Emerald Resort & Casino

The resort consists of an enormous complex of restaurants and bars, conference rooms, hotel lounges and green space. It'd be easy to get lost were it not so well sign-posted. Take in the bush views while dining at the Emerald Hotel Restaurant, where hearty breakfast buffets are served or enjoy dining, day or night, on Breeze's open-sided patio. High Stakes restaurant makes an elegant celebration after a good poker hand. The casino itself is a vast den of slots and tables with low-lit velvety elegance.

There are several styles of accommodation at the resort, from the rambling hotel with its 77 rooms and suites which are stylish and outfitted with all the requisite mod-cons (Wi-Fi, air-con, TVs and Nespresso machines). The Bush Lodge consists of several one or two-bedroom elevated thatched chalets, set in a quiet forest. Chalets are semi-self catering with a small kitchenette and feature the same amenities as the hotel rooms. River Resort Chalets offer space enough for two, four and six guests and are perfect for families and extended stays; they sit within an easy stroll of the Vaal River. Even campers are catered for in the caravan park, also near the river, with access to the hotel pool. Here, you'll find pitches that feature electricity points, bathroom blocks and washing facilities.

Emerald Resort is a hive of activity and appeals to more energetic holiday makers. The set of resort/casino and outdoor enterprises on offer position it uniquely. Animal World is the 14-hectare zoo on the property, where African wildlife can be seen in zoo enclosures - monkeys, birds, snakes and even lions. An adjacent game park also exists, where giraffe, zebra and various herbivores wander in a more spacious enclosure. Then there's the putt-putt course, rock climbing walls and the 56 kilometres of navigable river, rounding it out as an Eden of enjoyment.