Thanks so much Ted for sharing your experience with us "newbies". I think (others feel free to correct me!) that we're pretty set on doing South Africa as this for us is kind of a "Safari 101" expedition. I think a 3 nighter sounds just about right.

We are looking for a nice stay in smaller, more private accommodations, but also trying to be somewhat price sensitive too. I don't think we are up for any loooooong drives to get to where we want to ultimately stay and will most likely be considering one of the scheduled South Africa Air(or whatever) flights from Johannesburg to get us within reasonable proximity to our lodging.

I know that these camps book up early...which certainly can present a problem without knowing any 2006 cruise schedules. Others, please feel free to add input...this isn't MY TRIP. It's our trip!