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Rafiki Safari Lodge

Rafiki Safari Lodge

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Rafiki is a South African family-owned luxury wilderness tented camp and conservation project focused on sustainable adventure tourism. The lodge rests on 842 acres of pristine jungle along the Savegre River, 30 km south of Quepos and Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica.

The Lodge
The main lodge sits on a natural plateau with ten luxury tents nearby, each with its own spectacular view of the beautiful mountains. The lodge serves as a restaurant, bar, and tour center. This is where all your safaris start, including some amazing bird watching. You can also enjoy the pool and waterslide.

Luxury Safari Tents
Our luxury safari tents are set atop hardwood decks, each with rocking chairs, so you can sit back and admire the view in privacy Imported from South Africa, the tent design allows you to experience nature up close while keeping the insects at bay. The large windows let in the sounds and smells of the forest, while the canvas walls keep the critters and the elements out. Enjoy the magnificent views from your private veranda! Every tent has its own modern, full bathroom with showers that are fire heated to take the chill out of the spring water. Each tent comfortably sleeps up to four people.

Dining at Rafiki Safari Lodge
The food and hospitality of Rafiki Safari Lodge are unparalleled. Rafiki's pristine location and the "little touch of Africa" will ensure that you have an unforgettable experience. Treat yourself to a delicious South African Braai (BBQ) cooked on the grill, accompanied by side dishes prepared by the local chef.

Activities from the Lodge
Guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities such as whitewater rafting, horseback riding to waterfalls, hiking, and world-class birding. See the full list of activities from the lodge below.

Rafiki Tapir Project
Rafiki Safari Lodge is part of a sustainable project to reintroduce the Baird's Tapir to the wilderness of the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The project includes the lodge and tented camp, a 2-3 acre acclimatization enclosure where newly introduced tapirs are monitored when they arrive from captivity, and a 60 acre breeding and acclimatization enclosure linked to a 750 acre wildlife refuge. Rafiki is connected to vast wilderness areas such as Los Santos Reserve, Chirripo National Park, and La Amistad National Park by a biological corridor. It is Rafiki's strategic location along the protected tapir migration routes that creates this opportunity to help save these remarkable, gentle creatures.

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Activities from Rafiki Safari Lodge

Whitewater Rafting
Rafiki offers excellent whitewater rafting tours on the Savegre River. There are a variety of ways to get to the river, from the standard truck ride to a 3 hour nature hike, and even a horseback ride. The lodge's ideal location allows guests to enjoy many adventures on the river. Rafiki offers several trips, each designed for different ability levels. Hot grilled meals and full bathrooms along the river keep guests comfortable throughout the tour.

Mini Me Adventures
When the rains stop, keep on rafting! The Mini Me is a raft that seats 2 or 3 people plus a guide, and makes for an incredible ride! Guides have tons of experience in these little dream boats, making a mini me trip more like a 3 person kayak rather than a conventional raft. Also available during high water season, test your skills against the mighty Savegre and become a member of the "Savegre Swim Team" (not recommended for those who do not wish to get wet!).

Horseback Riding
Let your feet rest and your eyes wander as you make your way through the mountainous terrain on one of the lodge's sturdy horses. Horses are still used by the local people of the Savegre. Rafiki tries to maximize the cultural experience by traveling to places where horses are still the major form of transportation. You might cross rivers, go to mountain tops with ocean views, or even stop for an ice cream in the village. The horses are gentle enough for the whole family.

Pool and Waterslide
Take the plunge on one of five fastest waterslides in the world! The waterslide starts from the lodge and speeds down to the pool 100 ft below. The water for the slide is supplied by a natural stream that not only fills the pool with fresh spring water, but also feeds the hydroelectric system used at Rafiki. Chemicals are not added to the pool water, so the runoff is ecologically safe to return to the river.

Hiking
With more than 800 acres of lowland tropical forest, Rafiki offers a variety of trails to explore. Guests can select from self-guided hikes as well as guided hikes. Guided hikes are led by a naturalist, and on these you will learn about the flora and fauna of the area, get a little exercise, and be blown away by the ecology Rafiki has to offer. Rafiki now has a new trail that combines a 2-3 hour hike with a full day of rafting, named the "Lekker Loop." Request it if you are up for a challenge.

Birding
With over 300 species of identified birds so far, Rafiki is a world-class location for birding. Common sightings include Toucans, Mot-Mots, and Trogons. Morning guided tours are offered to help you sharpen your skills and learn more about the habitats and behaviors of the feathered friends of the Savegre Valley.

Massage
Rafiki offers both relaxing and therapeutic massages and organic facials. Try our favorite "Chocolate Massage"!

Ultimate Safari
The Ultimate Safari gives you a chance to see Rafiki's wilderness on horseback and then lets you experience the Savegre River all in one day. The horseback section is not too difficult, and the rafting is fun for everyone. This is a great choice for those pressed for time!

Bushmaster Safari
Experience nature and adventure like no other in Costa Rica. This signature Rafiki trip combines an intense hike with wilderness Class III - Class IV rafting that can only be done with Rafiki. Horses will take your equipment and uninflated rafts to the top of an impressive mountain Your reward is a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and your first glimpse of the amazing upper Savegre Valley.

The horses can't make the descent, so you will carry the equipment down to the river put-in, by the house of a shaman known as "el Albino." His family will prepare a delicious brunch for you in a house that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Waterfalls, orchids, butterflies, and the pristine upper Savegre River surround you as you inflate your rafts and prepare for your whitewater trip. The Upper Savegre is the most pristine river in Central America. It is "creeky," meaning it is just wide enough for mini me's to get down. Small drops and tight lines between huge boulders make this class IV section a once in a lifetime experience. Swim to where the Savegre meets the Division. This confluence is the birth of the Lower Savegre. With twice as much water, it is nice to hit the juicy class III+ waves.

Finish back at Rafiki, and if your legs aren't tired from hiking and your arms aren't tired from rafting, at least you'll have a chance to exercise your smile muscles! Experience is highly recommended for this trip, which is seasonal due to water levels. Recommended from April-August with easier runs from December-March.

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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