From Inspiration to Impact: My Journey with the Nelson Family in Africa
When I started working at Morning Walk, even I failed to make the connection between Kalahari Resorts and Africa.
The phrase “African-inspired waterpark” never really resonated with me. If that was my understanding, intuition told me I couldn’t be the only one. So within a few months, I set out to change that.
For more than a decade, Kalahari’s founders, the Nelson family, have made semi-regular trips to Africa to source art for their resorts. These trips typically align with new openings, and in September 2025 they were headed back to source art for the Virginia resort opening in 2026. I thought, what better way to demonstrate their connection to Africa than to show reporters the process firsthand?
So, with an itinerary in hand, I began pitching outlets from Architectural Digest to The Points Guy. Dozens of conversations later, my hunch proved correct. Some journalists couldn’t accept press trips due to policy (only downside of ethical journalism). Others voiced a deeper concern – that the story could veer into appropriation rather than appreciation. Without firsthand experience, I lacked the words to explain just how much the Nelsons honor the cultures they work with.
Finally, we landed on taking Forbes along - and I was lucky enough to be the reporters wing woman on our trek across South Africa and Zimbabwe with Todd and Shari Nelson, their children Natasha and Todd Jr., and Todd Jr’s son, Toddy.
Stop One: Johannesburg – Amatuli Arts
After a 14-hour flight, we landed in Joburg. Our first destination: Amatuli Arts, a massive warehouse filled with art from across the continent. Picture towering sculptures, intricate masks, and textiles stacked floor to ceiling. Watching Shari and Natasha navigate the floor was inspiring – no blueprint of the resort in hand, just years of intuition guiding what would fit, where it would go, and how much was needed. Their eye for detail was extraordinary.
Stop Two: Harare – Chitungwiza Sculpture Centre
The next day in Harare felt worlds apart from the curated calm of Amatuli. Chitungwiza Sculpture Centre was a sprawling open-air field dotted with hundreds of handcrafted stone sculptures. As we arrived, artists gathered to greet us with song – a moment that set the tone for the day.
The Nelsons had organized a competition, inviting nearly 300 artists to submit work for potential purchase. Walking among the sculptures, it was impossible not to feel the pride and passion radiating from each artist. What stood out to me was the Nelsons’ approach - honoring relationships with longtime collaborators while intentionally spreading opportunities to new artists. When selections wrapped, everyone sat together for a shared meal – artists, family, and team. It was one of those rare moments where commerce, culture and community intersect seamlessly.
Stop Three: Victoria Falls – Local Galleries
Our final stop took us to Vic Falls, where we visited galleries and sculpture fields filled primarily with leadwood and ironwood creations. Some were small enough to hold in the palm of your hand; others towered well over my 5’5 head, carved with astonishing precision. By the time we caught up with the family, Todd Sr. was proudly pointing out dozens of pieces they had already selected – his excitement was contagious.
A Journey of Family and Gratitude
What struck me most on this trip wasn’t just the art or the destinations – it was seeing it all through the Nelsons’ eyes. This is a family business in every sense of the word, and the way Todd Sr.’s face lit up watching his son and grandson share in the experience said more than a press release ever could.
On a personal level, I came home with a heart full of gratitude – for the people I met, the experiences I had, and the privilege of seeing this side of Africa. Gratitude, too, for the everyday things I often overlook: a roof over my head, clean water, employment.
And it reminded me of something so simple: joy doesn’t always come from what you have. In Africa, I saw happiness radiate in smiles, in dance.
This trip changed the way I see both Africa and Kalahari. What once felt like a marketing tagline – “African-inspired” – now feels rooted in real relationships, respect and an appreciation that’s been cultivated over decades. For me, it’s no longer about explaining the Nelsons’ connection to Africa. It’s about helping others see it for themselves.
About Alison Dinger
Alison Dinger is the Vice President of Public Relations at Morning Walk, where she leads PR, social, and influencer initiatives across accounts including Kalahari Resorts, BOSS Snowplow, Sabre Safety, T6 Health Systems, Black Creek Cheddar, and Kradle, while also supporting new business growth. With more than a decade of experience, Alison has worked both in-house for hospitality leaders Hyatt and Great Wolf Lodge, and at three different agencies where she broadened her expertise across F&B, CPG, tech, franchises, startups, and retail. She earned her degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri, focusing on Strategic Communications, and holds certificates in Conscious Leadership and Team Management, as well as Digital Marketing and Integrated Communications, from the University of Chicago. Outside of work, Alison finds joy in traveling, exploring Chicago’s renowned food scene, marathon training (she’s preparing for her fifth), and deepening her wine expertise through the WSET program, where she has completed Levels 1 and 2 and is pursuing Level 3.
