I havent been to South Africa but from what I've read I think that if you
want to drive yourself then that will be your best bet.

My preliminary questions a

1. Is it advisable to use a tour company the first time around? What
do I gain or miss by doing so?
A good tour company will not cram lots of people into a mini-bus - you will
each have a window seat. You will have a qualified driver/guide who will
know where to go to find the animals/birds and know how to get you into the
best positions to see them. You can spend your time looking at the animals
and not the road/map. Extra eyes in the van may well mean you see more. You
will have the back-up of the organisation to sort things out if anything
goes wrong/get replacement vehicle for example.
You can also have the option of your own vehicle and your own driver/guide.
My own experience of this in Tanzania was not that good but it obvioulsy
gives you much more flexibility. I think I prefer to fly from lodge/camp to
camp and use the services of the local experts at each camp.
Lodges and camps vary tremendously - some tented camps are more luxurious
than the lodges, and (usually) a lot smaller.

2. Where does one find reputable companies to deal with?
Dont know about USA; Kuoni is a very well-known and good company for
first-time trips to East Africa (they will also do 'tailor-made';
Abercrombie and Kent is expensive but reputable. Sunvil will do
tailor-made - dont think they do Kenya but they do Tanzania.


--
Rita Daggett