Hi Birdseye
Came across your thread today ...... and can see you've already received loads of info/advice/suggestions for your trip. Here's my 2penneth......
Like you, I'm retired
. Did my first trip to South Africa in early 2006. I was lucky enough to have a friend in CT who was happy to loan me his GSA for five or six weeks! Travelled alone, which is the way I prefer. In my experience I find I get to interact with the locals so much more .... and only have myself to worry about.
Guess your itinerary is going to be shaped not only your budget and available time but also the things you're attracted to. (I also took in parts of Namibia & Botswana while down there.)
IMO, you should not pass by the opportunity to get your hands on a GS for at least a part of the trip. The country has some superb dirt roads and amazing landscapes. Many tarred roads seemed to me to surprisingly empty by UK standards! I opted not to go near Joberg ..... in fact apart from CT I stayed pretty much in the rural areas trying to put my available cash into the local black communities. It may not be your cup of tea but, for me one of the most memorable experiences I had was spending three days in a black township (Langa) on the eastern fringe of CP, before flying back to the UK. There are now one or two black run B&B's established in the townships and you live very much as part of the family.
Don't pass up the chance to go out to Robben Island .... I didn't book in March ..... just bought the ticket and straight onto the boat.
The drive (IMO best ridden
) down from CT to Cape Aguilhas is STUNNING. Personally found the Garden route over-rated. Addo is well worth the visit. I'd also recommend the coast line east of East London up to around Port Shepstone (the Wild Coast).
Loved Lesotho ..... fairly mountainous, great scenery and people. The ascent up the Sani Pass was amazing, if a little hair raising! If you opt to go over to the battlefields in KNZ, really think it's worth hiring/sharing an authorised guide.
As regards personal safety, I can only say I spent six weeks traveling alone through five countries and experienced nothing but friendliness. Think its down to taking sensible precautions and just not placing yourself into situations where the risk level is high. Just maybe I was plain lucky!
As has been mentioned, B&B's are a good option and their numbers are growing. I ended up mixing off road camping, B&B's and Backpacker hostels (along the coast).
Sure you'll both have a great time .... and suspect once you've had a taste, you will be planning a future return trip