Some travelers recommend Kruger National Park for a diverse and comprehensive safari experience, highlighting its easy access and the variety of animals, plants, and birds. Others suggest private game reserves like Sabi Sand for more exclusive and less crowded encounters.

According to forum posts, self-driving safaris in Kruger are popular due to their affordability and flexibility. For those seeking a more structured experience, private lodges offer guided safaris which can provide a more intimate wildlife viewing experience.

Travelers have called out various lodges within Kruger and other private reserves. Notable mentions include Sabi Sabi, Dulini, and Lion Sands for their high-end services, making them suitable for luxury seekers.

For budget-conscious travelers, it's suggested to consider Kruger's public rest camps, which offer more affordable accommodation options compared to private lodges.

According to forum posts, Table Mountain and Robben Island are highly recommended attractions in Cape Town. Travelers have called out these sites for their historical and natural significance, with Robben Island offering insights into Nelson Mandela's imprisonment and Table Mountain providing panoramic views of the city.

Some travelers suggested exploring less common attractions such as the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and the District Six Museum for those interested in art and history. Additionally, areas like Bo-Kaap and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens were mentioned for their cultural and botanical offerings.

The Cape Peninsula tour was frequently mentioned for its scenic beauty, including stops at Boulders Beach for penguin viewing and the Cape of Good Hope. These sites provide opportunities for photography and nature walks, appealing to those who appreciate outdoor activities.

According to forum posts, Kruger National Park offers a range of safari experiences. Travelers can choose from self-driving safaris, where they can explore at their own pace on Kruger’s roads, or join guided safaris with professional rangers. Both options provide opportunities to see a variety of wildlife.

Some travelers mentioned that staying at private reserves adjacent to Kruger allows for off-road game drives and night safaris. These lodges often include all meals and game drives in their rates. Options range from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations.

For those interested in more immersive experiences, guided bush walks are available. These walks offer detailed insights into the ecosystem from knowledgeable guides. Additionally, some users recommended combining Kruger visits with other activities like panoramic mountain tours or cultural village visits for a comprehensive experience.

Travelers have called out the importance of booking accommodations and safaris early, especially during peak seasons, to secure the desired dates and experiences. They also suggested considering the location of accommodations within or near the park for easy access to safari tours.

According to forum posts, some travelers have recommended the Westin and the AC Marriott for accommodations in Cape Town. The Westin is favored for its established reputation and proximity to the International Conference Centre, making it suitable for guests who prefer easy access to amenities and attractions. The AC Marriott is noted for its more budget-friendly options but is located further from central tourist spots, requiring transportation for most outings.

For those seeking accommodations in specific areas like Camps Bay, Clifton, or Sea Point with a budget of around $500 per night, travelers have called out the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa as a great choice. Additionally, options like the Radisson and Marriott Protea in Sea Point have been highlighted for their quality and convenience, catering to various budget levels and preferences.

Travelers have emphasized the importance of location, suggesting areas like the V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, and Camps Bay for their accessibility to restaurants and attractions. The preference often leans towards hotels that provide easy walking access to dining and entertainment, especially for evening activities.

According to forum posts, popular driving routes in South Africa include the Garden Route, connecting Cape Town to Kruger via Lesotho/Drakensburg and Blyde Canyon. Travelers have called out the Panorama Route as particularly scenic, providing views of the Blyde River Canyon and other natural landmarks.

Some travelers have discussed the conditions of specific routes such as the R60 through the Breede River Valley, which is preferred over the quieter R318 due to its larger towns and amenities like wineries and restaurants. The route from Barrydale to Cederberg has been debated, with the R60 being favored for safety and its populated areas.

Forum users also suggest exploring routes in KwaZulu Natal as an alternative to the Kruger, highlighting the proximity to the Drakensberg Mountains. This suggestion points to the diversity of scenic drives available beyond the well-trodden paths in South Africa.

Some travelers have reported reliable experiences with major rental companies such as Avis, Europcar, and Hertz in South Africa. These companies are noted for their professionalism and extensive network, which can be beneficial for roadside assistance and other travel needs.

For many users, local companies such as Tempest and Bluu (formerly Bidvest) also provide satisfactory service. These companies have been mentioned positively in forum posts for their service and reliability, particularly for long trips across the country.

According to forum posts, it is advisable for travelers to purchase full insurance or zero excess coverage when renting vehicles. This can be arranged either directly through the rental companies or through third-party insurers to cover any potential damages or issues during the rental period.

For travelers with children, it is mandatory to have appropriate child seats as per South African law. Most rental companies provide the option to include child seats in the rental package, ensuring compliance and safety for younger passengers.

Some travelers recommended Carnivore near Johannesburg for a variety of game meats and noted its potential to get crowded on weekends. In Cape Town, Mama Africa and Marco's African Place in Bo Kaap were mentioned for offering game meat and local entertainment.

For fine dining experiences, users suggested Arkeste and La Petite Colombe in Franschhoek, Marble and Grei in Johannesburg, and DW Eleven-13, which offers a notable tasting menu. In the Western Cape, Chefs Warehouse at the Bailey and Utopia in Cape Town were recommended for continuous service and excellent food.

The Codfather and Hussar Grill in Camps Bay, Cape Town, were frequently recommended for good seafood and steaks, respectively. Tiger’s Milk was mentioned for a more casual setting with burgers and beers.

For travelers preferring vegetarian options, it would be beneficial to seek specific recommendations or explore the general fine dining and casual establishments mentioned, as explicit vegetarian-focused restaurants were not detailed in the posts.

According to forum posts, several travelers have recommended specific tour companies based on their personal experiences. The Tourists Friend with Rob Parkinson and Uyaphi Safaris managed by Verity Bester in Cape Town are highly praised for their excellent services. Additionally, Wild Wings Safaris, known for its financial protection and membership in SATSA, receives positive mentions for its reliability and quality of service.

Travelers have called out Ulungele Tours and Safaris and Outdoor Africa for their comprehensive ground operations and tailored itineraries, which cover everything from pick-up to drop-off. These operators are noted for providing a seamless travel experience, particularly in crafting personalized tours.

For those looking to customize their trips, Love Africa Travel and Biggest Leaf Travel are suggested for their ability to accommodate changes and provide competitive pricing. They are known for their responsive customer service and ability to handle complex travel arrangements, including during the pandemic.

Some travelers inquire about extended multi-location tours, for which Nomad Tours offers cost-effective options that cover various countries, including Namibia and Botswana, ending in Victoria Falls. This could be an option for those looking to explore multiple African destinations in one trip.