Corporate Social Responsibility

From community initiatives to support our friends & neighbors, to limiting our carbon footprint and fostering entrepreneurship and philanthropic efforts in Africa, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions believes that doing the right thing is essential to a successful business model.

Community Support

Our resorts support the missions of hundreds of local and national organizations each year through in-kind donations and events. We partner with organizations that share our mission to improve the lives of those living in the communities served by our resorts – Wisconsin Dells, WI, Sandusky, OH, Pocono Mountains, PA and Round Rock, TX.

Here are a few examples of our community initiatives:

• Proud supporter of USA Swimming Foundation’s Make a Splash Program
• Kalahari Field at the Huron Memorial Stadium in Ohio
• Andy North & Friends in Support of UW Cancer Carbone Center
• Golf for a Future in Support of the Wisconsin Dells Education Foundation
• Project SEARCH participant: One-year transition program that provides on the job training and education for individuals with disabilities. The program assists young adults with disabilities in making a successful transition to competitive employment and independence.

Sustainability

Kalahari Resorts and Convention Centers aim to reduce our carbon footprint and lead the hotel industry in energy conservation. Here are a few examples of our progress:

Water Conservation

• Each guest room features low-flow showerheads, reducing water consumption by 2.5 million gallons per year.
• Ozone laundry system allows for a colder water wash.
• High-efficiency water consumption pumps in the waterpark for extended life cycle
• Low-flow dishwasher spray heads for energy-efficient cleaning
• The Wisconsin Dells resort features more than 4,160 square feet of rooftop solar panels. The panels work in conjunction with four 500-gallon storage tanks to assist with hot water needs. These rooftop solar panels contribute to more than 30% of the resort’s hot water.

Recycling

• Resort-wide receptacles are available for refuse recycling
• High post consumer / recycled paper products are used throughout the resort
• Cardboard boxes used to ship products and supplies are baled and recycled.  The WI Dells Kalahari has recycled over 1100 tons of cardboard to date.

Lighting

• Use of eco-friendly CFL & LED Lighting in interior and exterior fixtures
• Motion sensor lights in public areas to maximize lighting efficiencies

Resort Climate

• Digital thermostats installed in guest rooms for advanced temperature control
• Fan installation in waterpark for reduced heating costs and a minimized Kalahari carbon footprint

For the Love of Africa

From custom-crafted artwork on the convention center walls to furniture in guest rooms, recorded music from the streets of Cape Town and original crafts for guest souvenirs, Kalahari has a passion for sharing the beauty of Africa with resort guests. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is committed to giving back to the people, places and cultures that inspire us through fostering entrepreneurship and collaborating with a variety of business and philanthropic partners.

Kalahari Art Partners

The Nelson family, owners and operators of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, travel throughout Africa creating inspired partnerships. Every African sourced product shares a story of entrepreneurship woven into every stitch, carved into every curve and thread on with every bead.

• Investment of more than $5.5 million to support local artists and craftsmen through purchase of African art, textiles and more showcased throughout the resorts.
• Sponsor of the Mandela Poster Project – a celebration of the life of Nelson Mandela created by nearly 100 artists from across the world. Kalahari sponsored the North American debut of the art exhibition in 2015.
• Designing the Future of Africa – In 2019, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is partnering with Ithateng Mokgoro of Gamatong Foundation to sponsor a design competition and exhibition with a call for African artists and designers to interpret and illustrate the beauty of Africa today and tomorrow. Winning designs will be featured in the resorts.
• Sculpting the Future - In 2021, Kalahari Resorts funded solar power, clean water access, facilities for female sculptors and raw materials to support the community of 180 artisans at ZimSculpt in Zimbabwe. Right now you can see an incredible new selection with sculptures on display at each of the Resorts. When you find your favorite and purchase it, the Nelson Family Life Foundation will match your purchase price - with the total combined amounts dedicated to The Water Colors Life Project
• Water Colors Life Project - Currently, Kalahari Resorts is running an initiative that seeks to provide clean water to communities in Africa while highlighting the talent of artists in the region by offering a 'round up' option at retail outlets. The Nelson Family Life Foundation is matching the first $1,000,000 in donations. 

Kalahari Health & Education Partners

Kalahari Resorts works with trusted partners to support health and education initiatives that will make a lasting and meaningful impact to improve the lives of people in Africa.

• Kalahari partners with international organizations providing education, economic development and cultural exchange opportunities for Africa’s youth. Each of our resort locations hosts recent college graduates for a year-long work and cultural exchange program. Students gain practical hospitality education, skills and work experience as they work in a variety of positions during their time at the resorts, benefiting both their personal career development and Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry. An important part of the program is cultural exchange and appreciation, as these students share their cultures with Kalahari associates and guests who do the same in return.
• Proud donors to Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, a specialized pediatric facility that provides surgeries and critical care to the children of South Africa. Kalahari also contributed to production of “Be Like Madiba” journals for the hospital’s patients.
• Through a collaboration with charity: water, Kalahari helped to provide a Malawi school with access to clean water and sanitation to support students and staff (2019)

VIEW OUR CSR BOOK