One of three Kalahari attractions in the United States, the Kalahari Waterpark Resort in Sandusky, Ohio is the largest indoor water park in the country, expanded in 2008 from 80,000 square feet to 173,000 square feet, surpassing its sister facility in the Wisconsin Dells. The facility features a 77,000 square foot outdoor waterpark as well.
The African-themed Kalahari Waterpark Resort was one of the first waterpark resort destinations in the United States, offering everything guests need under one roof, from overnight accommodations to spas, shopping, and dining. When the resort opened in 2000, it was one of only 24 waterparks in the country and the Kalahari Corporation is largely credited for paving the path for the waterpark industry.
The resort in Sandusky, Ohio offers 884 rooms including 192 condos, also African-themed. Beautifully appointed with authentic African decoration, the rooms are warm and welcoming and offer standard amenities such as microwave, coffeemaker, small refrigerator, iron and ironing board, high-speed Internet access, voice mail, pay-per-view movies, and in-room safes. Many of the rooms feature separate living and bedroom areas for the ultimate in privacy when traveling with a family. The suites might also include decks overlooking the outdoor waterpark, whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and additional baths or half baths. Village Suite condos feature three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The waterparks at Kalahari Resort are the centerpiece of the facility. Attractions at the indoor park include a 12,000 square-foot wave pool where guests can body surf; a 3,700 square foot basketball pool; the Zip Coaster, the first water coaster of its kind in the world; Victoria Falls, a family raft ride for all ages; Leopard's Lair, an African-themed play area with net crawls, water guns, and slides; the Crocodile Cove Activity Pool; Flow Rider, a surfing pool that simulates the intensity of 5-foot waves; and more than a dozen slides created to accommodate a variety of ages and thrill levels. There are also several hot tubs and plenty of room to sit and watch the kids frolicking in the wading pool.
The outdoor park at Kalahari Waterpark Resort in Sandusky includes a massive kids' activity pool, bungalows where guests can rest and enjoy food and beverage service, and a large land-based play area that includes playground equipment, two shuffleboard courts, and four sand volleyball courts.
Also onsite is Spa Kalahari, a full-service day spa that offers a huge menu full of spa services including massages, facials, mud wraps, as well as manicures and pedicures. Appointments are suggested and specials are frequently offered.
Other amenities at the resort include the Big Game Room Arcade, with the latest video games as well as some classics; Madagascar Miniature Golf, a challenging 18-hole course; Tree Top Play Area, a jungle-themed indoor playground; and a variety of shops. The resort's Kids Club offers young visitors a chance to come together and enjoy arts and crafts, games, contests, and other activities and events.
Dining at this Sandusky, Ohio resort includes three options: a Las Vegas-style dining and entertainment restaurant, a "marketplace'' with a varied menu for lunch and dinner, and a lounge that serves light fare and alcoholic beverages. There's also a coffee shop on site as well as several concession areas inside the waterpark.
The Kalahari Resort welcomes conventions and provides more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space including a 17,000 square-foot ballroom that can also be used for weddings and other special events.
