rafiki safari lodge costa rica reviews

Rafiki Safari Lodge

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• Excellent 482
• Very Good 41
• All languages ( 531 )
• English ( 495 )
• French ( 14 )
• Spanish ( 10 )

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Rafiki Safari Lodge (AU$300) - 2024 Prices & Reviews (Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica) - Photos of Lodge - Tripadvisor

Rafiki Safari Lodge

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 482
• Very Good 41
• All languages ( 531 )
• English ( 495 )
• French ( 14 )
• Spanish ( 10 )

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Rafiki Safari Lodge - UPDATED 2024 Prices, Reviews & Photos

Rafiki Safari Lodge

3 km up river of Santo Domingo, Lower Savegre Valley, 96350 Savegre, Costa Rica – Excellent location – show map

Rafiki Safari Lodge Reserve now

Lock in a great price for Rafiki Safari Lodge – rated 9.1 by recent guests!

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Cleanliness

Value for money

Located within the Savegre River Nature Reserve and 19 mi from Manuel Antonio town center, the Rafiki Safari Lodge features a tropical garden, stunning river views and a swimming pool. The rooms feature tent style with all the comfort of a balcony with mountain views and a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. Extras include a seating area and all meals. At Rafiki Safari Lodge you will find a hot tub, a common terrace and the Lekker Braai and Grill restaurant. Other facilities offered at the property include water sports facilities, a tour desk and luggage storage. An array of tourism activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including horse riding, fishing and hiking. This lodge is about 3 hours' drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose Capital City.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.9 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• 2 swimming pools
• Airport shuttle
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Free parking
• Family rooms
• Private beach area

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.2)

Free Private Parking Available On Site

Saved to 420 lists

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Property practices

Categories:, see what guests loved the most:.

Restaurants 1 Restaurant On Site

• Cuisine African • American
• Open for Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
• Ambience Family-friendly • Traditional • Romantic
• Dietary options Vegetarian

Amenities of Rafiki Safari Lodge Great facilities! Review score, 9

• Toilet paper
• Bathtub or shower
• Private Bathroom
• Free toiletries
• Wardrobe or closet
• Mountain view
• Garden view
• Outdoor fireplace
• Picnic area
• Outdoor furniture
• Clothes rack
• Tour or class about local culture Additional charge
• Walking tours Additional charge
• Water sports facilities on site
• Horseback riding Additional charge
• Fishing Additional charge
• Sitting area
• Wine/Champagne Additional charge
• Kids' meals
• Special diet meals (on request)
• Electric vehicle charging station
• Accessible parking
• Baggage storage
• Express check-in/out
• Board games/Puzzles
• Daily housekeeping
• Laundry Additional charge
• Fire extinguishers
• CCTV outside property
• CCTV in common areas
• 24-hour security
• Shuttle service Additional charge
• Convenience store on site
• Designated smoking area
• Mosquito net
• Wake-up service
• Hardwood or parquet floors
• Private entrance
• Packed lunches
• Airport shuttle Additional charge
• Entire unit located on ground floor
• Open all year
• All ages welcome
• Pool with view
• Plunge pool
• Shallow end
• Pool/Beach towels
• Beach chairs/Loungers
• Heated pool
• Light therapy
• Facial treatments
• Beauty services
• Hot tub/Jacuzzi

See availability House rules

From 12:00 PM

Until 1:00 PM

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children 16 and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

No age restriction

There's no age requirement for check-in

Pets are not allowed.

Accepted payment methods

Cash Rafiki Safari Lodge accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

Please inform Rafiki Safari Lodge of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

FAQs about Rafiki Safari Lodge

Does rafiki safari lodge have a restaurant on site, what are the check-in and check-out times at rafiki safari lodge.

Check-in at Rafiki Safari Lodge is from 12:00 PM, and check-out is until 1:00 PM.

How far is Rafiki Safari Lodge from the center of Savegre?

Rafiki Safari Lodge is 1 miles from the center of Savegre. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

How much does it cost to stay at Rafiki Safari Lodge?

The prices at Rafiki Safari Lodge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

Does Rafiki Safari Lodge have a hot tub for its guests?

Yes, there's a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Rafiki Safari Lodge on this page.

What is there to do at Rafiki Safari Lodge?

• Swimming pool
• Tour or class about local culture
• Horseback riding
• Walking tours

What type of room can I book at Rafiki Safari Lodge?

Is rafiki safari lodge popular with families.

Yes, Rafiki Safari Lodge is popular with guests booking family stays.

Does Rafiki Safari Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

The Best of Savegre

Attractions.

• Manuel Antonio National Park
• Canopy Safari
• El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour
• Titi Canopy Tour
• Marina Pez Vela

Popular Areas

• Playa Biesanz
• Manuel Antonio Beach

Most Popular Cities

• Manuel Antonio
• San Gerardo de Dota

Personalized recommendations

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Rafiki Safari Lodge

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Province of Puntarenas

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1 Room / 2 Adults

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TripAdvisor Rating

Editor's rating.

Not far from the monkeys and sloths of Manuel Antonio National Park, yet far away from the touristy feel of Quepos is one of the most unique lodgings in Costa Rica. Drive inland on the country’s typical rutted roads, through fields of African palm trees, and your reward is the wonderful Rafiki Safari Lodge. Nestled deep in the verdant mountainside, the South African-born owners have created an upscale safari-style lodge like the ones found around South Africa’s Kruger National Park. The lodge is perched on a hilltop, surrounded by 842 acres of jungle and little else.

The owners fell in love with the grounds and its potential to create a wildlife sanctuary. Toucans and monkeys can be spotted on the property, and the large mammal, the tapir, is being reintroduced. In essence, they hope to create their own private game reserve in Central America. As soon as you arrive on the grounds, you’re lost in the sounds of the jungle and far removed from the woes of modernity. This is a place to lose yourself in the environs and truly savor the pura vida, “the good life.”

Our Editor Loves

• Surrounded by wildlife and jungle
• Eco-friendly resort
• Rafting and kayaking

Family Interests

• Horse Back Riding
• Museum/Cultural

Family Amenities

• Family Room 5+
• Free Breakfast
• Onsite Dining

Room Information

Find the best price for your stay.

The 10 luxury tents were imported from South Africa and work well in the jungle. The large windows keep fresh air flowing through while the canvas walls keep the insects and other undesirables out. All of the tents are spacious, sleeping four comfortably with a double bed and two single beds, and a big outdoor patio to rock away the hours gazing at the mountains. Bathrooms are modern, with solar hot water for the showers. There are electrical outlets and lights in the tents, just don't expect a sterile hotel room with some commercial print on the walls. This is an eco-lodge, immersed deep in the forest, a place where the sounds of the jungle surround you.

All rooms are in close proximity to the restaurant in the main lodge building, which is nice at night when you're walking back under the stars. A flashlight is handed out to each family to make sure you can see where you're going.

Family Tent There is a Family Tent available, which can accommodate up to five people and is set a little further away from the other tents. Along with the same amenities as the other tents, this unit includes its own private splash pool perfect for younger kids.

by Colleen M

Peter and I met Sandi and Chris at Ngala Beach Lodge last year on a cycling trip in Africa. They were amazing hosts then and, once again this time at Rafiki Safari Lodge, Chris and Sandi were just as hospitable. We camped on both occasions. The camping spot at Rafiki is lovely. Clean showers and toilets, an undercover table and chairs, plug points for charging phones and laptops. Please just don't plug in a washing machine or a microwave ! You'll see why when you camp at Rafiki ????. Each camping site has a thatch lapa for shade or rain. They serve delicious meals and are willing to share their knowledge on places to visit in Malawi. Rafiki is well worth a visit, you won't be disappointed and will definitely want to return.

by Sueholistic1

My 15 year old son and I stayed at Rafiki Safari Lodge in August 2019. Nothing was too much trouble. We changed our activity from The Aqua Hike as I can't swim and was worried about being on a raft to get to the TrailHead and how steep the hike would be to horse riding and then back again.

The hike is steep but you don;t have to go on a raft you can go in the 4 x 4. We still saw an abundance of wildlife - poisonous dart frog, an anteater, amazing water falls, spiders etc.

There is a night hike at night around the hotel grounds which is amazing with so much nocturnal wildlife and such a great guide.

The tents have proper bathrooms with shower and hot water and toiletries.

The owners are amazing and so friendly along with all the other staff. Beds are comfortable and there is electricity in the tents.

The location is absolutely stunning and a fantastic place to stay. Thoroughly recommend this hotel.

Family Activities

Waterslide Upon your arrival, the children will be giddy from the site of the swift moving waterslide. The homemade slide works brilliantly, rocketing you 100 feet from the restaurant down below to the small pool of cold water that waits. It's a blast! The owner's sense of whimsy extends to the level grounds surrounding the pool, where they've set up a Frisbee golf course. A solar heated Jacuzzi can also be found off the main lodge.

Rafting and Kayaking But you didn't come here to just hang out on property. Take a nature hike from Rafiki to the tumultuous Sevegre River that offers one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the country. You'll plunge over rapids, bounce from rock to rock, and descend down mellow stretches of the waterway and jump overboard for a dip. The sounds of the toucan guide you down the river and you can spot other birds like great blue herons.

Horseback Riding and Hiking There is ideal terrain for horseback riding and Rafiki is happy to oblige, setting you up with a local guide and horses for a morning or afternoon ride. They try to visit small villages where horseback riding is the only form of transportation, crossing rivers and visiting hidden waterfalls along the way. Nature hikes are also popular at Rafiki. Led by a naturalist, you'll be sucked into the greenery, learning the flora and fauna of the jungle. If you're fortunate, you'll also spot some of the 300 species of birds found in this portion of Costa Rica, including toucans, mot-mots, and trogans.

Manuel Antonio National Park Only a 30 kilometer or one-hour drive to Manuel Antonio, the hotel can also set you up on a day tour of the National Park for a little monkey business and lounging on the sublime beaches. They can also arrange a deep-sea fishing excursion out of Quepos to hook marlins, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and other trophy fish. This is Costa Rica, so a world of adventure is always around the corner.

Family Dining

Lekker Bar and Grill Meals, which are included in your rate, are served in a large thatched hut with open windows in the main lodge building. A breakfast full of Costa Rica's amazingly delicious fruit is available every morning and lunch is provided in-house or on a Rafiki tour.

People tend to lounge in the restaurant area about an hour before dinner and have a mojito or beer while swinging in the hammock. The atmosphere is very chilled here in the hot jungle. The entrees, however, are best compared to a meal at one of the finest restaurants in San Jose. The menu is limited and guests usually have a choice of two main dish options for dinner as well as a vegetarian option. But don't let the limit menu fool you, you will not be disappointed no matter the choice. Grilled mahi mahi, no doubt caught that morning, is moist and tender off the grill. Or choose the South African sausage, part of a large braai or barbecue, washed down with a good Chilean wine.

Planning & Tips

All About the Extras The Boshoffs are a wonderful family who go out of their way to accommodate their guests. Thus, the reason why Rafiki is a favorite stopover of international outfitters. All you have to do is ask and your wish is granted. You can also arrange most of your adventures prior to arrival.

The Art of Smart Timing If you can delay your trip until early May, prices will be reduced and you'll have the same dry weather Costa Rica had all winter. Mid-May is the start of the rainy season when it tends to shower for an hour daily every late afternoon. This is the start of what locals call the green season. The rains continue well into October and November, where they tend to be longer, more powerful storms.

Getting There Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose is a little more than three hours away and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport is about five hours away. The lodge can provide transportation from Quepos to the lodge for a fee. Quepos is about about an hour away.

Getting Around If you plan to drive to the lodge yourself, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended but not required. The lodge can provide transportation from Quepos to the lodge for a fee. Quepos is about about an hour away.

For Mom and Dad This is not a location where you're going to drive off-property to a restaurant three blocks away. Your only getaway from the kids might be a horseback jaunt into the mountains while the resort babysits the children for an hour or two. Otherwise, it's family time all the time.

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Rafiki Safari Lodge

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 482
• Very Good 41
• All languages ( 531 )
• English ( 495 )
• French ( 14 )
• Spanish ( 10 )

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

RAFIKI SAFARI LODGE: UPDATED 2024 Hotel Reviews, Price Comparison and 642 Photos (Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica) - Tripadvisor

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Rafiki Safari Lodge

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Rafiki Safari Lodge

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 482
• Very Good 41
• All languages ( 531 )
• English ( 495 )
• French ( 14 )
• Spanish ( 10 )

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

RAFIKI SAFARI LODGE - Updated 2024

Rafiki Safari Lodge

View prices for your travel dates

Reviews we perform checks on reviews. tripadvisor’s approach to reviews before posting, each tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. if the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines , the review is not published. when the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines . learn more about our review moderation..

• Excellent 482
• Very Good 41
• All languages ( 531 )
• English ( 495 )
• French ( 14 )
• Spanish ( 10 )

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

RAFIKI SAFARI LODGE - Updated 2024 Reviews, Photos & Prices