Going there next weekend. Africa is huge--where do you want to go? What time of year? Can you fly SA or DL? What about EU carriers--LH, AF, KL, etc. Solo or couple?
Here's a quick rundown of getting to South Africa via JNB on DL. Really really hard for OALs. Must be very flexible. ATL is nonstop. You can fly DL to other African cities but may have similar issues w/payload optimization--then you have to use OALs. I recommend starting with tripadvisor.com for specifics by country for local advice--carriers, routes, etc.
We fly w/25 yrs seniority and still I worry every time. We had to zed on EK to Dubai to get home once.
Been 5-6 times--Boss used to fly Cape Town alot, via DKR.
Once you have an idea of where you want to go, I can advise with recent experience. I'll know lots more shortly. A few other folks here have great pointers, too.
I do alot of research prior. If you want to send PM, feel free. I can forward files I've amassed over the 5+ yrs going to SA.
I've been monitoring this month's flts to/from JNB and they go from no nonrevs to 20 getting on. Flexible is the key.
All that said--it's SA is such a great place to visit--so much variety in one country. Reasonable food, petrol, guesthouses, wines!! Safaris range from self-drive, self-catering to luxury all-inclusives. Malaria free and not...
Hope this helps.