It's great hearing stories of people coming back after taking off from airfields 8-9000 feet in Africa but it's irrelevent if and when you restart your flying in the UK.
Any experience is relevant that s why it is called experience and that's why we record it in the logbook
As for the pros and cons about SAvsCA, well I suspect money is the main issue and SA is a place where beers are cheap, very cheap (best international comparison index in my book).
Although both places have a lot to offer so whichever you pick. i doubt you will be disappointed.
Enjoy it !