My annual question

I am looking into this Southern Africa idea. I might be able to get air miles to Europe and pick up a cheap flight from there south.

If I am able to swing it, what is independent travel like in this area of the world? Or should we be booking a safari? We tried to go it on our own in Kenya 25 years ago and I ended up in a car accident and a year in a back brace. Maybe that was bad luck or stupidity on our part but whatever, I don't want to do that again. I have heard amazing stories from friends who have gone to Botswana and Namibia and I would definitely love to see the wildlife and people there.

If the safari route is the best way to go, what tour companies are suggested? You're getting me all excited now. I was thinking of a month in Mexico- way cheaper but not exactly my idea of a dream holiday.

Russell, I see that you have never posted on the Africa branch. I suggest you start lurking there looking at the posts of the various southern Africa countries individually and just get a feel for what the region is all about.
Personally, I would not hesitate about doing it independantly, but other people prefer going on a tour/safari. Not in a million years would I ever want to go on one of those "overlander" trips - I guess I have always been too old for that.
Hire a car - you will not need a 4x4 - and drive yourselves around. The public transport (coaches, trains, flights) will get you from one major city to another, but then you will miss out on most of the worthwhile attractions. You could, of course, mix it up a bit - hire a car in Cape Town, take a train to Johannesburg, do short one- or two-day tours with a tour operator, hire another vehicle to go to the Drakensberg... etc.
But a word of caution - you are talking about this summer. I presume that means June/July/August - the height of the season here, and particularly so in respect of the game reserves (Kruger, Kgalagadi, Etosha, Okavango etc) and it would be necessary for you to book ahead at least at some places.
See you on the Africa branch.

Have you considered Greece? Maybe not the islands, but traveling around the Peloponnese? You can visit Olympia - the birthplace of the Olympic Games, ancient cities such as Mycenae and Pylos, the ancient theater of Epidaurus. In the south there are some lovely sandy beaches for relaxing. Just a thought.