Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Poconos is a large resort, indoor waterpark and convention destination in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania. Located immediately off Interstate 380, the property combines hotel accommodation, dining, entertainment and extensive meeting facilities under one roof, making it suitable for corporate conferences, trade shows, sporting events, association meetings, weddings and large social gatherings.
The Pocono Mountains resort offers 205,000 square feet of flexible convention space, 33 meeting rooms, four major ballrooms and multiple hospitality suites. The resort also has 977 guest rooms and suites, a 220,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, a 40,000-square-foot family entertainment center, restaurants, a spa, retail outlets and outdoor attractions.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Poconos Quick Details
| Detail | Information |
| Official name | Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Poconos |
| Main resort address | 250 Kalahari Boulevard, Pocono Manor, PA 18349 |
| Location | Pocono Manor, Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania |
| Total resort size | Approximately 1.4 million square feet |
| Guest rooms and suites | 977 |
| Flexible convention space | 205,000 square feet |
| Meeting rooms | 33 plus hospitality suites |
| Major ballrooms | 4 |
| Largest ballroom | Kilimanjaro Ballroom – 38,000 square feet |
| Kalahari Ballroom | 25,000 square feet |
| African Ballroom | 12,000 square feet |
| River Rooms combined | 9,000 square feet |
| Largest theatre capacity | 4,218 in Kilimanjaro Ballroom |
| Largest reception capacity | 3,800 in Kilimanjaro Ballroom |
| Indoor waterpark | 220,000 square feet |
| Family entertainment center | 40,000 square feet |
| Self-parking | Included / complimentary |
| Valet parking | Available for a fee |
| EV charging | Available through valet for a fee |
| Nearest major airport | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) |
| Airport distance | About 38 miles |
| Resort shuttle | Not currently offered |
| Check-in | 4:00 p.m. |
| Check-out | 11:00 a.m. |
| Wi-Fi | Complimentary throughout resort and convention areas |
Address and Location
The resort’s main public address is:
- 250 Kalahari Boulevard, Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania 18349
Kalahari is located immediately off Interstate 380 at Pocono exit 3. Its position gives it good highway access from northeastern Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and other Mid-Atlantic markets.
Kalahari’s current convention information places the property approximately:
- 30 minutes from Scranton
- 50 minutes from Allentown
- About 2 hours from New York City
- About 2 hours from Philadelphia
- About 2 hours from Harrisburg
- Less than 4 hours from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area
The resort is designed as an all-under-one-roof destination. Convention delegates can move between guest rooms, meeting spaces, restaurants, the waterpark, spa and entertainment areas without needing to leave the property for most activities.
Event organizers should use the arrival and loading instructions in their Kalahari event agreement because the convention center has dedicated group, freight and event-access areas separate from the main leisure-resort traffic.
Facilities at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Poconos
The convention center was expanded in 2019, adding approximately 105,000 square feet and bringing the current flexible meeting footprint to 205,000 square feet. The expanded facility provides enough space for large conferences while still offering smaller breakout rooms and boardrooms.
Principal convention and resort facilities include:
- 205,000 square feet of flexible convention space
- 33 meeting rooms
- Four major ballrooms
- Multiple hospitality suites
- 38,000-square-foot Kilimanjaro Ballroom
- 25,000-square-foot Kalahari Ballroom
- 12,000-square-foot African Ballroom
- 9,000-square-foot River Rooms complex
- Executive-level boardrooms
- Large pre-function and registration areas
- Dedicated Conference Services Manager
- Dedicated loading dock
- Grade-level access to the main exhibit facility
- Full-service business center
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout meeting and common areas
- Integrated audiovisual and lighting systems
- 10-hour ergonomic convention chairs
- In-house catering and multiple restaurants
- 977 guest rooms and suites
- 220,000-square-foot indoor waterpark
- 40,000-square-foot family entertainment center
- Spa Kalahari & Salon
- Gorilla Grove Treetop Adventures
The convention center uses integrated audiovisual technology, including Crestron lighting and A/V controls, built-in high-definition projectors and monitors, video-conferencing capability in executive boardrooms and a Wi-Fi network designed to support high-bandwidth event use.
Hall Capacity and Layout
Kalahari publishes a detailed capacity chart for its Pocono Mountains convention center. Capacities change according to staging, audiovisual equipment, buffet stations, dance floors and other event requirements, so final attendance should always be based on the approved event floor plan.
1. Kilimanjaro Ballroom
The Kilimanjaro Ballroom is the largest single ballroom and main exhibit-style space at the resort. The full room measures approximately 174 by 218 feet and covers 38,000 square feet.
Published capacities for the full ballroom include:
- 4,218 theatre-style attendees
- 2,700 classroom attendees
- 3,162 guests at rounds of eight
- 3,800 reception guests
- Approximately 238 booths measuring 8 x 10 feet
- Approximately 190 booths measuring 10 x 10 feet
The room can be divided into multiple suites. Suites 1 and 2 combine for 22,000 square feet, while the smaller divisible sections allow organizers to reduce the room for breakout sessions or concurrent programs.
2. Kalahari Ballroom
The Kalahari Ballroom covers approximately 25,000 square feet with a ceiling height of about 25 feet. It can be divided into eight salons.
Published capacities for the full ballroom include:
- 2,775 theatre-style attendees
- 1,725 classroom attendees
- 2,080 guests at rounds of eight
- 2,500 reception guests
- Approximately 173 booths measuring 8 x 10 feet
- Approximately 134 booths measuring 10 x 10 feet
Two salons combine into about 6,250 square feet, four salons into 12,500 square feet and six salons into 18,750 square feet, giving planners substantial flexibility.
3. African Ballroom
The African Ballroom provides approximately 12,000 square feet and can be divided into smaller suites.
Published capacities include:
- 1,332 theatre-style attendees
- 828 classroom attendees
- 998 guests at rounds of eight
- 1,200 reception guests
- Approximately 75 booths measuring 8 x 10 feet
- Approximately 60 booths measuring 10 x 10 feet
Individual African Ballroom suites are approximately 1,500 square feet each and can hold about 167 theatre-style attendees or 125 guests at rounds of eight.
4. River Rooms
The Zambezi, Nile and Orange River Rooms combine into approximately 9,000 square feet.
Published capacities for the full River Rooms configuration include:
- 999 theatre-style attendees
- 621 classroom attendees
- 749 guests at rounds of eight
- 900 reception guests
- Approximately 62 booths measuring 8 x 10 feet
- Approximately 40 booths measuring 10 x 10 feet
Each individual River Room covers about 3,000 square feet and can accommodate approximately 330 theatre-style attendees, 207 classroom attendees or 300 reception guests.
5. Wood Rooms
Aloeswood, Ironwood, Rosewood and Sagewood combine into approximately 6,000 square feet.
The four-room configuration can hold about 666 theatre-style attendees, 414 classroom attendees, 499 guests at rounds of eight or 600 reception guests.
Each individual Wood Room is approximately 1,500 square feet and can accommodate about 167 theatre-style attendees, 104 classroom attendees, 125 guests at rounds of eight or 150 reception guests.
6. Ebony and Empress Boardrooms
Ebony and Empress are dedicated executive boardrooms. Each covers approximately 750 square feet and is set for about 20 conference attendees.
The boardrooms support integrated video-conferencing solutions compatible with major platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Zoom.
7. Pre-Function and Outdoor Event Space
Kalahari has extensive pre-function areas for registration, exhibits and networking. The North Foyer covers approximately 9,735 square feet and can accommodate around 974 reception guests. The West Foyer covers approximately 5,100 square feet and the South Foyer approximately 4,780 square feet.
Outdoor event options include the approximately 1,260-square-foot River Terrace and the 2,340-square-foot River Patio. The capacity chart lists about 120 reception guests for River Terrace and about 210 for River Patio.
Parking at Kalahari Poconos
Self-parking is included for registered overnight guests, and Kalahari’s convention information also promotes plenty of complimentary parking for meeting and event groups.
The resort has large surface parking areas around the hotel and convention facilities. Guests should follow event signage because convention traffic, waterpark day guests and overnight resort guests may be directed to different areas during busy periods.
Valet Parking
Valet parking is available for guests who prefer not to self-park. Kalahari’s current published rates are:
- Overnight / weekend valet parking: $39.99
- Day guest valet parking: $20.00
- Electric-vehicle charging: $59.99, including valet service
Taxes may apply to valet charges. Kalahari also offers complimentary valet validation for guests dining at selected signature restaurants, subject to restrictions and excluded special-event dates.
Because valet prices and event parking arrangements can change, guests should confirm the current rate when making a reservation or arriving for a convention.
Reaching Kalahari Poconos
1. From Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is the nearest major commercial airport. Current travel-distance references place it about 38 miles from the resort, while Kalahari’s own convention information describes Scranton as approximately 30 minutes away.
The resort does not currently operate a general shuttle service. Airport travelers normally use:
- Rental car
- Taxi
- Uber or Lyft
- Pre-arranged private transportation
2. From Lehigh Valley International Airport
Lehigh Valley International Airport near Allentown is another practical option. Kalahari lists Allentown at approximately 50 minutes from the resort.
3. By Car
The resort is immediately off Interstate 380 at Pocono exit 3. This direct highway access is one reason the property is practical for regional drive-in meetings and conventions.
4. Bus Transportation
Kalahari’s current FAQ states that Martz bus transportation can be used to reach the resort, including service options for travelers coming from New York. Travelers should check the current Martz timetable before planning around bus service.
Popular Hotels and Resorts Near Kalahari Poconos
Because Kalahari itself has 977 guest rooms and suites, most conference groups can keep a large portion of their attendees on property. Alternative Pocono Mountains hotels may still be useful for overflow rooms or guests who prefer a different style of accommodation.
- The Swiftwater: A modern upscale hotel in nearby Swiftwater with contemporary rooms, a restaurant and personalized concierge service.
- Mount Airy Casino Resort: A large resort in Mount Pocono offering casino entertainment, dining, golf and hotel accommodation.
- Camelback Resort: A major Poconos resort in Tannersville with lodging, skiing, outdoor activities and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark.
- Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains: A family-focused resort in Scotrun with an indoor waterpark and children’s entertainment.
For a large convention, staying at Kalahari is usually the simplest option because guest rooms, meeting facilities, dining and entertainment are integrated on one site.
Dining at Kalahari Poconos
Kalahari has a broad selection of on-site food and beverage outlets, allowing convention groups to remain at the resort for most meals. Event planners can also arrange dedicated catering for meetings, banquets, breaks and receptions.
Major dining options currently highlighted by Kalahari include:
- Double Cut Steak House – steaks, seafood, bar and lounge
- Sortino’s Italian Kitchen – pizza, pasta and Italian dishes
- B-LUX Grill & Bar – burgers, shakes and casual American food
- Great Karoo Marketplace – family-style breakfast and dinner buffet
- Cinco Ninos – made-from-scratch Mexican food
- The Last Bite – chocolates, caramel apples, fudge and ice cream
- Marrakesh Market – grab-and-go food and beverages
- Java Manjaro – coffee, pastries, sandwiches and smoothies
- MACS – fast-casual macaroni dishes, salads and desserts
- Redd’s Piano Bar and Lounge – cocktails and live entertainment
Convention groups can work with the resort’s catering team for plated meals, buffets, reception stations, breaks and custom menus. Large group dining can also be arranged separately from the main public restaurants.
Resort Amenities for Convention Guests
One of Kalahari’s main selling points for meetings is that attendees can combine convention activity with extensive leisure facilities without leaving the resort.
Major amenities include:
- 220,000-square-foot indoor waterpark
- Outdoor waterpark
- 40,000-square-foot interactive family entertainment center
- Spa Kalahari & Salon
- Gorilla Grove Treetop Adventures
- Ropes courses and zip lines
- Mini golf
- Retail shops
- Multiple restaurants and lounges
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Waterpark admission for registered overnight guests
The resort’s current fact sheet lists 34 indoor waterslides, 10 indoor pools and whirlpools, five private hot tubs, three outdoor pools and nine outdoor waterslides.
Accessibility
Kalahari offers accessible accommodations and encourages guests who need a specific accessible room or event arrangement to make those requirements known when booking.
Within the waterpark, Kalahari states that several pools have zero-depth entry and ADA pool lifts. A limited number of water wheelchairs are also available to guests at no charge.
Elevated waterslides themselves are not wheelchair accessible. Event guests who require accessible seating, mobility assistance, communication support or another convention-specific accommodation should coordinate with the meeting organizer and Kalahari in advance.
Regular pets and emotional-support animals are not permitted. Service animals meeting ADA requirements are allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the address of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Poconos?
A: The main resort address is 250 Kalahari Boulevard, Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania 18349.
Q: How much convention space does Kalahari Poconos have?
A: The resort currently lists 205,000 square feet of flexible convention space.
Q: How many meeting rooms are available?
A: Kalahari lists 33 meeting rooms plus multiple hospitality suites.
Q: What is the largest ballroom?
A: Kilimanjaro Ballroom is the largest at approximately 38,000 square feet.
Q: How many people can Kilimanjaro Ballroom hold?
A: The published capacity chart lists approximately 4,218 theatre-style attendees or 3,800 reception guests.
Q: How large is Kalahari Ballroom?
A: Kalahari Ballroom covers approximately 25,000 square feet and can be divided into eight salons.
Q: How large is African Ballroom?
A: African Ballroom covers approximately 12,000 square feet.
Q: How large are the River Rooms?
A: Zambezi, Nile and Orange River Rooms combine into approximately 9,000 square feet.
Q: How many guest rooms does Kalahari Poconos have?
A: The resort currently lists 977 guest rooms and suites.
Q: Is parking free?
A: Yes. Self-parking is included for overnight guests, and Kalahari promotes complimentary parking for convention groups.
Q: Does Kalahari offer valet parking?
A: Yes. Valet parking is available for a fee. Current published rates are $39.99 for overnight/weekend valet and $20 for day guests, before applicable taxes.
Q: Does Kalahari have EV charging?
A: Yes. The resort currently offers EV charging through valet service for a published fee of $59.99, including valet.
Q: Does the resort provide an airport shuttle?
A: No. Kalahari’s current FAQ states that general shuttle service is not offered.
Q: What is the nearest major airport?
A: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is the nearest major commercial airport, approximately 38 miles away by current distance references.
Q: Can I reach Kalahari by bus?
A: Yes. Kalahari states that Martz bus transportation can be used to reach the resort, including options from New York.
Q: Is Wi-Fi available in the convention center?
A: Yes. Kalahari lists complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms, meeting spaces, exhibition areas and common areas.
Q: Does Kalahari have a business center?
A: Yes. The convention-center information lists a full-service business center.
Q: Does Kalahari provide catering?
A: Yes. The resort has in-house convention catering as well as numerous public restaurants and bars.
Q: What time is check-in?
A: Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. Overnight guests may pre-register earlier and use the waterpark from 10:00 a.m. on arrival day.
Q: What time is check-out?
A: Check-out is no later than 11:00 a.m. Registered guests may continue using the waterpark until 3:00 p.m. on departure day.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: No. Regular pets and emotional-support animals are not permitted. ADA-qualified service animals are allowed.
Q: Is Kalahari accessible for guests with mobility needs?
A: Accessible accommodations are available, and several waterpark pools have zero-depth entry and ADA lifts. Event-specific accessibility arrangements should be confirmed with Kalahari in advance.