Kalahari Resort & Conventions

Though the resort is located in the Poconos region, the Kalahari is African safari themed, and the wilderness references begin from the get-go. The massive lobby features a giant compass and animal figures embossed onto floors. A fireplace roars beneath a rugged rock-scape adorned with life-like elephant, giraffe, and rhino figures. Faux Savanna trees add lush green foliage to the lobby. From tribal prints on walls and rugs to intricate artifacts and handcrafted wood furniture, every decor detail honors the African theme throughout hallways and common areas.

The lobby offers views of the resort’s main feature -- its colorful, action-packed indoor water park -- through a giant wall of glass. Rooms are housed in huge, brightly colored eight-story buildings stretching either side of the lobby. Overall, the atmosphere is a lot like a like a shopping mall combined with an amusement park -- with plenty of noise and ruckus from overexcited kids. 

Despite the kid-centric nature of the Kalahari, the bulk of guests, beyond families, can also include business travelers here for the huge African-themed convention center and extensive business facilities. Given the sheer enormity of this place, vast common spaces and uber-long hallways can command a lot of walking between amenities, and akin to an amusement park, many of them can become overcrowded and understaffed, translating to long waits and late check-ins. 

Surrounded by forest woodlands just off the I-380 in Pennsylvania’s Poconos region, the Kalahari is rather isolated. While there’s not much in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, it is within easy reach of a number of local sights by car. Some attractions include Pocono Gardens (13-minute drive), Mountain Creek Riding Stables (14 minutes), Pocono Brewery Company (10 minutes), Callie’s Pretzel Factory (15 minutes), and Mount Airy Red Rock Bike Trail (12 minutes). Other nearby highlights include Crossings Premium Outlets (15 to 20 minutes) and the Camelback Ski Area (25 minutes). Nearby golf courses include Stricklands Wissasset Golf Course (10 minutes) and Pinecrest Golf Course (15 minutes). The Kalahari is a 12-minute drive from Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport, 40 minutes from Wilkes Barre/Scranton International Airport, and around a two-hour drive from New York City, Philadelphia, and northern New Jersey. 

The African theme ties most of the 1,027 rooms and suites together, but the decor is much more understated than in public areas of the hotel. Walls are painted beige, with deeper, contrasting earth tones in curtains, patterned bedspreads, and leather-like sofas. African prints and framed paintings of wild animals add a little character, but rooms are otherwise pretty basic, and a number of rooms are showing wear. 

Desert Rooms are the most affordable options, available with or without balconies. Kids Bunk Rooms add a fun factor for young ones, with private alcoves decorated in tropical jungle murals with 3D trees, glow-in the-dark stars on ceilings, and zebra-striped bunks on wheels. All rooms come with mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are basic but practical, with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. 

Suites provide more square footage and upgraded amenities, available in one, two, three, and five-bedroom layouts with granite fireplaces. Whirlpool Suites are more suited to couples than families, with big hot tubs bordered with mirrors next to king beds. Big 5 Suites are like apartments, featuring five bedrooms, four bathrooms, spacious terraces, and sprawling open-plan layouts encompassing full kitchens, living areas, billiard tables, and 10-seater dining tables. 

Penthouse Suites offer three bedrooms with a more upscale vibe, and there are also Honeymoon Suites with red heart hot tubs, though other than in the day spa, couples may find it hard to find peace and romance anywhere else at the Kalahari. 

Other than the business travelers, every single guest at Kalahari is here for the water and theme parks. The Kalahari indoor water park is open year-round, while the outdoor water park is open seasonally -- and hotel guests receive free access to both. A big highlight is the Flowrider Surf Simulator, where riders can catch a wave on a surfboard. There are also a wave pool, lazy river, and all manner of colorful waterslides, plus fun splash areas for little ones. Luxury cabanas, party cabanas, and outdoor bungalows are available for rent for those who want shade, food and drink service, and flat-screen TVs. 

There is no shortage of fun and creative activities on offer for the family, though many of these activities do cost extra. The Big Game Room is packed with excellent arcade games and simulators, with prizes on offer from the walk-in prize store. The Kalahari also features a mini bowling alley, an indoor mini-golf course in a glow-in-the-dark jungle, a warehouse-sized virtual reality gaming arena, themed adventure escape rooms, and a 7D theatre combining 3D film with motion seats and special effects. The Gorilla Express train takes guests to the Gorilla Grove Treetop Adventures area, where seasonal outdoor activities include more mini-golf, ziplines, and a ropes course. 

The resort is certainly geared towards families, but parents can enjoy a modern fitness center with up-to-date cardio and weight machines, and the huge full service Spa Kalahari offers an extensive range of face, body, and massage treatments. The spa also features a Himalayan rock salt room for salt therapy. 

Because of the water parks and families, it may seem strange to think of the Kalahari as a business hotel, but it has extensive meeting and event facilities. They span some 205,000 square feet across 33 meeting rooms and an African-themed Conference Center that is also available for large-scale wedding receptions. Plenty of free parking is provided, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort. 

The Kalahari has five restaurants, plus numerous casual eateries and cafes scattered throughout the property. Breakfast isn't included, but many guests opt for the breakfast buffet at Great Karoo Marketplace Buffet, which also serves buffet-style dinners nightly. Fine-dining restaurants include the Double Cut Charcoal Grill steakhouse and Sortino’s Italian Kitchen, which hosts a fun family-friendly breakfast on Saturday mornings with visits from Kalahari’s character mascots, along with games, coloring contests, and photo opportunities, though reservations must be made in advance. 

B-Lux Grill & Bar serves all manner of burgers and shakes in a family-friendly sports bar-like atmosphere, while the dall-day Ivory Coast Restaurant serves casual options like gourmet burgers, salads, and wraps. Felix’s Bar offers a more adult sports bar-style vibe. Also in the lobby, Marrakesh Market sells hot and cold snack options to go; The Last Bite sells all manner of chocolates, sweets, and ice-cream; and Java Manjaro offers Starbucks coffee, light snacks, and pastries. The Pizza Pub offers fresh-baked pizzas, sandwiches, ribs, burgers, salads, and pastas, which are also available as room service options. Cafe Mirage provides casual snacks to go along with various breakfast options for those how don’t wish to dine at a restaurant. Six casual dining options scattered throughout the water park include The Thirsty Turtle, Cracked Coconut, The Paxton Grotto, Zulu Grille, and ZanziBar (outside). There’s also a swim-up grotto bar serving cocktails for guests over the age of 21.