Kalahari Water park and resorts: a splash of Africa in Ohio
By Ervin Dyer

I had my chances.
In June, I was on a short list of candidates being considered for a month-long teaching assignment in Zambia. My heart was set; I'd go and travel to Victoria Falls and drink in the splendor of it all.

Sadly, I got the call that I would not be the one.  When the plans dried up quicker than an ice cube in the Sahara desert, my soul was left thirsting for an Africa experience.
At the same time, my mother, who lives with me, was longing for a visit to a water park. She wanted to re-live the high time from a decade ago when she went with her children and grandchildren on a family outing and was soaked in the cool water and family togetherness.  So, here was my dilemma. How was I going to reconcile my African wanderlust and her desire for a trip down memory lane with summer quickly fading.

Then a friend told me about Kalahari.

Just opened in May, this water park is about three hours from Pittsburgh, 20 minutes away from Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, and a world away from any theme park I've ever experienced.
It has oceans of water slides, enough to drench the sporting appetite of a grandma looking to re-visit a happy past, and, its African themes and décor will transport any guest into the land of African beauty.
The transport begins almost immediately. In the grand and spacious lobby to the Kalahari resort, you meet Goliath a 15-month old tiger cub brought in from a nearby animal park.

Goliath is available to sit for photos, and his playpen sits among sculptures of the big five seen on safari: a lion, an elephant, a cape buffalo, a rhinocerous and a leopard.
African artifacts abound: a framed work featuring butterfly wings, incredible busts of ivory and authentic African drums. Around the lobby area, there are the chocolate-colored mud-cloth covered chairs and low-flat mahogany tables.

At least they serve as tables here. One of the Kalahari tour guides admits that what Americans mistook for tables, are actually used at funeral wakes to display the deceased.
An abundance of African treasures can be found everywhere. But to get a real sampling, check out Zakanaka, the resort's gift shop.  Zakanaka, which means "it is good" in a South African language, offers everything from $10 candles to a $10,000 headboard carved with animals.

One of the unique things about Kalahari, said our tour guide, is that everything is for sale. Most of the chairs, paintings, sculpture and carvings gracing the lobby and common areas can be purchased. Kalahari managers travel to Africa at least twice a year to bring in artifacts.

Other shops include Kalahari Outpost, a convenience store; Safari Clothing Co.; and Indigo Swimwear and Accessories.
Sandusky's Kalahari is second resort. Owner Todd Nelson built the first Kalahari Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin in 2000.

The awe factor continued in our hotel room -- a spacious unit with two queen-size beds and a leather pullout sofa to accommodate three or more guests. And, as if the dark wood framing, earth-colored walls and bed netting held in place with bamboo is not cozy enough, a gas-burning fireplace sits in the corner and patio/balcony. The fireplaces are not in every room, but if you request it, it's a special touch.

Also, when you close the doors at Kalahari, it shuts out all outside noise and I was able to sleep late into the morning. None of the noises from the pool crept into the room.

Our room was modest compared to the African Queen Suite and the Presidential, both of which can accommodate up to six guests. The Presidential includes two bedrooms, a two-person steam shower, a four-person hot tub on the balcony and whirlpool tubs, a flat screen and three 27-inch televisions among its amenities. The Village Suite is the largest and can sleep up to 12 guests. All rooms include at least one 27-inch television,  a refrigerator, a microwave, a blow dryer, an ironing board, an iron and a safe. There's also wireless internet connection, which costs about $9 to use for 24 hours. Room rates range from $129 a night on weekdays to $259 a night on weekends for a basic room. Suites are $269 a night for weekdays and $349 on weekends.

At Kalahari, guests never have to go outdoors. It's all inside. The water park. The laundry facilities. And restaurants -- one of which, the Kahunaville Restaurant and Bar, becomes a disco at 10 at night.
There's also the Great Karoo Marketplace Restaurant, with buffet-style offerings. The price is $16.95 for adults and $8.95 for children 12 and under.

Almost ironically this resort is called Kalahari, named after the mythical and enormous desert that stretches from Southern Africa to the Congo, because it is anything but dry.

The water park, 80,000 square feet, is one of its joys. Plans are to create a water park and campus that is 435,000 square-feet, including almost 600 guest rooms and suites.

For now though, the water park is typically open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and there's a water treat for every age.
The FlowRider shoots out a stream of water at 30 mph, which means it is strong enough to push grown men up its blue, slick incline. With this attraction, the surf's always up. Beware, there are height and health restrictions.

There are water coasters that reach sky high and propel riders through tunnels and freefalls to excite all.
Sound like too much fun? Sit back in an inner-tube and glide down the Lazy River, a slow moving journey of twists and turns.

Most weeks, Kalahari plans activities such as walking tours, jogging excursions and cookie decorating to cater to guests and family.

There are also sporting contests such as water basketball and racing.
Then, when you tire of water and earth, Kalahari offers a little slice of heaven. It's called the Kalahari Spa, which is a treat for the body and soul.

While I was there, I had a zone massage, a 25-minute treatment that focuses on specific muscle groups. I carry stress in my back and for a half hour my troubles drifted away.
My masseuse, Scott, has worked with massage for a year and was trained in a nearby therapeutic center. Under the calming strains of airy Oriental music, he pulled and treaded my back muscles. It was bliss.   
When I entered the spa, I was given a warm, snuggly robe and slippers. And waited in quiet, dim reception area.
Scott used a non-allergenic oil to warm my muscles and then beat the knots out of my shoulders.
There's plenty of pleasure to pick from. There are massages: hot stone, Swedish and deep tissue.  There are scrubs and waxes and exfoliations. There are wraps and facials and body oils. It's a pampering you won't soon forget. Massages start at $55 and manicures at $30.

Other activities the week I was there: the facility offers a jog or walk with complimentary water and fruit; bubblegum blowing contest, card bingo, whistling contest and a scavenger hunt; a hula hoop contest and a limbo contest.
Also, there's a free trolley into downtown Sandusky, about 10 minutes away.
Sandusky, which is mentioned as a safehaven for runaway slaves in the popular novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," has a heritage steep in the underground movement and several homes are open for tours. It's a nice side trip to make for a day.

To get to Kalahari Waterpark Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, take I-76 west to the Ohio Turnpike, I-80. From I-80, take exit 118 to U.S. Route 250 East. The resort will be on your right. Prices vary depending on the times of year. Reservations: 1-877-525-2427 or www.kalahariresort.com