First thing to do, if you haven't already, is click on the above poster's (sagy) link to the spreadsheet that gives you the fares from various start points for your trip. The RTW fare isn't just a set price that you pay, rather a set of ever-changing fares that are MUCH less expensive from some places than others. Since you want to see South Africa, I'd start there. The savings will pay for your trip to get there, and then some. Also, go to the oneworld site and launch their itinerary planner and start experimenting. Find the latest set of rules and print them to keep handy while you plan--you'll be needing to check rules many times while you're plugging in cities. Excuse please of you're already aware of all this.