@HummingbirdtreeThis is a very big subject! Money often determines options. My first suggestion is to think about what you want to see. If it’s lions and elephants, you have many options, if it’s rhinos, far fewer.
We have been to Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
SA beaches are better in our winter so you can stay in a beach area of Cape Town then fly up to Kruger for the safari. There are adjacent private reserves too. Don’t go to rewilded farms near Cape Town. They are like zoo holidays.
Another option is Tanzania. The safari circuit will take in the Serengeti but do go to the NgoroNgoro Crater. It’s much busier than it used to be but is still spectacular. Then go to Zanzibar for the beach. Wildebeeste are not in Serengeti in our summer and they move around before that so position of lodge matters.
Kenya: Masai Mara and Great Rift Vally works well. You can fly up to Samburu for something different too. Wildebeest migration in Mara from July to Sept but there’s something to see everywhere. Beaches/hotels on east coast are numerous.
Botswana and Zambia and Zimbabwe are not necessarily first time destinations but they have small camps in fantastic areas. Our summer is great but cold at night! No beaches though. Probably more expensive destinations and no direct flights. Most safari areas require domestic flights but Kenya not necessarily. Depends what your funds look like.
I would look at a safari specialist company to get a feel for what’s possible. Expert Africa have comprehensive info and Wildlife Worldwide are very helpful and knowledgeable. This is not a cheap holiday. WW run group holidays and these might be a bit more bank balance friendly. If you need more advice, I’ll do my best to help.