Kalahari's biggest attraction is its expansive indoor waterpark, Pennsylvania's largest, featuring 100,000 square feet of wet and wacky fun for ages 0 to 100. There is plenty to do to keep our 6 year old (a good swimmer) and 3 year old (a non-swimmer) entertained during our two-night stay. Even my husband and I enjoyed the more daring water rides!
WHAT WE LOVED ABOUT KALAHARI
Doing a trick while bodyboarding on the Flowrider, which spews out 50,000 gallons of water per minute to create a five-foot ocean-like wave.
Relaxing on the Lazy River.
Riding all of Kalahari's slides over and over again - especially the longest tube ride, the Rippling Rhino, and the fast-paced Anaconda.
Having slide races, playing with water guns, and unexpectedly getting buckets of water dumped on us at Splashdown Safari, an interactive, multi-level spray ground.
Exploring Tiko's Watering Hole, an expansive water play area for the youngest of guests, featuring a zero-entry pool, plenty of sprinklers and geysers, mini water slides, hands-on water activities, and even a one-foot deep lazy river!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqE8OWYc4qk
Admiring the African art and decor throughout the resort.
Eating dinner at Brandberg. The grilled zucchini flatbread was delicious, and meat-eaters will appreciate the range of choices from the hefty lamb loin chops to the quarter pound Kobe dog with kimchi. The Brandberg also offers a great selection of beers and wines which you can order "to go". (Yes, please!)
OTHER NOTABLE MENTIONS
Winning a gazillion tickets in the Big Game Room and trading them in for souvenirs was a great way to take a break from the waterpark.
For grown ups (over 21), the Thirsty Turtle Swim-up Bar offers cocktails and drinks without leaving the water.
The Ivory Coast Restaurant offers breakfast classics like pancakes, waffles and omelettes and Kalahari's own Rwandan blend coffee. Or if you're feeling adventurous, try the french fried waffle - it's like a waffle funnel cake!
MACARONI TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO KALAHARI
Arrive early and stay the night. Although Kalahari is a only an hour and a half drive from northern NJ, there is so much to do especially for kids that you'll want to spend a night to recover from the day's activities and then finish exploring the next day. A great perk for hotel guests is that up to 4 waterpark tickets are included with each standard room reservation, and you can enjoy the waterpark the day you check out.
Children under 48 inches tall are required to wear life vests (provided by the waterpark) when participating in the water rides. My six year old wasn't thrilled about it, but he eventually came around.
There is no outside food or drink permitted, but there are plenty of options at the resort. (See above.)
The facility is stroller and handicap-friendly, with wide ramps to easily get around and handicap lifts for certain pools.
You can keep wallets and mobile devices safe in lockers for only $10 for small lockers or $20 for large lockers.
You have to walk through the Big Game Room to get to the waterpark. Keep an eye on the kids as they will most likely wander off to check out all the fun games they have. You've been warned!
Be prepared for tears when it's time to leave. A way to soften the blow is to offer a special treat at The Last Bite, a candy and ice cream shop conveniently located in the lobby by the entrance/exit, or wait to cash in your game tickets for prizes until you're ready to go home.
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Disclosure: Kalahari Resorts hosted my family for a two-night stay at their Poconos location to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
