Krugersdorp - Silverstar Casino complex lies beyond the environs of Joburg, surrounded by bush and rocks.
I wasn’t there to have a flutter, but to experience the international travelling exhibition, Tutankhamun: His Tomb and his Treasures held until March 15 in The Globe. I urge anyone with even a passing interest in ancient history to visit it.
Initially I had misgivings about seeing replicas of the original artifacts but the exhibitors have got it so right.
The exhibition is intelligently produced and presented and profoundly realistic. The 1 000 or so pieces on display are so accurately and beautifully rendered it feels as if you are in the presence of the real thing.
The journey starts with a short documentary which provides an historical overview. Then you move through darkness to three immaculately recreated life-size chambers, the Antechamber, the Coffin Chamber and the Treasury, all presented as archaeologist Howard Carter and his patron Lord Carnavon would have discovered them back in 1922.
Nifty hand and headsets with an audio guide are linked to each exhibit, allowing you to share the exciting moment of discovery of treasures from around 3 500 years ago.
There’s even a special children’s guide.
The enigmatic death mask, the throne, the chariot, golden figurines, enormous golden shrines, jewellery, coffins and mummies are on display and labelled.
Take your children. It really is amazing.
As for the casino, Silverstar has recently undergone a R560 million redevelopment. Apart from the casino there are 34 swish suites with gleaming black and white tiles, splashes of colour and oodles of space, all overlooking a massive water feature and an open plaza.
Silverstar has, of course, gaming, plus 12-lane ten-pin bowling, laser tag, movies and the usual food court and kids entertainments indoors.
The huge, tree-lined outdoor square hosts restaurants to suit all palates, as well as Parker’s Comedy and Jive for evening entertainment.
Behind the restaurants is a day spa.
In such an unusually non-casino atmosphere we whiled away the evening under the stars, exhilarated after hitting the archeological jackpot.
l Visit www.tut-exhibition.co.za and www.silverstarcasino.co.za for bookings and information.