The two hour car ride we had from Westchester County transformed our lives from not only heading into another state of Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania but to Kalahari, Africa as well.
Kalahari Resorts is Spectacular! The following attractions are under one roof:
- a Convention center
- an indoor waterpark
- and assortment of restaurants
- a spectacular spa
- accommodations and shopping
- African Art
- a tremendous arcade room
- a Fitness center
By next Spring, there will be an outdoor waterpark and an even bigger expansion to the coolest indoor waterpark as well. With this expansion also comes and an additional wing to the resort. I can’t wait to go back and see how much it has transformed.
Although Kalahari is massive in size the personal touch is truly evident throughout. From the front desk personal to the waitstaff and team members everyone goes out of their way to attend to your needs.
The ultimate act of taking care of guests was that Natasha from the Nelson family gave us a personal tour of the facilities. The Nelsons are the owners of this resort and several of locations as well. We all had the utmost respect for the Nelson family while listening to Natasha speak about the family’s travel to to visit Africa and travel to 6 countries in 23 days.
The decor of African art is like stepping into a museum. You will see beautiful animal carving, authentic furniture and sculptures by African artists. The true to size animal carvings make you do a “double take”- They look so real!
From the moment we entered our suite we couldn’t believe how sizable and extremely comfortable it was. Though we were a party of 5 you could easily sleep 8-10 and still have plenty of room. Everything we needed was provided including a mini fridge to a 2 full bathrooms and a patio area outside.
As for food you are never with out options. While on vacation we are all about trying new things and this is no different when it comes to food. For our welcome dining experience in Brandburg we were treated to not only conventional but delicious pizza with toppings of pear and ever so tasty cheese assortments. But for those picky eaters in your group they are always able to accommodate for them as well. Chicken fingers and fries were brought out for some members of our group. Every meal is made and prepped in their kitchen and they are very conscientious of allergies too! You can always speak directly to the chef knowing your meal will be prepped and cooked in the way you need it to be.
We loved The Great Karoo Buffet. The choices were unbelievable and endless. The girls were delighted in making their own selections for breakfast while having the most delicious omelettes and the freshest fruit. We also had dinner another day there and it was even better than we had imagined. Dessert was the highlight of the meal with individualized portions a sampling of all was a must have.
There is always a reason to celebrate while at Kalahari and what better way to do that than join in on Kenya’s Surprise Birthday party. For this character breakfast in the Brandburg restaurant you are treated to a party atmosphere with all of Kenya’s friends wait to surprise him for the big celebration from signing and dancing and of course cake we had a fun filled way to start the day.
One of my most favorite experiences while at Kalahari was the wine & beer tasting experience. We were treated to wine from Africa and even a banana flavored beer. This tasting was paired with wonderful shrimp, turkey cocktail meatballs salami and cheeses and the most delectable jalapeno poppers. All items served beautifully and looked to good to eat.
Now onto the main reason you want to book your trip to Kalahari right now is the Indoor Waterpark– It will leave you speechless. You never get the confining feeling of being indoors for a length of time. It is bright and spacious and warm too. The water is just the right temperature to keep you comfortable from each water slide to the next. The girls were thrilled with opportunity to get get private Flowrider lessons. The surfing came naturally to my youngest niece. With such enthusiasm she kept attempting to make each wave count. Normally each rider would have one minute to surf however you can choose private lessons in the early morning. I even got in on the action. It isn’t as easy as you think but it is tons of fun. My middle niece thinks she is a mermaid now. They literally transformed her with mermaid tails and more from learning to swim in the water and do neat tricks. From navigating around the pool she found a new love of the water and is begging to do it again.
Everything you need in the waterpark is there: a lazy river, water slides- the Anaconda was everyone’s favorite, pool basketball and a hot tub for adults with a swim up bar. We all enjoyed in indoor / out door hot tub. While not in the pool you can choose to rent a cabana for the day to get a little privacy and enjoy the TV and mini fridge. Lunch was served for our entire group, the staff couldn’t have been more helpful in accommodating everyone’s needs to getting refills on drinks and fresh towels. Though it can be tricky keeping my eye on 3 young girls I never felt they weren’t being taken care of. The lifeguard staff is on constant watch making sure all are following the rules and wearing life vests when needed.
After a day at the waterpark it was time to relax and have some fun in the game room. This arcade had something for everyone. We hit it big on the games with thousands of tickets. Skeeball is my favorite and watching it land in the tiny rings reminds me of many trips to the boardwalk on he Jersey Shore. While these tickets accumulated quickly the girls were eager to trade them in for fun prizes. Come on who doesn’t love a whoopee cushion or over-sized glasses.
While Mema was watching the girls I slipped away to Spa Kalahari to relax and enjoy all the amenities of the hydro spa. The luxurious hot tubs and steam rooms make it such a relaxing part to your stay. With plenty of room in the relaxation sanctuary for many guests it is the perfect oasis to end your trip. I am looking forward to booking my next treatment at the spa. With so many options to choose from, it will be a hard choice. Everyone deserves a little “me” time.
This adventure to Kalahari was exceptional. What a terrific “girls” adventure for 3 generations. While walking around the resort you could see kids of all ages, parents and grandparents singles or couples and they all had the same expression on their faces. Everyone was HAPPY. The feeling of having fun at Kalhari Resort is beyond words. We will treasure the memories we made and the bonding experience for the rest of our lives.
Have you been to Kalahari? What would you like to do the most?
Oh. You. Had. This. Texan’s. ATTENTION. with the indoor waterpark. We tried great wolf lodge. It’s time to check this out during summer ’16!
Oh wow, my two boys would LOVE it there! They love indoor water parks in the winter time when we can’t get outside to the beach, so I might have to plan a road trip there soon 🙂
We loved our visit to Kalahari. The staff was amazing – especially the lifeguards. We did spend too much time in the arcade though, my kids refused to leave.
This definitely sounds like a trip that my family would love! Hopefully, I’d even get some spa time 🙂
We went to Kalahari a few months back and loved it!
It looks like you had a blast! Love your pictures, will check the resort out!
Man that looks fun! Reminds me of Great Wolf Lodge.
What a great detailed recap! We loved sharing this trip with your sweet family. The kids can’t wait to see our girls again in Disney. Such a special family you have Kerri. xx
Wow – this looks so fun! Can’t wait to visit one day.
AMAZING!!! I wanna go so bad!!!!
This looks so fun! I know my kids would love it.
Oh wow! That looks so amazing! I love all the detail they have everywhere. Looks like a vacation where you would never have to leave your hotel!!!
What an amazing spot! I love the African theme and I know our family would have a blast here! We’ll have to make plans for a family trip soon!
We were going to hit up Kalahari last year for a weekend away with the our family, friends and kids but decided it was too big for them (age-wise). However, my husband was really upset so we most def. will be going to Kalahari at some point soon! Glad you had fun!
This place looks so incredible! We are looking for something to do over Passover break! Funny thing, we’d have to bring our own Matzah!
This looks awesome!
I’ve only visited the Poconos once, but I absolutely loved them. There is so much to do there, and I really like that they have resorts like Kalahari that are geared towards families.
I have always wanted to go to the Pocono’s but have never made it. This looks like so much fun. What an awesome time for a family. We will have to check this out soon. Thank you for sharing
Oh wow! It looks like you guys really had a wonderful time. What a gorgeous resort, too! Love the theme.
This looks like so much fun. It definitely sounds like an great place for a family vacation. There’s so much to do!
We feel the same way! Adore that place!!
I haven’t been to the Poconos in years. Looks like a cool family place.
Oh my gosh!! I have always wanted to go to the Poconos!! Looks like you had a fabulous trip!!
It looks like it would be so much fun! Thanks for sharing all the pictures.
Touring the hotel is such a unique and exciting experience, this is definitely perfect for a vacation with the kids! The indoor waterpark takes the cake, just look at all the things the kids can do there! That’s so much fun!
It”s wonderful when they gI’ve you a personal touch. Even better that they can do so in a place so huge. I’d love to go.
What a fun adventure this is a great place to visit. I love it my family would also love it.
Looks like you and the kids had a great time. Love family vacation and this place is a winner amazing. The resort theme seems warm , cozy and inviting.
We are going next month some time and we can’t wait!
What a fun and amazing place to visit. Truly a good one for the whole family. How I wish we have something like this here at our place.
There is all that in one building?! That’s crazy and sounds exciting!! It looks like you guys had a lot of fun.
This resort looks like a lot of fun! We don’t live that far away so we will have to plan a trip soon!
The Poconos has been somewhere I’ve wanted to visit for a while now. My friend goes with her family every year.
This looks fun and exciting. I like how there are so many things to do. The exhibits are really nice too. Looks like you had a great time.
This is a place that I just put on my to do list!
Spa, Cabana, Game room.. I don’t need any more convincing I totally want to go! The wine and beer tasting seems amazing too!
I love the idea of a unique wine and beer tasting. I never thought of a banana flavored beer. Plus with the African Art it must be a wonderful experience.
There’s a SPA?!?! Sign me up!
We cannot wait to check out this place, its been on our list for a while.
The African art is stunning! Looking forward to winning and visiting such a magical place!
My husband is from Africa. Whileven this resort may not be exactly like where he’s from I’m sure he’d appreciate the theme. My kids would love to visit Africa. This would be a great way to get the feel of Africa close to home.
We’ve been dying to go to Kalahari!
The spa sounds so much fun while the kids are at the pool with their dad. Lol
We had a blast at Kalahari!!! Would love to check out the spa this time!!!
I think my daughters will especially love the waterpark, and I’m interested in trying out their Flowrider surfing too 🙂
I commented on “a busy sports day”
Short drive from NYC… Kids you love this
We have gone to Camelback & Great wolf lodge, , my grandson would love it here! I would love to try the spa!
Looks like a fun place to visit for the whole family. Looking forward to checking it out one day!
I didn’t know that there is a spa there! That is fabulous!
I learned that they have a huge arcade that I think my sons would love!
We’ve been there! Awesome place! My girls loved it!! We would love to go back.
This place looks awesome. I haven’t been to this location before. Thank you for this post. I had no idea they planned on expanding!! I can’t wait to go one day!
I can’t believe all the amenities for big and small! This is always a super fun trip and can’t wait for the expansions!
Love it there!
This looks like a lot of fun. Great that there will also be a new outdoor water park.
Kalahari is one of our kids’ favorites. Can’t wait to see the outdoor part when completed!