Driving up to Kalahari, my girls had no idea where we were going. I pre-packed the car so all our luggage was good to go. As we turned into the Kalahari parking lot squeals escaped the girls lips. The safari theme started to come alive as we pulled closer to the entrance. We quickly grabbed our things and walked toward the front. We quickly saw the sparkling holiday decorations sweeping through the Kalahari resort, which stirred even more excitement within my family. We were greeted by the friendly staff and my girls skipped inside stopping to “ooh and ahh” at the Christmas lights, decorations and safari animals.
The check in process was smooth and informative, as our room was being made ready we headed straight to the indoor waterpark. Wristbands are used as your “key” for the entire resort, which was very convenient and easy to keep track of. We waltzed through the hotel as Michael Bublé sang “it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas…”
Walking through the resort felt similar to Las Vegas, so much to see, so much to do, so many places to eat and exciting options on every corner. My girls smiles were ear to ear!
Going down the escalator into Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park my girls started pointing and keeping track of all they wanted to do. Soon we were inside the massive Indoor Waterpark, wow! It was incredible.
We got settled into our cabana, which was conveniently by the lazy river, smoothie bar and tube slides. We ordered some corndogs and a bucket of popcorn, in the super fun waterslide pail, as my girls were ready for a snack. The popcorn refill is only $2! Then we started tackling the waterslides. The Stingray was by far our favorite for our whole family to enjoy, next was probably the Kenya Korkscrew and who doesn’t love a lazy river? Each ride had its own personality and were so much fun. They had perfect offerings for every age from Tiko’s Watering Hole for itty bitty babes, to the Coral Cove for littles, to the Splashdown Safari for bigger kiddos, to the wave pool, to the lazy river, to the Lost Lagoon for swimming and playing basketball, to all the wild rides, and finally the hot tub. Truly designed for all ages to enjoy!
I received a text message that our room was ready, ahead of schedule! We grabbed our luggage and made our way up to the 9th floor, we used our wristband as our key to open the door and quickly my girls were back in “squeal mode” as they saw the Christmas tree in our room (what!?), super cute unicorn ice cream Kalahari cups and shirts! The hubs and I got some great cups, shirts and a family swim bag too.
After getting our room settled, back down to the Indoor Waterpark we went. Much to do! From the Cheetah Race, to the Barreling Baboon, Rippling Rhino we laughed and had such a great time. When we were ready for some down time, we took a few trips around the lazy river.
Then it was time to pack it up and get some grub. Kalahari has 7 restaurants to choose from. You name it they got it. Mexican? Check. Steakhouse? Check. Burgers? Check. Mac n cheese? Check. Italian? Check
Italian was our choice, Sortino’s Italian Kitchen provided my family with some of the best calamari we have ever eaten! The atmosphere was authentic and cozy. My girls loved the kid’s menu, cheesy ravioli and extra cheesy pizza. My husband ordered the Steak Pizzola which he said was fantastic. I couldn’t help but order the 12 hour lamb… the menu had me at lamb jus, olives and soft polenta. Yum. Then we ordered a real treat for dessert, Sortino’s has a cannoli cart. Yes, you read that right. A cart arrives tableside and the kind waiter asks us what the table would like. We requested one of each. One filled with classic lemon, dipped into pistachios, one with classic sweetened ricotta with chocolate chips, dipped in sprinkles and lastly for my chocolate lover daughter, chocolate cannoli, chocolate ricotta filling and dipped in M&Ms.
Next, was Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park. There were so many options from bowling, to escape rooms, to mini golf, to the Human Claw Experience, to the arcade, and more. My girls chose to ride the Screamin’ Centipede, the Tarantok ropes course, and the Cave of Mirrors. The Tarantok ropes course, was so fun to watch them climb, swing, glide on the zip line, balance and giggle. Then back up to our room we went, phew what a day!
We all enjoyed the cozy beds in our clean room with our sparkling Christmas tree.
The next day, we went to Karoo’s to enjoy the fabulous breakfast buffet. I am a breakfast kind of gal, and they had it all. We loaded our plates with fluffy pancakes, sweet French toast, made-to-order veggie omelets, salmon + lox, crispy breakfast potatoes, chewy bacon and some fruit. Starbucks coffee is served there and hit the spot. As we left, I grabbed some blueberry scones for when we needed a snack later.
For day 2, my girls were ready to tackle the Indoor Waterpark again. This time we tried some of the rides we didn’t the day before like the FlowRider body boarding, Serengeti Spinner, and the Smoke that Thunders. We relaxed in the lazy river again and called it a day. We finished up at Tom Foolery’s with the lazer frenzy, another ride on the Screamin’ Centipede, and a few arcade games.
We finished our stay with ice cream and apple cider sitting in the lobby taking in all the sights and embracing the excitement for the holiday season.
Come experience the winter wonderland at Kalahari Resorts this holiday season! This year the entire resort will be decorated to immerse your family in all the best parts of the holiday season.
Looking for some self-care and pampering this holiday season mamas? Spa Kalahari and Salon is the place to go for body treatments, massages and a day of ultimate relaxation!
Tell the grandparents: holiday shopping is easy this year with a Kalahari gift card—it’s the perfect gift!
Use promo code: BLACKFRIDAY!
With Kalahari’s world-class dining; Spa Kalahari; indoor waterpark; family entertainment centers; and so much more. Kalahari Resort’s gift card is sure to go BEYOND anything your loved ones could expect!
