My fiance and I are considering going to South Africa for our honeymoon for 2-3 weeks late May 2011. We have spend a bit of time researching and reading these boards and have decided thus far the must sees as Cape Town and Kruger. We would also like to add 3-4 nights at a beach/island but depending on cost. I am in the beginning stages of planning and have a LOT of questions, most of them being around spending wisely.

A few questions on how to maximize our budget without having to stay in traveling camps, places where safety is compromised, or non air conditioned accommodations (his must have).

First, should we fly into CT or Jo'Burg? I have seen flights to JB for less than CT but that would mean we would spend a day or 2 in JB to acclimate before heading to Kruger. In this situation, we would do few nights in JB, Kruger, CT and then a beach/island, depart.
Is it possible to drive from JB to Kruger? Take a train? Hire a driver? How long is the distance?

Not sure if this is the best plan since I don't see much mention of beach location on the west coast. Any hidden gems?

If we were to arrive in CT, we would spend 3-4 nights there acclimating and seeing the sights then head to Kruger, then beach/island, depart. Are domestic flights into Kruger pricey? I have read anywhere from $100 to $1200. Which are dependable airlines? Would a train from CT to Kruger be a less expensive option? If we were to take a train, would we need a rental car to get to our lodge? We would like to splurge and stay at the Lion Sands Ivory Lodge in Kruger. Any tips for booking a better rate?


Ok and lastly, is there a nice beach or island location what isn't extremely pricey? We looked into the Seychelles but found the flights there to be too high in price to justify the beauty. Maybe staying on land would be a less expensive option, in which case, where? Mozanbique? Is the train to Mozanbique from Kruger safe? I read you need to get off the bus and walk over the border and then take a local bus. Can you take ferries to the islands or are they too far away? Any suggestions on the beach/island part of the trip will be greatly appreciated as we have 0 options right now.

Also, any general tips of booking low fared flights would be appreciated. We are leaving from LAX and are attempting to use some miles to get to JFK or Europe and then pay for a flight from there. First time redeeming miles but I will save those questions for another forum.

Thank you in advance for your help. I have already learned so much from reading the past topics and hope to learn even more. 10 months left to plan and save for the trip of a lifetime!