The South African 4×4 & Outdoor Show Gauteng sponsored by Apollo Tyres returned in 2024 to Zwartkops Raceway, and this year’s event was nothing short of spectacular. The annual event has solidified itself as a must-attend showcase for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and motoring fans alike. With its newly upgraded charm and flair, the show not only met but exceeded all expectations, offering attendees a weekend jam-packed with thrilling action, innovation, and a celebration of South Africa’s vibrant outdoor culture which includes overlanding, caravaning, camping, boating, fishing and just about anything you can enjoy while being outside and immersed in your non-digital surroundings.
Anything and everything from sea to land and air, it was there!
Keep reading below to see what you missed, because if you didn’t go to this show– we know that you have a serious case of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), with very good reasons!
They say a picture is worth 1000 words, So we decided to make a special video tribute for this event to showcase just how much fun and excitement you and your family can experience by attending one of these headlining outdoor and specialist 4×4 Expos.
Press play on our YouTube video below to see all the action:
A Perfect Location for a Legendary Event
The South African 4×4 & Outdoor Show Gauteng sponsored by Apollo Tyres, is one of the premier events on the outdoor enthusiasts’ calendar. The two-day event, held from Saturday, 7 September, to Sunday, 8 September, offered an impressive array of thrilling activities, exhibitions, and interactive demonstrations that catered to both novice adventurers and seasoned explorers. Whether attendees were into rugged off-road vehicles, outdoor lifestyle gear, or simply looking for a day filled with family fun in the sun, the show delivered an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
Ticket entry prices were an absolute bargain, when you consider that most of the premium sponsored activities were in fact free of charge. Ticket prices were R 160 per adult and only R 60 for children aged between 4-18. Pensioners benefitted even more as their entry tickets were only R 80.
The annual Gauteng South African 4×4 and Outdoor Show is hosted by Alan Cawood and his highly organised and lovely wife Jenny. Together they have over 30 years’ experience in showcasing exceptional events catering for the outdoor, 4×4, and motoring communities in Southern Africa.
Day 1: Saturday, 7 September 2024 (08:00 – 17:00)
Test Drives and Off-Road Experiences
For those who enjoyed getting behind the wheel, the test drive track sponsored by Apollo Tyres was a major and very popular attraction. Visitors drove the latest 4x4s and SUVs on the race track free of charge, provided you had a valid driver’s licence, giving them a chance to feel the power and capability of these vehicles in action. This interactive track provided a hands-on driving experience that thrilled even the most seasoned off-road enthusiasts. Remember, nothing drives sweeter than a brand new vehicle.
Additionally, the Jeep Club SA ran a 4×4 track with experienced instructors just outside the main event section. Those curious about off-roading but hesitant to drive themselves had the opportunity to sit in the passenger seat and witness the skill involved in navigating some epically challenging and fun terrain. From steep inclines to muddy paths, the track offered a taste of the adventure and excitement that the entire 4×4 community thrives on.
For an extra adrenaline rush, patrons sat in BAIC SA’s newly launched vehicles and experienced the thrill of skidpan driving on a world-class course. This free passenger experience demonstrated the cutting-edge technology and handling capabilities of the latest vehicles which were launched, providing a pulse-pounding and exhilarating ride. This activity was also free to enjoy. And we highly recommend it!
Exhibitions and Family Fun
One of the biggest draws of the event was the sheer variety of exhibitions. From watercraft and boats to bakkie/SUV aftermarket accessories and caravans, visitors explored the latest trends and products that the outdoor world had to offer. Attendees also checked out some serious custom-built rock crawlers, known for their ability to tackle the toughest terrains with absolute ease.
The South African Special Forces Association Recce Bash was another must-see, offering a glimpse into the world of special forces. With exciting displays and demonstrations, it provided a unique way for attendees to engage with professionals who thrive in extreme outdoor conditions.
For those with a taste for the finer details of outdoor living, the event featured an impressive array of outdoor and 4×4 accessories tailored to the off-grid market. These vendors offered everything from camping equipment to innovative gadgets designed to make life in the wild more comfortable, enjoyable and a lot more efficient.
Families and children were well catered for, with entertainment options such as paintball, camel rides, and a performance by Omo the Clown. This ensured plenty of enjoyment for younger attendees while parents focused their attention on the event’s other activities and plethora of equipment stalls.
Helicopter Rides and Adventure Sports
For a bird’s-eye view of the event and its stunning location, many attendees booked helicopter rides for only R450 per five-minute flip. This experience provided a fresh perspective on the landscape, the expo and allowed for some spectacular photo opportunities to see just how big this event really is.
Our pilot took us through many controlled dives with ample twists and turns. To say it was exhilarating is a vast understatement. We would do it again and again if afforded the opportunity. We highly recommend this activity and feel that the ride fee was extremely reasonable and memorable.
For the more adventurous, there was bungee jumping and the RC-X track. The bungee jump provided a heart-stopping experience for adrenaline junkies, while the RC-X track located in the northwest area was ideal for those fascinated by remote-controlled vehicles. Whether participating or spectating, both activities offered thrilling experiences.
The SASFA skydive demonstration at 12:00 featured four jumpers, showcasing the incredible precision and skill of trained professional skydivers. This high-energy performance was a crowd favourite and was not to be missed.
Additionally, a range of motivational speakers took the stage, sharing their insights, recommendations and travel experiences. Hosted by African Adventures Indaba, these talks inspired and educated attendees on outdoor survival, exploration, recommended equipment and top adventure destinations that were certainly worth a visit.
Food and Music
No event is complete without good food and music. The live bands provided an upbeat soundtrack throughout the day, while the beer garden offered a place to relax and socialise. A variety of gourmet food stalls satisfied all tastes, ensuring everyone stayed energised and refreshed throughout the day. The pineapple alcoholic slurries seemed particularly favourable among the female event-goers. There was an abundance of food vendors available.
Day 2: Sunday, 8 September 2024 (08:00 – 15:00)
The second day of the South African 4×4 & Outdoor Show Gauteng brought even more excitement, with a slightly different schedule that offered some fresh attractions and displays.
Aerobatic Displays and Skydiving
One of the most exciting additions on Sunday was the aerobatic air display. At 11:00, the Puma Energy Flying Lions took to the sky, performing thrilling aerobatic manoeuvres that left the audience in absolute awe. For those who missed this first performance, there was another air display at 13:00, featuring the Nashua Extra 300LP, an aerobatic plane known for its superior speed and agility.
In between these sky-high performances, attendees enjoyed another SASFA skydive demo at 12:00, showcasing the expertise of four jumpers. This was a spectacle of precision and courage, offering a perfect mid-day highlight for the crowd.
Continuing Exhibitions and Interactive Activities
The test drive opportunities continued on Sunday, with the Apollo Tyres 4×4 test track and the Jeep Club SA’s 4×4 track remaining open. These experiences, similar to Day 1, allowed visitors to either drive the vehicles themselves or sit as a passengers with an expert instructor.
For hobby enthusiasts of remote-controlled technology, the RC-X track in the northwest area remained open for more high-energy race finales, while the target shooting range provided a safe and controlled environment for visitors and children to test their marksmanship. There was both paintballing and airsoft options available. It was enjoyably competitive.
Family Entertainment and Motivational Talks
Kids and families once again enjoyed performances by Omo the Clown and thrilling snake bite shows at 11:00 and 13:30, where visitors learned about handling and understanding some of South Africa’s deadliest reptiles by industry veteran Johan Marais from the African Snake Bite Institute. This show as also free to attend and one of our personal highlights from the show. Yes, we did get to touch the cobra which did prompt a brief wardrobe change shortly after as the snake briefly jolted from the snake tong grip – as seen in our review video.
Exhibition Highlights
Throughout the weekend, this event showcased the many latest SUVs and 4x4s for sale, as well as a plethora of custom-made rooftop tents and never-seen-before camping accessories, 4×4 aftermarket accessories, various types of watercraft, quad bikes, motorbikes, camping gear and camping accessories, fitment centres, game lodges and much more. For those planning their next outdoor trip, this was the perfect Expo to explore the latest innovations in camping gear and vehicle canopy modifications with some unbelievable show specials on equipment or vehicles advertised.
Many newly launched caravans were also on display too, featuring models that catered to all kinds of travellers, from luxury-seekers to those looking for a more rugged, off-the-grid experience. If you wanted to purchase a new caravan for your upcoming December holidays – this was the place to view and finalise your decision.
Food, Music, and Shopping
Sunday also featured live performances by locally favoured acoustic bands and the same excellent range of gourmet food stalls as Saturday. The beer garden remained open for visitors to relax with a cold drink while enjoying the live entertainment. Both the vocals and the artists were extraordinary to watch and roared with full crowd participation during each performance.
The Takeaway Conclusion
The South African 4×4 & Outdoor Show Gauteng was a true celebration of all things adventure. Whether attendees were into 4x4s, camping, outdoor gear, or simply looking for a weekend of high-octane fun, the event delivered something memorable for everyone. With a perfect mix of interactive experiences, family-friendly entertainment, and cutting-edge exhibitions, it’s no surprise that this show has become a firm favourite among outdoor enthusiasts in South Africa and beyond.
Most of the premium exhibits and activities were free to enjoy and there was plenty of nearby and safe parking. The Airshows and special forces display were certainly also a main highlight and accreditation to this prestigious and popular event.
The 2024 edition of the event at Zwartkops Raceway proved to be more than just a showcase—it was an adventure in itself! In our opinion, those who missed this action-packed debut unequivocally did miss out.
To sum up, this event was not just about cars, caravans, campers and 4×4’s. it was a celebration of everything that makes us South Africans! if tickets were on sale for the 2025 show, we wouldn’t hesitate. Not even for a second!
We can’t wait for next year!
To reserve your participation as an exhibitor or patron at the next event, please complete the enquiry form below and a member of the South Africa 4×4 and Outdoor show will respond to your query timeously. Alternatively, you can visit their main website by clicking here.
