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aFrequently Asked Questions

bonsai-sa 4x4 adventures & tours - scenic
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Bonsai Technologies (1997/010604/23) is the legally registered company and trades as Bonsai-SA 4x4 Adventures and Tours.

  • Most of the locations where the tours take place have cell phone reception and/or WiFi. However, this cannot be guaranteed as the tours are in remote areas where coverage is not always available.
  • Communication during the trip will be via two-way radios. Radios will be provided. And of course, we will have in-person discussions when we are together as a group outside of the vehicles.
  • Johan has a satellite phone for emergencies when there is no cell phone signal.
  • Johan is qualified as a National 4x4 And Overlanding Adventure Guide - Overnight Camping and is registered with the South African National Department of Tourism (registration number GP 6210).
  • Bonsai Technologies is a registered tour operator with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) and the South African Adventure Industry Association (SA AIA).

    • Johan will give you a detailed briefing on the risks associated with the tour and the area, how to behave to prevent emergencies, and also provide you with an emergency procedure for the area where the tour will take place. This emergency procedure will include general procedures to be followed in an emergency, contact details and GPS coordinates of hospitals and emergency facilities, contact details of the South African Police Service, a map to orientate yourselves and Johan has a satellite phone for emergencies when no cell phone signal is available.

    SATIB/TRUMP Insurance Brokers – “SATIB24 membership allows access to our 24/7 Operations Centre ensuring customers have a direct line to doctors, nurses and security professionals in a crisis, as well as a trusted source of global support and advice. The Operations Centre provides the coordination of an integrated network of emergency medical, security and incident management specialists who cohesively and seamlessly manage multiple resources and responses to ensure the best potential outcome of any incident.”

    Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) - “The appearance of the SATSA logo is a sign of quality and commitment to service excellence for the tourist. Members are bonded with third-party indemnity, ensuring financially sound relationships when using them as suppliers. SATSA members must adhere to a strict Code of Conduct guaranteeing high standards of service, good quality tourism services and product, and a trustworthy accreditation with the association itself.” Bonsai Technologies is a registered adventure tour operator and is a member of the Adventure Tourism Chapter.

    South African Adventure Industry Association (SA AIA) - SA AIA is a member driven professional body for the Adventure Based Learning Industry and the Adventure Tour Guide industry. Our mission is to collaborate with likeminded individuals and organisations to unlock the economic, human, and environmental potential of the Southern African Adventure Industry through a process of professionalisation. Bonsai Technologies is a registered Adventure Tour Operator and Johan du Plooy (owner of Bonsai Technologies) is a registered Adventure Tour Guide (National) specialising in 4x4, overlanding and overnight camping.

  • Johan is qualified as a National 4x4 And Overlanding Adventure Guide - Overnight Camping and is registered with the South African National Department of Tourism (registration number GP 6210).
  • Johan and Elna are certified to provide first aid in minor emergencies.
  • Although we cannot guarantee your safety, it is our highest priority.
  • We try to avoid risky areas when touring.
  • The chalets, cabins, safari tents and campsites used during the tours are located within fenced security areas. If the chalets, cabins, safari tents and camping areas are not within a fenced security area, it will be stated in the tour details.
  • Some campgrounds are not fenced. You will be briefed in detail on how to behave in these types of campgrounds, what types of hazards may be present, and how to deal with them if they occur. Johan and Elna will always be present to ensure your safety in these areas.

    • The law in simple terms - Tourist guiding in South Africa is governed by the Tourism Act 03 of 2024. This act states that any person or body who wishes to operate as a tourist guide for reward, whether monetary or otherwise, must register as a tourist guide with the relevant provincial registrar, be in possession of a certificate of competency issued by the South African Qualifications Authority and sign and adhere to the code of conduct and ethics provided by the provincial registrar.

    Who is a tourist guide? - The definition of a Tourist Guide is as follows (taken from the Act) “means any person who for reward, whether monitory or otherwise, accompanies any person who travels within or visits any place within the Republic and who furnishes such person with information or comments with regard to any matter”. This is a very broad description, but we have it from the controlling authority, the National Department of Tourism that adventure guides are included in this definition (Adventure Qualifications Network).

    Is your tourist guide legal? - Insurance and/or liability claims, for example, may be impacted negatively if your tourist guide is not legal.

    Bonsai Technologies complaince to the law - Johan du Plooy is qualified as a National 4x4 And Overlanding Adventure Guide - Overnight Camping and is registered with the South African National Department of Tourism (registration number GP 6210).

  • You will drive your own vehicle (privately owned or rented) for the duration of the tour. The vehicle can be your own private vehicle or a rental vehicle. We will be happy to assist you in hiring a vehicle.
  • Driving your own vehicle gives you more flexibility and opportunities to explore the areas around rest camps and campsites. The advantage is that you are not "forced" to go where the group is going. Our tours are planned to give you time to explore on your own. This adds to the experience of exploring. It gives you more comfort, leg room, luggage space and the opportunity to stop more often. Your guide will always give you directions to do this safely.
  • The type of vehicle (4x4 or 4x2) depends on the type of tour booked. Vehicles can be fully equipped with all camping equipment including cutlery, gas bottle and stove, fridge, chairs, table, etc. or un-equipped if chalets, cabins or safari tents are used for accommodation during the tour.
  • During the tour, the vehicles will travel in a convoy, i.e. the guide will drive in the front and the other vehicles will follow behind the guide vehicle. Communication during the tour will be via two-way radios that will be provided.
  • Since we are in nature, there is always a possibility that the vehicles will be scratched. But it will not be serious. Johan will cut branches, bushes, etc. to prevent scratches as much as possible.
  • If you have a compressor, bring it. If not, Johan has a compressor that can be used if necessary.
  • It is always a good idea to have your own recovery kit as you are responsible for the recovery of your vehicle. Johan will assist you during the recovery.
  • It is not necessary. Johan is a qualified 4x4 instructor and will provide guidance on 4x4 driving during the tour if necessary.
  • We do not normally provide meals during the tour. On request, meals can be included if restaurants are available at or near the accommodation or camping areas we use.
  • You will normally need a 4x4 vehicle to join our tours. On some of our tours it is possible to use a high clearance 4x4 with a rear differential lock. Please confirm with us when booking a specific tour.
  • Yes, it is possible to rent a vehicle on request. Rental vehicles can be fully equipped with all camping equipment including cutlery, gas bottle and stove, fridge, chairs, table, etc. or un-equipped if chalets, cabins or safari tents are used for accommodation during the tour.
  • Running water is usually available at the venues and campsites we use. If not, this will be indicated as part of the specific tour arrangements. It is always a good idea to take drinking water with you.
  • South African National Parks - The age requirement for participation in guided activities such as walking trails, game viewing etc. is from 12 to 65 years. Older persons over 65 years of age who are physically fit may be allowed to participate with a medical certificate not older than 30 days attesting to their fitness.
  • Other nature reserves and venues - The age restriction is 12 years and over. If there are other age restrictions, they will be communicated as part of the arrangements for the specific tour. Please confirm with us when booking a specific tour.
  • Normally a tour requires a minimum of 3 vehicles, but we are happy to quote for less than 3. A maximum of 5 vehicles is allowed (with 4 people per vehicle). Please confirm with us when booking a specific tour.


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