Emily Moon River Lodge

Dining in the lodge's extravagantly decorated restaurant is an experience to remember, with the chef's home-style dishes including Karoo lamb, succulent pork belly and tomato and butter bean bredie. Enjoy your meal while gazing at the landscape and the rosy sunsets. Above the restaurant, Simon's Bar has a well-stocked bar and a pizza oven that's a real attraction (as is the Cuban-styled pulled pork pizza!). Seating areas with coffee-table books invite guests to settle down for some good holiday reading.

Unlike the bright main areas, the suites are tranquil havens in natural shades. There are 10 separate units of varying sizes. Each has a spacious living area, bathroom with underfloor heating, a fireplace, minibar, satellite TV and viewing deck. Suites 1 to 8 have river views; 9 and 10 have private gardens and treehouse viewing decks. Five minutes from the lodge is The River House, a self-catering unit with seven bedrooms and five bathrooms – perfect for families.

There's plenty to do along this lovely coast. Activities at Emily Moon include canoeing, hiking or mountain biking on nearby farm roads, and birdwatching. The adventurous could try their hand at river-tubing while quieter types may prefer to tan on the nearby beaches or relax by the pool. It's a two-kilometre walk to the beautiful Keurbooms River mouth and marshlands.