-generation Jimny.

Going for two

Now, Suzuki wants to repeat history by setting a new record at the second Safari Town Festival.

“It’s happening – we’re going for another Guinness World Record,” said Jimny Gathering MC, South African comedian and proud Jimny owner Schalk Bezuidenhout.

“This time, for the most cars to close their doors at the exact same time. Ja, you heard me – a synchronized Jimny door slam! So polish your hinges, fill your tank, and come join the action.”

To qualify as an official record, Guinness requires a minimum of 250 vehicles with at least one door on each participating model closed within five seconds of the starting signal.

“We believe the coordinated and simultaneous closing of the doors will be a fun and exciting spectacle to witness – and one that will look fantastic across various social media platforms,” said Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa.

“Our first record at the inaugural Jimny Gathering in Clarens proved massively popular. It felt only fitting to try for another at this year’s event. In 2023, almost 800 Jimny, LJ, SJ and Samurai models from all over South Africa took part.”

We’re expecting to beat that number when we line up for the final countdown at Louvain Guest Farm on 27 September. Hopefully everything goes according to plan and we can see the Jimny chalk up another world record.”

The second festival will take place from 25 to 28 September at the Louvain Guest Farm in the Western Cape’s Outeniqua Mountains.

The weekend is scheduled to feature a roster of homegrown musical talents, including Jeremy Loops, Spoegwolf, Karen Zoid and the Port Elizabeth rap sensation Early B.

In addition to the live performances, the event will have a wide variety of food and beverage vendors, including craft bars, a beer garden, and wine bars.

There will also be a children’s entertainment area and a large screen where attendees can watch the rugby.

It’s important to note that, while the coinciding Jimny Gathering event is tailored for owners of the 4×4, the Safari Festival is open to the public regardless of whether they own a Suzuki.

“Suzuki is a brand for all South Africans. While we have some exciting activities planned specifically for Jimny owners, we also wanted to make sure that everyone visiting Oudtshoorn for the weekend can join in the fun,” said Carpenter.

Tickets for the event are as follows: