The Water Colors Life Project: Kalahari Resorts’ Commitment to Clean Water Author Kalahari Resorts & Convention

What started as a family dream —beginning as one resort in Wisconsin Dells —has grown into a leading hospitality brand in the United States. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions offers a unique all-under-one roof experience. With a dedicated team providing first-class service, guests enjoy easy access to America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark, a full-service spa, signature on-site dining, and indoor/outdoor entertainment options. Kalahari founders Todd and Shari Nelson first visited Africa with their family in the 1990s and were immediately taken with the beauty of the continent and the energy of its people. Their family travels to Africa immediately sparked the inspiration for how they would design their upcoming resort, to bring the power and beauty of Africa back to Wisconsin. The result is an authentically African-themed resort.  

Two decades later, Todd, Shari, and their children all work to bring the beauty of Africa to families across the U.S. and inspire an experience beyond guests’ expectations as well as the wonders of African art. They also wanted to bring awareness to the struggles families have in Africa and around the globe, particularly in access to clean water. Because of the success and growth they have achieved with Kalahari Resorts, the family felt all the more compelled to give back to the continent that gave so much to them.

One in ten people do not have access to safe, clean drinking water. Kalahari wants to change that. That’s why, in 2023, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, in partnership with charity: water pledged to bring clean water to 1 million people in Africa.

Founded in 2006, charity: water is a nonprofit organization with one ambitious goal: ending the world water crisis in our lifetime. To date, they have raised more than $800 million to fund over 137,000 water projects across 29 countries, bringing clean water to more than 17.4 million people.

Kalahari Resorts’ monumental pledge, aptly named “The Water Colors Life Project,” continues the company’s commitment to Africa and its dedication to the communities. Access to clean water significantly reduces the risk of waterborne diseases, decreases the likelihood of malnutrition, and promotes proper hygiene within communities— all leading to better health and bigger opportunities.

The $50 million commitment goal of The Water Colors Life Project is to be accomplished through the Nelson Family's philanthropy, fund-raising events, and on-site guest contributions.

By simply staying at Kalahari Resorts, you are helping make significant strides in providing the joy, health, and stability that clean water allows. To learn more about Kalahari Resorts’ The Water Colors Life Project in partnership with charity: water, please visit charitywater.org/Kalahari.