Avoid the west coast of South Africa as there is little to see and things are few and far between. I would do the east coast taking you from Swaziland down to Durban through the garden route and back to Cape Town with a day or two in Joberg to see the Apartheid Museum and Pretoria. You should also check out Kruger if you have time (more Safaris). Madagascar is really tough traveling and if you don't have a guide you need to brush up on your french and malagasy and don't expect anything to go right. Give yourself an extra day here or there just in case you get stuck somewhere. The Palagase (sp?) canal is awseome and two night in the Bush House is a great amount of time, and for an island paradise that is still developing its tourism industry go to Sainte Marie, good prices, great water and weather and friendly people, but the hotels are good too. I would also be really careful with what you bring or get insurance on it cause I would not expect to come back with half of the electronic items you are bringing cause people will mug you, steal things from your room and go through your bags. any ways have a great trip

What a great trip you have planned.
Re: south africa,
the cape in june/july etc can be rather bad. they get their rains then, and it gets cold. i would go to Robben Island.The cape is full of things to do, wineries etc. But it is really a summer destination.

This is the best time to go on safari, though, and the best is the Kruger national Park. You can drive it yourself, but must have accom. you can do a private 2-3 day safari which will be well worth it's weight in gold!schools are out over this period, so things get booked up soon.

re: jo'burg:
i did a soweto tour-amazing! go to the apartheid museum at the same time.i have a good tour company to suggest.great accom. too.
definitely see the new constitution court in jo'burg, and take in a local production- the market theater is great.

let's connect via email and i'd be happy to help further.

You're in for an awesome time!!!!