Wisconsin Dells, Wis. (July 24, 2015) — At Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, the authentically African theming is more than just a marketing ploy — it’s the inspiration for creating one-of-a-kind family memories for visitors. So much so that owners the Nelson family recently took a 23-day trip to Africa, in which they visited six countries and covered more than 24,000 miles to find unique experiences that are directly translated back to their resorts for families to enjoy. Capturing more than 22 terabytes of footage and images during the trip, their adventures were captured by a film crew and will premiere Monday, July 27, at 5 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. CT on the Discovery Family Channel.

“The spirit, people, culture and art of Africa is rare, humbling and beautiful,” said Todd Nelson, owner, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. “We were blessed to be able to really dive in to the heart of Africa and find these authentic experiences and items that inspire the family memories we create at our resorts in the Midwest and East Coast.”

	To view and download images, click here.

Developed under agency of record Jacobson Rost’s sister company JR Productions, the 23-day sojourn took the Nelson family and international production company 71 Degrees North across the continent to partake in unbelievable adventures, including: tracking silverback gorillas and sourcing coffee beans in Rwanda, visiting the namesake Kalahari Desert in Botswana, navigating the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls, swimming with the dolphins in Mozambique, and exploring the art and music scene in Cape Town, South Africa.

These adventures were captured on film and molded into nine five-minute documentaries that are packaged together and will be airing in back-to-back episodes on Discovery Family Channel on Monday, July 27 at 5 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. CT, which will be re-aired on Tuesday, August 11, at 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT.

The documentaries showcase how the Nelson family’s experience in Africa is expertly weaved into every area of their resorts, from the authentic sculptures, string art and furniture placed throughout each location, to the Rwandan coffee served on-site, to the heart-pounding attractions inspired by African thrills and souvenirs handcrafted by artisans for purchase in the gift shops. This dedication is what makes Kalahari Resorts and Conventions The World’s Coolest Indoor Waterparks, while providing a beyond expectations guest experience. 

It’s been a monumental year for the Nelsons, as they recently opened the doors on their third and grandest property to date in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, on July 1. The sprawling location includes: Pennsylvania’s largest indoor waterpark, a seasonal outdoor waterpark with a huge outdoor pool and a large sundeck for relaxing, 457 guest rooms containing one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, a 30,000 sq. ft. family entertainment center with dry activities such as mini bowling, cutting-edge arcade games, a 5-D theater and black light mini golf, three full-service signature dining experiences, Spa Kalahari & Salon, a 100,000 sq. ft. convention center and more.

For more information on the Nelsons’ trip to Africa or to book your stay, visit www.KalahariResorts.com.

About Kalahari Resorts and Conventions
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, Sandusky, Ohio, and the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, deliver a “world-away” waterpark resort and conference experience beyond expectations. The authentically African-themed Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, privately owned by the Nelson family, are home to America’s largest indoor waterparks. All Kalahari Resorts feature well-appointed guest rooms, full-service Spa Kalahari, a fully equipped fitness center, on-site restaurants, unique retail shops and a state-of-the-art conference center. Kalahari Resorts and Convention Centers frequently receive awards and accolades for our guest and convention services. Recent recognition includes: Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 World’s Coolest Indoor Waterparks, TripAdvisors’ 2014 Travelers’ Choice Awards, Silver Star recognition for Best Family-Friendly Meeting Hotel and Resort in Smart Meeting’s 2014 Smart Stars Awards, Clean the World’s Top 50 Hot Properties in 2013, January 2015 OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice Award for Double Cut Grill’s signature dining experience for the second consecutive year, the Daily Herald’s 2014 Reader’s Choice Awards for Best Indoor Waterpark, selection as one of the nation’s Top Family Resorts by Family Fun magazine for 2013, being named the Best Conference Center in the state by the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association, and selection as the Corporate Meeting Destination of the Year by Cleveland Business Connects magazine. For reservation and guest information, call 1-877-KALAHARI (525-2427) or visit: KalahariResorts.com. To learn more about Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, members of the media are encouraged to visit KalahariMedia.com.  

About JR Productions
Established in 2014 as a sister company to Jacobson Rost, JR Productions specializes in all aspects of visualizing and executing great storytelling. Connecting brand purpose with content consumers desire, JR Productions has produced compelling stories in digital, video and experiential formats. Recent work includes: LifeProof’s “The Voice Inside” video series, the nationally broadcast Kalahari Resorts and Conventions’ One World documentaries and event support for Otterbox’s Otter Tour, as well as the award-winning Kalahari Resorts and Conventions “Great Migration” event series. 

About 71 Degrees North
Started in 2008, 71 Degrees North is an award-winning boutique production company that creates entertainment and branded content for clients that seek authentic storytelling, cinematic production value and start-to-finish workflows. 71 Degrees North positions itself as a production partner with its many long-standing direct and agency clients ensuring creative input and support through final delivery. The company has produced work across the globe from the surf of South Africa to the slopes of Scandinavia. The work includes teaming up with a host of international brands including Google, American Express, Sears, Ford, Chevy, Big Ten Network and NBC/Universal. Founder and director, Martin Rodahl, was honored at the Director’s Guild of America during Shoot Online's New Directors Showcase in 2012. With work that is epic, adventurous, raw and heartfelt, 71 Degrees North is always looking for a new story to tell. In addition to its significant experience in the broadcast commercial industry, 71 Degrees North produces film, television, music videos and content for online or interactive use. The name, 71 Degrees North, stems from the latitude of the North Cape in Norway, Martin Rodahl’s home country.

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