5 Reasons to Visit the SA 4x4 & Outdoor Show This Year

If hitting rugged terrain, sipping coffee beside crackling campfires, and waking up under starlit skies are what make South Africa feel like home, then clear your calendar for 6 & 7 September 2025. That’s when the highly anticipated SA 4×4 & Outdoor Show returns to Zwartkops Raceway, just outside Pretoria, offering a weekend of inspiration, gear, and road-trip camaraderie that real adventurers (like you) won’t want to miss.

You might think this event is strictly for 4×4 owners, but it’s especially useful for anyone planning to hire a 4×4 in South Africa. With that in mind, here are five compelling reasons why we think this year’s 4×4 and Outdoor Show should be top of your travel plans.

The showgrounds at the 2024 SA 4×4 & Outdoor Show | Photo: SA 4×4 & Outdoor Show

1. Catch the Latest Outdoor Gear Across the Board

The 4×4 and Outdoor Show showcases everything from rugged recovery gear and cutting-edge rooftop tents to solar setups and short-course simulators. Whether you’re kitting out your overland rig or dreaming about remote camping trips, this is the place to compare the gear you’ve been eyeing in person – and maybe even nab an exclusive show-only offer.

2. Live Demonstrations and Interactive Experiences

It isn’t just about browsing – this show is hands-on. Expect live vehicle demos, stunt performances, and the chance to test-drive or sim-experience 4×4 obstacles. The South African 4×4 & Outdoor Show also features entertainment, a kids’ area, an art market and diverse food stalls – making it an immersive experience for the whole family.

3. Expert Tips to Elevate Your Camping in South Africa

Chats with seasoned overlanders, tour operators and local gear makers are invaluable. Whether it’s navigating the backroads of Mpumalanga or selecting the best lodging near Kruger, you’ll find people who’ve been there, done that – and who will happily share what works and what doesn’t. Perfect for anyone plotting future camping in South Africa adventures.

4. Support Local Brands and the Outdoor Community

This show thrives on the power of South African ingenuity. It’s packed with locally crafted gear, family-run lodges, trail-guiding specialists and visionaries of the outdoors. Every rand you spend supports small businesses committed to sustainable tourism and showcasing our country’s unique landscapes.

5. It’s a Premier Adventure Event Right in Gauteng

Set at the iconic Zwartkops Raceway, located on the R55 in Centurion, this event is as convenient as it is thrilling. The show’s layout spans several zones – geared to both novice campers and veteran off-roaders – and this year unites around 128 exhibitors and plenty of interactive zones. Plus, with families welcome and food stalls on-site, it’s a hassle-free escape from the daily grind.

Bonus Reason: Score Great Deals and Incentives

Thanks to a blend of street-smarts and timing, the 4×4 and Outdoor Show is often the best place to find package deals. Whether you’re eyeballing a rooftop tent, a recovery kit or off-road accessories, many exhibitors offer show-special pricing.

A gravel road in the middle of nowhere in South Africa | Photo: Unsplash

Drive South Africa’s 4×4 Hire Service

At Drive South Africa, we’re your go-to for top-notch 4×4 hire South Africa, and we’ll be onsite to make your next adventure easier to plan and execute.

Why Hire With Us?

• Expert local advice: Our team knows Gauteng, the Garden Route, the Baviaanskloof – and more – and can point you towards routes that suit your style and vehicle. You can even start planning now using our Road Trip Explorer!
• Flexible, transparent packages: Whether you need a weekend getaway to Mpumalanga or a multi-week overland trek, our rates are clear and we offer optional add-ons: rooftop tents, cooking kits, recovery gear, GPS trackers – you name it.
• Uncompromising safety: All our vehicles undergo regular servicing and pre-trip checks on essentials, from tyres to lighting to recovery equipment.
• Easy booking, reliable support: Use our handy search tool to enquire about availability or reserve a vehicle for your next venture.

An elephant crosses the road during an off-road adventure in South Africa | Photo: Unsplash

From hands-on displays and emerging kit to expert knowledge and show-only deals, the SA 4×4 & Outdoor Show is a must for South Africans who live for off-road adventure and the great outdoors. Whether you’re gearing up for camping in South Africa or planning to unlock the next trail with 4×4 hire South Africa, this is your one-stop source of inspiration and access.