Starting at $370 per night

Overview

Escape to Rafiki Safari Lodge, where the lush embrace of pristine primary and secondary rainforest along the meandering Savegre River offers an extraordinary blend of luxury and wilderness. Located just 30 kilometers south of the vibrant Manuel Antonio, Rafiki Safari Lodge is a testament to conservation, adventure, and sustainable tourism, adding a vibrant, renewed dimension to your Costa Rican vacation. As you step into this captivating wilderness haven, prepare to immerse yourself in an experience that transcends the ordinary.

Rafiki Safari Lodge beckons you with a wealth of amenities designed to elevate your stay. Savor exquisite cuisine at the on-site restaurant, sip refreshing drinks at the bar, take a dip in the inviting pool, or embark on an exhilarating ride down the water slide. Whether you're seeking tranquility or excitement, Rafiki has you covered.

Adventure knows no bounds at Rafiki Safari Lodge, where a plethora of thrilling activities await. Delight in the rush of whitewater rafting, explore enchanting waterfalls on guided tours, embark on captivating jungle safaris, and become one with the vibrant avian world through birdwatching. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty on horseback rides, hike along scenic trails, and discover cultural experiences that will leave a lasting impression. Nestled within the heart of the rainforest, Rafiki encourages you to craft your own adventures as you explore the vastness of its remarkable property.

Owned and operated by the Boshoff family, Rafiki Safari Lodge exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. Indulge in the flavors of South African 'braai' (barbecue) or savor the delectable home-cooked cuisine served at the lodge's restaurant during your stay. Whether you choose to lounge by the pool, listen to the symphony of the rainforest, or set off on your own daring escapades, Rafiki offers an experience that is as diverse as the rainforest itself.

Rafiki's luxurious safari tents are perched atop sturdy hardwood platforms, each adorned with Costa Rican-style rocking chairs that provide an ideal vantage point for observing the jungle's wonders. These spacious tents feature large windows for proper ventilation, canvas walls to shield you from nature's elements, and rejuvenating fire-heated showers. Your culinary journey is also well-crafted, as all meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are lovingly prepared by the lodge staff, delivering an experience like no other.

Rafiki Safari Lodge is anything but your typical Costa Rican accommodation. Here, you won't find king-sized beds or ceramic bathtubs; instead, you'll discover a slice of Africa in the heart of Costa Rica's natural beauty. These tents are tailor-made for outdoor enthusiasts who relish the idea of experiencing the country from the vantage point of a jungle-side tent, where the symphony of nature lulls you to sleep each night.

Please note that access to the lodge requires a 4x4 vehicle.

Hotel Tags

  • Midrange
  • Ecolodge
  • Hilltop
  • Remote
  • 4x4 Required

Hotel Amenities

  • Breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Trails
  • Resort Activities
  • Conference Room
  • Gardens
  • Parking

Room Amenities

Luxury Safari Tent

  • Terrace

Family Luxury Safari Tent

  • Terrace

Location

Latitude: N 9° 16' 5.92"
Longitude: W 83° 35' 37.75"

Reviews

  • Overall 95% (11 Guest Ratings)
  • Cleanliness: 99%
  • Comfort: 94.5%
  • Meeting Expectations: 92.7%
  • Staff: 97.3%
  • Value: 91.8%

08/04/2023

Lower comfort rating - but only because it's camping... To be expected.

06/26/2023

This was the best location from our trip and one that we would recommend to anyone. We loved the location, the privacy, the tours, the food. Absolutely excellent. We would absolutely return to Rafiki if we come back to Costa Rica. The guide Randel was the best we had on our entire trip and deserves to be recognized. The food was also exception and it was an added bonus that it was included with the stay. We really appreciated having the meals prepaid. Our ony regret was not staying longer.

01/12/2020

Staff and activities we did at the lodge were great. Loved the connection to the local community. Beds were comfortable and the bathroom was fabulous. Meals were delicious. My only complaint- it was always humid and we just never dried out so I felt sticky all the time and my clothes seemed mildewy. I heard there was a dry room but we didn't have the details- it would have been helpful to know that and yes, we could have asked about that ourselves but that is one piece of information I would have liked at check in.

04/08/2017

Rafiki Safari Lodge more than met our expectations. It was the best part of our 8 day vacation.

01/26/2017

Another unique place to stay at while in Costa Rica. Because of its location, so remote, you must have all your meals here, but, that's a PLUS. Their food is sensational and probably the best we had, during our lengthy stay. The staff was very friendly and extremely helpful. The day tour/hike we had during this stay is another "don't miss" it. It was conducted by a young man who lives in a nearby town (along with the rest of his family) and has been conducting these for 16 years. We were taken on a nice walk up and down cliffs to the most beautiful spot you've ever seen. There are six, yes six waterfalls surrounding you. A dip into the waters is so refreshing, especially if its a hot day and pictures under the falls are incredible.
Avoid the night walk at this location, as they are not worthwhile.
Sleeping in a tent is a little misleading, as they are not on the ground and have lovely bathrooms in the rear. Falling asleep to the sound of frogs and birds makes for a great nights sleep, once you zip up your tent.

03/17/2016

Very expensive activities, tried to arrange in advance, but they did not respond.

01/10/2016

Another gem - and wish we had spent a few more days here. Definitely off-the-beaten path, but absolutely a top favorite of the trip. Beach is beautiful and with very few people. Beach tent is well designed and spacious.