kalahari water park tour

Kalahari Sandusky: The Complete Guide

Kalahari Resorts

Why visit the Kalahari Sandusky? Well, for one, the massive African-themed resort features one of the world's largest indoor water parks . If slides and rides are what you're after, the Kalahari delivers as many—if not more—attractions than a major outdoor water park. And because it is located in a climate-controlled building, you could enjoy bathing suit-clad fun all year long, including the dead of winter.

But the Kalahar i is more than just a water park. It is an enormous resort geared to families and includes loads of things to do, both wet and dry, to keep everyone busy.

Its not all family fun, all the time however. The Ohio facility also reaches out to meeting and organization planners with a huge, 215,000-square-foot convention and event complex. Attendees could bring their families along to enjoy the resort's many activities. Folks planning weddings and other social functions will find flexible spaces and a dedicated planning staff to help coordinate their big days. It’s a unique spot for a destination wedding.

Huge Indoor Water Park

At 174,000 square feet, the Kalahari’s water park is among the biggest in the nation. (In fact, it competes with other humongous water parks that are part of the family-operated chain, including the original resort, Kalahari Wisconsin Dells and the Kalahari Poconos in Pennsylvania. A fourth resort is planned to open in Round Rock, Texas in 2020.)

Among the many slides and attractions are the two Kalahari Surfaris ( FlowRider surfing simulators ), the world's first (indoor or outdoor) uphill Zip Coaster , indoor-to-outdoor spas, and the Wild Kingdom interactive water play area. The park's family raft ride, Victoria Falls, careens wildly in the dark and is particularly thrilling. The park also features one of the longest —and best—indoor water park lazy rivers.

Other rides include a huge wave pool, Cheetah Race, a mat racing slide; and Swahili Swirl and Tanzanian Twister, two bowl sides. One of the park’s more intriguing attractions is Storm Chaser, a water slide that includes an interactive, video game-like component. Private cabanas are available in a variety of configurations. A transparent roof covers part of the water park, allowing the sun's rays to shine on guests, even during the winter.

Plenty of Other Things to Do

A full-featured resort, Kalahari offers a host of activities beyond its world-class water park and is a veritable family vacation paradise. Kids will love the huge arcade, indoor mini-golf, ropes course, and pottery-making shop, for example. There is also an outdoor adventure park with a climbing wall and other activities.

The African-themed resort doesn’t forget about animals. It offers Safari Adventures Animal Park, complete with real giraffes, camels, and other creatures. Guests can feed the animals, take pony rides, and enjoy other activities. Other experiences include mini-bowling lanes, laser tag, a 7-D motion theater, and an interactive virtual reality game to try as well.

Children may want to give the "Adventurers Club" a try. Supervised activities include crafts, movies, and storytelling. For adults, the Kalahari offers a full-featured spa, a fitness center, and shops.

Not enough water park fun for you? During the warmer months, the resort also offers an outdoor water park with even more activity pools, whirlpool spas, and other attractions.

What's to Eat?

For dining, the Kalahari offers the Great Karoo Marketplace, which features a buffet; the Candy Hut, which is overflowing with tempting treats; and B-Luxe Grill and Bar and Cafe Mirage, two casual eateries. The resort's full-service eatery is Ivoruy Coast Restaurant. Next door is Felix’s Bar, which is open late. Both the indoor and outdoor water parks offer cafes, snack shops, and bars

Hotel Rooms, Admission Policy, and Location

The majority of the rooms at the Kalahari Sandusky are suites that come in a variety of sizes and styles. Some come with multiple bedrooms to accommodate large groups. The resort also offers traditional hotel rooms, suites with bunk beds for kids, and villas.

Admission to the indoor water park is bundled in the room rates for registered hotel guests.  Day passes to the water park are available to the general public based on availability. Cabanas and bungalows are available to rent.

The Kalahari Resort is located at 7000 Kalahari Drive in Sandusky, Ohio. From Cleveland and Toledo: I-80 to Exit 118, 250 N towards Sandusky. The Kalahari is a few miles on the right.

Kalahari Resort Poconos: The Complete Guide

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Kalahari Resort And Conventions

250 Kalahari Boulevard Pocono Manor, PA 18349 Phone: 877-525-2427 Region: Pocono Mountains

With 100,000 square feet of wet & wild indoor fun and featuring a retractable roof, no matter what the weather is like outside, you'll be able to splish splash all day long in the newest of America's largest indoor waterparks and recently named the World's Coolest Indoor Waterparks from Conde Nast Traveler. Bodyboard or stand up surf* 365 days a year on the FlowRider®! Experience the Anaconda water roller coaster, thrill to the high-energy oscillations of the Swahili Swirl, relax in the lazy river, spas, Splashdown Safari kid's and Tiko's Watering Hole toddler play areas and so much more! No Kalahari safari is complete without escaping to the 30,000 square foot Family Entertainment Center to enjoy some dry time fun! To complete your safari, don't miss the XD Dark Ride. Experience a whole new dimension of virtual reality at the NEW XD Dark Ride 5-D Theater.

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Ultimate Guide to Visiting Kalahari Resort and Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells

Anyone else LOVE a good waterpark?! If soooo, add the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells to your list! It’s the largest indoor waterpark in Wisconsin and 6th in the USA! Plus, it’s located right in the middle of the waterpark capital of the world, so you can surely make a weekend (or much longer) out of your visit. We spent one (12+ hour) day here at the Kalahari, and we still weren’t ready to leave!

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Table of Contents

How to get to the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells has a population of just under 3,000. This small town may not be the easiest to get to, but there are several different airport options if you do not live within road trip distance.

The most popular airport that most people fly into is Madison (54 miles). From here, you can choose to  rent a car  or hop on a bus shuttle. You also have the option of flying into Milwaukee (122 miles) where there is an Amtrak train that operates 5 times per day.

If you are looking to extend your trip and turn it into a road trip, you could always fly into Minneapolis (216 miles) or Duluth. If flying into Duluth (276 miles), it is a 5-hour drive, but I highly recommend spending a  weekend there  and driving up the  MN North Shore.

Tip!  If choosing to rent a car, be sure to check out the  DiscoverCars search engine  to find the best deals in Wisconsin Dells.

When is the best time to visit?

The Kalahari is my favorite waterpark in the Dells due to having a large indoor AND outdoor waterpark. This means that you are able to visit year-round. If visiting in the summer, you should expect larger crowds, but nothing terrible as everyone has so much room to spread out (as long as it is not raining).

We visited during Peak season in July and we never waited longer than 5 minutes for a slide.

What can you expect to find at the Kalahari Waterpark?

All.the.epic.waterslides.

But in a bit more detail you will find a 125,000 square foot indoor waterpark with over 10 HUGE slides including my famous toilet bowl (where you slowly circle the “toilet” hole until you shoot out). There are also fun twisty body slides, a tube roller coaster slide, and even a slide where the bottom drops out from under you.

In addition to the slides, you’ll find the Flowrider surfing ride, a wave pool, lazy river, water tree fort, a kid play area, and indoor and outdoor hot tubs.

If you are still looking for more excitement, you can walk right outside to the massive outdoor waterpark for more slides and adventures!

Can you stay at the Kalahari Resort and Waterpark?

Yes! But it comes at a hefty price! A one night stay will cost you anywhere between 400-600 dollars. If looking for the convienence of it, you can check out the nightly rates here!

Do you need to stay at the Kalahari Resort?

No! The Kalahari offers day passes that give you access to both the indoor and outdoor waterparks all day long. We opted for this route as we were able to save hundreds of dollars to spend on other things to do in Wisconsin Dells .

There are so many other hotels to choose from in the area that you can get for a fraction of the cost. We chose to stay outside the city at the  Quality Inn in Reedsburg . It was about 15 minutes away, but I saved over 800 dollars with a two-night stay (vs. staying right at the Kalahari…and free breakfast!)

Other options include  Wingate by Wyndham  that includes free Noah’s Ark waterpark passes (If you are hoping to check out other waterparks during your weekend),  Mt. Olympus  (another waterpark with hotels spread out among the city), and  Best Western Baraboo Inn  which is located near Devils Lake State Park.

Money-saving Wisconsin Dells Tip!  Be sure to check out the  Passport to Savings Website  before purchasing any attraction tickets. I saved SO much money (close to 300 dollars), by purchasing my attraction tickets here. YOu can buy them online, or they have several booths throughout the city. I bought mine at the booth right outside the Tommy Bartlett Museum (stop one below).

Where can you eat while at the waterpark?

You cannot bring food into the park itself, but there is a snack shack in the lobby (right outside of the waterpark) and a Tiki Taco Shack outside. The meals were reasonably priced (Dippin dots were not as per usual LOL) and delicious. We had wraps for lunch and a LARGE pizza for dinner.

There were also several bars throughout the waterpark with ridiculously expensive drinks. We stuck to water as you can bring in and refill your own water bottles.

If you are hoping to save a bit of money, it would be easy to pack a picnic and take a break out at the car (the parking lot was close by).

Other tips to know before visiting the Kalahari Resort

• If you aren’t staying at the hotel, bring your own towels to avoid having to pay for one.
• If interested in a bit more privacy and a guaranteed spot, you can reserve a cabana.
• You CAN bring empty water bottles in. They have fountains to fill them up.
• I recommend getting there a bit before opening and going on the most popular slides first (surfing, indoor roller coaster slide)
• If traveling with younger kiddos, there are life jackets available at a first-come first-served basis.

Other Things to do IN the Kalahari Resort

Connected to this epic water park is an equally awesome arcade and amusement park. Tom Foolery’s has over 100,000 square feet of fun. Inside you will find all the games, a Ferris wheel, laser tag, virtual reality games, a ropes course, go carts, and more!

You can add this to your room or buy day passes. You can choose between single attraction tickets or wrist bands.

Other things to do near The Kalahari Resort

• Tommy Bartlett Museum : This museum features over 150 interactive science displays. From a bike tight rope ride to brain-boggling illusions.
• Upper Dells Boat tour : There are MANY boat tours to choose from, but this one is unique as it includes two stops at Witches Gulch and Standing Rock.
• Duck Boat Ride: Perhaps the most popular attraction in all of the Dells is a tour aboard the Orginal Duck Boat. The tour has been running since 1946. The tour allows you to see the best parts of the Dells on land AND water.
• Ghost Boat Tour : Experience the darker side of Wisconsin Dells. During this boat ride you will learn about the haunted past of the Dells plus get to walk through a spooky passageway.
• Ripley’s Believe it Or Not : A unique hands-on experience that allows you to explore the world’s oddities.
• Timbavati Wildlife Park : This wildlife park is home to over 400 animals and features different shows, exhibits, and even a safari train ride through the park.
• Wisconsin Deer Park: Feed and pet over 100 deer and other wildlife!
• Rick Wilcox Magic Show:  A resident Wisconsin Dells magician has been entertaining the masses since 1999. During the show, you will experience different magic tricks, illusions, and comedy. Showtimes differ depending on the time of year.
• Vertical Illusions Adventures:  You can choose between ziplining, climbing, kayaking, and paddleboarding with these guided adventures.

Keep Reading! How to spend one perfect weekend in Wisconsin Dells

Do you have a favorite waterpark in the USA? I’d love to hear it to add it to the list! Come let me know over on Instagram! If not, be sure to add the Kalahari Resort and Waterpark to your list!

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Your 48-hour tour guide of Moscow this winter!

9 am – Visit the Red Square 

Christmas market on Red Square

The first thing that every tourist should do by default is visit the very heart of Moscow – it’s main and most beautiful (which ‘krasnaya’ actually meant in Old Russian) square! 

There are several ways to explore it:

• Take a selfie with Spasskaya Tower
• Have a warm drink at the Christmas market (which lasts until mid-January)
• Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum
• Shop in the gorgeous adjacent GUM department store
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral (and learn that it’s actually several churches under one roof).           

11 am – It’s Kremlin time! 

Inside the Moscow Kremlin

Entering the Kremlin is, actually, a bit of a quest, as it’s a presidential facility with no general access. You need to buy a ticket or, better still, book a guided tour. Inside the Kremlin’s walls, you will find ancient cathedrals, in which Russian tsars used to be crowned and buried, as well as explore the magnificent architecture of the Kremlin that reflects the rich history of the country. And, finally, you could also make a quick visit to the Moscow Kremlin Museums and admire artifacts from various Russian tsarist eras: carriages, thrones, crowns and the most incredible armory and jewelry. 

For more information, visit the official website of the Kremlin . It’s open from 10 am to 5 pm (and it’s closed on Thursdays) in winter.

2 pm – Watch the changing of the Guard

The honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A very spectacular (and free) thing to do is watch how the honor guard does their ceremonial change at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, situated in Alexander Garden, right next to the Kremlin wall. Every hour, from 8 am to 8 pm, the 1st Company of the Kremlin (Presidential) Regiment performs this rather old and beautiful tradition. But, be warned, it's often overcrowded. 

3 pm – Enjoy a green oasis just in the center

Florarium in Zaryadye

Just a few steps from the Red Square, you will find the fabulous Zaryadye park. Opened in 2017, it is designed by renowned American architect bureau ‘Diller Scofidio + Renfro’. You can walk among the very cozy botanical decorations and explore Russia’s climate zones, as each of them is represented in dedicated areas, complete with flora from those zones.

The floating bridge in Zaryadye Park

The park also has an underground museum, an “ice cave” and a 3D cinema, where you can take part in a virtual adventure – a flight over Moscow! However, the piece de resistance is a floating boomerang bridge over the Moskva River, one of the best places to take a selfie.

You can also grab a quick lunch or relax with a cup of coffee or tea in the park.

7 pm – Arrange a ballet night

The Bolshoi Theater

Of course, the most fancy way to finish your day in Moscow would be to go to the ballet at the Bolshoi Theater (in a perfect world, to see ‘The Nutcracker’!). However, getting tickets to the Bolshoi is not an easy task and should be done well in advance of your visit. 

But, don’t be upset if you don’t manage to get tickets to the Bolshoi. Moscow has dozens of other options to see a ballet (or opera). No less brilliant performances can be seen in the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theater or in The State Kremlin Palace (by the way, this is another way to get a quick glimpse inside the Kremlin!).

10:30 pm – Have a late dinner in a fancy restaurant

Dr Zhivago restaurant

There are not so many other cities with such a big choice of restaurants in a range of tastes and styles. In 2021, the authoritative Michelin guide announced their pick of the best of Moscow’s restaurants. And here’s our guide to all the places with Russian cuisine for any budget. But, if you happen to be in the area of the Bolshoi or Nemirovich-Danchenko Theater, then ‘Dr. Zhivago’ would definitely be a nice option (and it’s open around the clock).

DAY 2 

9 am – grab a moscow coffee.

Winter festivities mood in Moscow

Moscow is definitely a coffee city! You can find coffee shops on every corner and they all offer a huge range of drinks. Try a ‘raf’ coffee, a sweet, creamy drink that was created in Russia, or dare to pick one of the very unusual offers, like cheese coffee or a Soviet candy style one (check out our coffee guide here ).

10 am – Take a river cruise

Winter boating along the Moskva River

Another exciting way to explore Moscow is to observe it from the water. Boats cruise along the Moskva River all year round. Most begin their route from the Hotel Ukraine, one of Stalin's ‘Seven Sister’ skyscrapers, and will bring you back to the same spot after passing the medieval Novodevichy Convent, Moscow State University and Luzhniki Stadium, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and giant monument to Peter the Great and many other sightseeings. 

It’s always at optimum temperature inside the boat, which also has huge panoramic windows. Select boats also offer a full dining experience, so it is also a nice place to have breakfast or lunch.

If you are not a water person, then discover other, unusual sides of Moscow – pick one of the activities we’ve prepared for you here ! 

1 pm – Visit ‘Russia’ Expo and taste a bunch of Russian regional cuisines

Russia Expo at VDNKh

Until April 2024, the Soviet-era VDNKh exhibition park is hosting the huge ‘Russia’ expo, with tons of activities and expositions devoted to Russia, its culture, science and nature. Check out our special guide on what to do there!  

An entire ‘House of Russian Cuisine’ has been opened at the expo. You will find 15 food stands with flagship dishes from Kamchatka, Siberia, Karelia and other regions of Russia. Imagine trying a range of cuisines and dishes in one place without even having to travel anywhere, be it Altai pelmeni, Tula kalach or Caucasian pies! A perfect place to grab some lunch.

House of Russian cuisines at VDNKh

The VDNKh exhibition park is a great place to visit, in general! Its pavilions are the perfect example of Stalinit Empire style architecture and you can almost feel as if you’ve traveled back in time! You will also find several interesting museums in the park – devoted to space exploration, Russian history and even a ‘Special Purpose Garage’, which showcases the various vehicles used by the country’s leaders. 

'Sun of Moscow' wheel

And, finally, you can ride Europe's tallest panoramic wheel – ‘Sun of Moscow’ – that will give you panoramic views of the city – from a height of 140 meters!

5 pm – Ice skate with view & mulled wine

Ice skating rink on Red Square (GUM department store on the background)

Ice skating is one of the most popular and affordable activities in Moscow. There are several great ice skating rinks in picturesque locations that are open all winter long. One of the biggest rinks in Europe is also at the aforementioned VDNKh or you can visit the one in Gorky Park, another very popular Moscow spot, or the small, but fancy rink – right on Red Square! 

All the parks offer ice skate rental, so the only things you need are warm clothes, a charged phone to record your memories and a good mood!  Moscow also gets dark at 4:30 pm in winter and hundreds of lights are switched on, turning the city into a giant fairy tale! 

A mulled wine with a view

And, if you are not a sports person, we’ve picked several other unusual activities that you could do in Moscow instead. For example, did you know that there is an entire district of dacha (countryside) houses, just 10 minutes from the center, surrounded by giant new highrises? How about taking a stroll there and feeling the early Soviet atmosphere?

8 pm – Warm up & laugh out loud

After all these outdoor activities, what could be better than a warm cozy bar with a hot drink and nice company? Moscow is a city full of entertainment for all tastes. So, if you know the Russian language or want to practice it, go to a theater or catch a stand-up comedy show. Moscow even has comedy shows in English, where you can hear both Russians speaking fluent English or foreigners (including Brits and Americans) who live in Russia speaking in broken or heavily-accented Russian (Check their show dates on the ‘ Moscow English Comedy ’ Telegram channel)!

11 pm – Finish by partying the night away!

Propaganda club in Moscow

Moscow never sleeps, as you might have heard. Which means there are plenty of bars and nightclubs where you can have a drink (or two or three; be sure to check out how Russians make Black Russian and White Russian cocktails) and chat with incredibly different people. Have fun and don’t miss your flight (or miss it and stay longer in the best city in the world!)!

That's it! See you soon in Moscow

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