Welcome to another exciting episode of the Des Sol 4x4 Adventure Hardware series! In this adventure, we're taking you on a journey to the picturesque town of Clarens, South Africa, as we attend the much-anticipated Jimny Gathering for 2023. Join us as we explore the beautiful landscapes, set a Guinness World Record, and navigate a challenging night drive in harsh and windy conditions.
Our adventure kicks off at Des Sol HQ on a Friday morning, where we make last-minute modifications and pack our gear for the trip. We're commandeering the Treadlite 4x4 vehicle, and if you're not familiar with them, you'll find a link in the description to check them out. Treadlite 4x4 provides Suzuki Jimnys for adventure seekers across Africa, fully equipped with all the necessary mods and accessories. Their motto, "everything you need and nothing you don't," truly reflects their approach.
Once we've fitted the brand new EV1 Shock Absorbers to our Treadlite vehicles, we hit the road and embark on our journey to Clarens. Despite some heavy traffic and a slight detour, we finally reach our destination.
As we arrive, the landscape is dominated by Jimnys, Jimnys, and more Jimnys. We also have a special guest, Dylan Nomadic Escapade Hysloop, a 4x4 legend with an extensive history of overlanding adventures.
Our home for the weekend is Old Mill Drift, a 665-hectare organic guest farm nestled beside the Caledon River, surrounded by the breathtaking Maluti Mountains. The farm's natural springs, pools, waterfalls, dams, and forests make it an ideal haven for nature enthusiasts like us. We even get to taste the exceptional water filtered by the sandstone mountains.
The region around Clarens is rich in history, with influences from various cultures and tribes over the decades. Old Mill Drift itself has a fascinating history, dating back to 1860.
After meeting up with Doep and Hein from All Off Road and selecting our campsite, we light a campfire and discuss suspension, adventures, and what's in store for The Jimny Gathering.
The next day greets us with a stunning sunrise along the Caledon River. Our journey takes us to Safari Town in Clarens, where we enjoy a day filled with music, food, Jimnys, and great friends. Along the way, we even have a chance to flex our 4x4 skills when we encounter a beached Jeep.
We wrap up the day with a live performance by Goodluck and watch the rugby match against Ireland in the rain, a true South African experience.
On Sunday, we head to the Jimny Gathering, where Jimny enthusiasts of all kinds come together. From classic SJ410s to the latest 5-door models, Suzuki has pulled out all the stops, giving us a chance to admire these incredible rigs and meet some of our loyal customers.
The highlight of the event is the Guinness World Record attempt for the most vehicles simultaneously switching on their headlights, and guess what? We nailed it!
But the adventure doesn't stop there. Someone suggests a night drive, and with no one having the heart to say no, we drive past our camp and embark on an unforgettable journey.
As we make our way up the mountain, challenging conditions, and low visibility make it a true adventure. Radios come to the rescue as we navigate through the darkness. Eventually, we decide to turn around and head back down, which proves to be a thrilling experience.
We return to the camp with epic memories and a few more nervous passengers but with smiles all around. On our final day, we explore Clarens and start our journey back home, driving through the stunning Golden Gate National Park.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible adventure. Be sure to like and subscribe to our channel, leave a comment, and stay tuned for our upcoming trip to Eston 4x4. We'll be sharing camping tips, tricks, and maybe even a cooking segment. One thing's for sure, we'll be 4x4ing like there's no tomorrow!
Until next time, make time for adventure and go explore the great outdoors with us. Subscribe now and don't miss out on the excitement!