Kalahari Resorts and Conventions has finally broken ground on its US$550m (€464m, £407.7m) African-themed waterpark and resort in Round Rock, Texas – Kalahari’s first venture in the southwest of the US and fourth property overall.

Opening in 2020, the resort will at its heart feature a waterpark, which at 223,000sq ft (20,700sq m) will be the largest in the US. An adventure park is also included in the offering, with the 80,000sq ft (7,400sq m) space set to include thrill rides, ropes course, climbing walls, indoor zipline, bowling, laser tag and mini-golf. A selection of outdoor pools covering 130,000sq ft (12,100sq m) will also be on offer.

The resort will have more than 990 guestrooms made up of 1,2 and 3 bedroom suites and residential suites. A 200,000sq ft (18,600sq m) convention centre will also be included in the development. The resort will also offer a spa, five restaurants and 10,000sq ft (929sq m) of retail space.

“When we design our resorts, we stay focused on adding amenities that everyone can experience and enjoy – not only our overnight guests," said Todd Nelson, owner of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions.

“As the Round Rock property begins construction, we look forward to contributing to the local economy and sharing our beyond-expectations approach to hospitality with area vacation goers, conference attendees and local guests throughout the region.”

Kalahari's Round Rock resort will join its existing US properties in Wisconsin Dells, Sandusky and the Pocono Mountains. The entire development will be built on 351 acres (1.4 sq km) of city-owned land, with the city of Round Rock purchasing the land and then being repaid the cost of US$27.5m (€23.2m, £20.4m) by Kalahari in two lease payments.