Jim - you'll receive lots of reassurance that traveling
on your own in South Africa is safe and simple, and
that is absolutely true. But if you want the sort of
safari experiences you have envisioned, you can't
get those anywhere in the Western Cape or the
Garden Route. Safari operations there are OK,
but better described as 'family' experiences.
There are malaria-free safari lodges in the Waterberg,
northeast of Johannesburg/Pretoria that you might
consider. Many of these might be what you would
consider 3 and 4-star - but there are also a couple as
posh as those in the Lowveld (next to Kruger).
You can easily drive to this area from Jo'burg.
On the other hand, I wouldn't be too concerned
about the anti-malarial medications. And taking them
opens up all the other great safari areas.
The Garden Route contains no gardens that I have
seen, other than the flowers around the homes.
I have never figured out how they came up with that name.
It is a super touristic experience for people who like
bus tours, with stops at the ostrich farms and the
curio shops.. and there are a couple of lovely
scenic communities along the way. But, if your
travel interests have focused on exotic, more
unusual destinations, you would be disappointed
if you spend the time and effort on this.
I notice that you are considering this trip "in the
next 6 months".. be very clever in your timing, because
it will soon be winter in South Africa, with periods of
very cold weather in some areas - even snow in
Johannesburg! Cold on some days in the Cape, as well,
with guaranteed days of wind and rain. September
can be a good compromise (from the US) because
air fares are then low season, and safari lodge rates
in South Africa, in many places, are also still low
season. With the US dollar so weak against the
South African rand, these are points you should
consider, unless cost is no object. The country is
a fantastic travel experience, but costs there are
equivalent in most respects to what you would pay
for the same experiences in the US.
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