Rafiki Safari Lodge

Rafiki Safari Lodge is set along the Savegre River just 20 miles (30 kms) south of Manuel Antonio. This lodge is a spectacular option for families or couples looking for a truly unique rainforest experience with a little touch of Africa. If you are hoping to disconnect among interesting and hospitable hosts and have a glamping Costa Rica experience (glamorous camping!), Rafiki Safari Lodge is the perfect place to get in touch with your wild side!

The must-do adventure Rafiki offers is a combo tour Aqua hike, which allows you to experience the best of the area: short but exciting white water rafting trip, followed by hiking upstream a series of waterfalls where you can jump off mini-cliffs and relax in the swimming pools. After the last waterfall, you’ll hike up to a tall and long hanging bridge. Enjoy the views of the canopy from above as you wait for your lunch to get ready. The local community maintains this section of the trail, so give your Spanish a try! Once you pass the hanging bridge, it’s time to saddle the horses and enjoy the views of the Savegre Valley! And this is just one of the options you have at Rafiki…

The family-owned lodge consists of 10 safari tents set on hardwood platforms, each with its own complete bathroom, ceiling fans, and patio with rocking chairs. The safari tents, imported directly from South Africa, provide comfort and protection from the elements while allowing guests direct contact with nature. Rafiki Lodge doesn’t have TVs in their tents and cell phone service is spotty at best. With 842 acres of pristine jungle to explore, you likely won’t have time to miss your electronics.

The heart of the lodge, The Rancho, serves as the restaurant, bar, tour center, and complimentary WiFi hotspot for guests. Here you can arrange various on-site activities, take the waterslide down to the main pool, or just lounge in a hammock soaking in the incredible views. Rafiki’s restaurant whips up creative dishes mixing exotic local ingredients with delicious South-African grilling skills. The Lekker Bar offers local beers and tasty tropical beverages as well.

Breakfast is included each day at the Rafiki Lodge. Guests can sign up for signature tours during their stay including white water rafting, horseback riding, birding, and hiking (at an additional cost). Massage services are also available upon request.

Highlights

• Rafiki Safari Lodge is known for having excellent service. Rafiki means friend, and the goal of the staff is that you leave feeling like you’ve become part of the family, not just a guest.
• There are several paths ideal for hiking and birdwatching on the property. With hundreds of acres surrounding the lodge, you can explore on your own or with a guide.
• The property has a plunge pool and jungle water slide—one of the fastest in the world!