visiting Kruger in Jan?

I am a 65 year old woman and will be travelling with my female friend to Kruger,possibly in mid jan of next year. I have been advised that this is possibly not a good time to go. Also will I feel safe travelling around South Africa in general or would one recommend an escorted tour?

[Ming]

Jan is very hot in the Kruger, the best time to visit is in the winter months, see some of the posts lower down. It should be fine for two ladies to travel around South Africa. Just avoid dangerous places.