Kalahari Resorts and Conventions broke ground in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — it’s fifth resort — on Friday, October 20, 2023. The ceremony marked the beginning of the construction of the 1.38 million-square-foot resort, estimated to open its doors to the public in 2026.
“Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is a welcome addition to Virginia’s ever-growing travel and tourism industry,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “Tourism development is essential to building our economy and positioning the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination. The opening of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions will attract more visitors and businesses to Virginia, which will generate hospitality jobs and create a significant economic impact for the region.”
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is privately owned and operated by the Nelson Family and is renowned for its award-winning indoor waterparks, awe-inspiring family entertainment centers, beautifully appointed rooms and suites, best-in-class culinary experiences and beyond-expectations convention centers.
“Our family could not be prouder to call Spotsylvania County, Virginia home to our fifth Kalahari resort,” said Todd Nelson, owner and founder of Kalahari Resorts. “County and Commonwealth officials and the Virginia people have been incredibly welcoming and supportive in helping us to make Kalahari Resort’s fifth location a reality in this beautiful state.”
Years in the making, the groundbreaking marked a monumental step forward in the highly anticipated project that will contribute significantly to the Commonwealth’s economy, creating numerous jobs in the region.
The Spotsylvania County Kalahari Resort location will offer 907 guest rooms and suites, a 175,000-square-foot indoor waterpark (admission to the waterpark is included for all registered overnight guests) featuring thrilling waterslides, dedicated children’s areas, a massive wave pool and surfing simulator, ten acres of seasonal outdoor pools, a 90,0000-square-foot Tom Foolerys Adventure Park, featuring thrill rides, a ropes course, climbing walls, arcade games and more. The site will also include 12 on-site food & beverage outlets, including buffet and quick-bite options and four signature dining experiences.
“The new Kalahari Resort in Thornburg not only signifies a considerable investment of over $900 million in the county by the Nelson family, but also positively impacts our community in other ways,” said Berkeley Supervisor Kevin Marshall, Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors. “This is a direct investment in Spotsylvania that will generate jobs during construction, create over 1,400 full- and part-time permanent positions ranging from entry to executive level, and stimulate economic growth through increased tax revenue, which keeps taxes low while providing access to safe, family fun for our community, as well as visitors.
Spotsylvania County, known for its natural beauty and historical significance, with convenient access off I-95, and short drives from Washington D.C., Richmond, Baltimore, and many other large East Coast cities, was thoughtfully selected as the site for the new Kalahari Resorts location. “We have always loved Virginia,” Nelson explained. “We can’t wait to share the Kalahari experience with the people here.”
The resort will be nestled amidst picturesque landscapes and will provide guests an authentically African-themed experience. With a wide range of amenities and attractions, including over 150,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, the resort aims to become a premier destination in the region.
Marshall continued, “The Nelson family has a proven track record of being an excellent community partner, and we look forward to working with them through the construction and execution phases of the project, and for many years to come.”
