Welcome--happy to add my 2 rands.
I'm not sure when the nonstop ATL/JNB starts--we're taking it in Sept--I guess you'll need to check delta.com for aircraft/schedule change. So I guess if you have the dates, I can give you more accurate info and opinion. The new nonstop will be 777 LR200 with flatbeds!!! Not a bad way to fly 16+ hrs. the DKR stop totals about 22 hrs
There is no specific cut-off for pax numbers--temp and cargo vary so much. Are you flying in JNB and out CPT? The CPT flights are NOT nonstop, so you will have the lovely "time-to-sweat-it-out in Dakar", as in Are they going to bump us off the flight? If you get stuck in DKR, hope they don't want a yellow fever card--Ive never been asked anywhere in the world but I have it in case. DKR is pricey!!

Or are you RT JNB?

Cape Town--I LOVE IT! My husband would love going there more often as captain but ti shifted to ATL base and it's a long rotation for him. I can recommend a car--if you aren't skilled at right road/stick shift--get an automatic. Drive to Cape of Good Hope--its a rather short day trip if you don't stop too much--but you must stop for the Boulders to see the penguin colony (p-u-ey!! but adorable!) One way down on the coast--returning the wine valley way or reverse. Sad to say the Chapman's Peak drive is still closed ) from what I understand) and IF and thats a BIG IF--Table Mountain is clear, it's one my husband's faves--he loves to hike but it's not for the squeamish. The drive is really good--even on the wrong side...You can go to Hermanus and cage dive with the great white sharks--no scuba reqd--it's pretty wild--I have the website he used. and more tips if you want.
I would personally skip CPT waterfront--nothing special at all.

Feel free to ask more--I saved your email if you want me to answer more specifics. Hope that helps a little.


PS--just confirmed that Chapman's Drive is closed until at least August, but if you look at tripadvisor.com Cape Town forum, there is a way to give you partial views (it is ONE SCARY road to drive) so maybe it's best to just go to that tourist access