The Comair/BA flights are excellent, planes in good condition and better food than you get in the US (e.g. meal served on the short JNB-CPT flight, in fact on most flights). Definitely a first-world experience unlike some other airlines in Africa. Safety in parts of rural SA is a concern, particularly for a solo female passenger; be sure you know what you are getting in to. If there is any part of New York City that you would not walk in by yourself at night (and I do mean any part), be cautious in Johannesburg. If driving be aware that it is legal to run red lights if in danger of being car-jacked (yes, it is that bad in a few areas). Stick to the nice neighbourhoods (Sandton and Rosebank in Johannesburg) and you will be safe, even on the street ... but notice the heavy private security guard presence at the shopping malls ... they are there for a reason! If you behave as though in a nasty part of NY you should be OK and still enjoy what is a beautiful country. Booking safaris in advance might be advantageous if you get a rate that was set a few months ago (before the US dollar fell so much). Some of the most expensive packages may not have been repriced yet and are thus 30% cheaper. Normally it is cheaper to book in SA but that might not be true for a short while due to the recent exchange rate movements. Kruger is the best safari and this is the best time of the year (the grass is short and you can see the animals much better!). It is also possible to take a 1 or 2 day safari from Sun City (you can arrange at your hotel there) if you don't have time or can't do Kruger.