First-time vistor to SA: independent or package tour?

Jim wrote:

I'm somewhat confused
about the kind of safari experience we might get (or not) at a Western Cape
lodge, as compared with one in the Waterberg. Several of the cape area
reserves indicate they have drives to view the big 5 and other game.

This is a touchy subject - because the operators of the safari properties
in the Western Cape are working very hard to develop quality
destinations. But I don't think they are there yet - and we are also
talking about a drier environment, quite different from the bush
landscape where most safari camps are found in other areas of
South Africa. And I can think of one where the Big 5 viewing is
essentially the same as you might have at a 'safari' park in
Florida or California. I know of no safari camp in the Western Cape that
I could recommend for someone traveling to South Africa for
what might be a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. I wish I did.

One of the posters mentioned the Eastern Cape for safaris, and there
are a couple of good places there - but reaching them by car is not
feasible from Cape Town. Just too much travel time.

As to timing, would a June trip make sense, or is September our best bet in
the
next six months?

I've had clients there in June - and it was clear and cold in the
Cape. And windy. I spent all of last September in the Western Cape
(and will again this year) and it was certainly cold and windy then
as well, but unseasonably so. Practically speaking, I would think
September would be the better choice.