Welcome to Rafiki Safari Lodge

Escape into the heart of the Costa Rican jungle!

Deep in the Savegre Valley, Rafiki Safari Lodge is nestled on a 600 acre private wilderness reserve on the central pacific coast of Costa Rica, near Manuel Antonio. The lodge and South African luxury safari tents provide the platform  for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you are traveling with your partner, family, or friends, as a part of a group, we have tailored activities for alsmost everyone.  Our precise location gives you front door service to one of Costa Rica's best kept secret. The sheer beauty and our 25 years of experience makes Rafiki a favorite hotel for seasoned travelers from around the world.

The Lodge

Our open air lodge serves as the launch pad to all of your adventures.  Whether you are just staying a few nights in one of our luxury safari tents or want to engage in on of our tailored packages, the "Rancho"will be your home base.

 

 

The Tents

Our luxury safari tents were imported from South Africa. Each unit sits on a elevated platform with unique view of the surrounding forest. The tents have standard hotel beds, attached modern bathrooms and private porches.

 

 

Exciting rafting on Savegre River

Whitewater rafting

We are a  certified whitewater rafting outfitter on the Savegre River with over 23 years of experience. The Savegre River is one of the cleanest rivers in Central America. We provide family friendly trips year round, with fun for all levels of adventure.

 

 

Guided hikes

Immerse yourself into wealth of nature. Our naturalist guides will lead you to amazing vistas, breathtaking waterfalls, and unique wildlife encounters. We offer several options based on your fitness level and ability. We strive to educate guests on importance of nature with entertaining interpretation of the flora and fauna of the ecosystem.

 

Crossing a 350 foot suspension bridge

ACCOMMODATION

Our luxury safari tents can comfortably sleep from 2 up to families of 5. They offer a camping experience with all of the creature comforts of home so you won't have to "rough it”!

Read More

ACTIVITIES

With the river in our front yard and a tropical forest in the the back, Rafiki is the perfect platform for Adventure.

Choose your adventure!

PACKAGES

Our Packages include lodging and activities. Choose from 2 to 6 nights, our packages are the best way to get the most out of what Rafiki offers.

Read More

Make your reservation here...

Trip Advisor Hall of Fame

Rafiki Safari on the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame
12 Winner of the Certificate of Excellence has granted Rafiki Safari Lodge into the Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame.

Our Mission

Our mission is to conserve the local flora and fauna using sustainable adventure tourism. Through our 20 year history, we have gained the skills and knowledge to provide our guests with an unparalleled wilderness experience. Whether you are with your family, on your honeymoon, or with friends just looking for something new, Rafiki has an adventure catered just for you.

TripAdvisor Reviews

Rafiki Safari Lodge

rafikisafari

657

Vivir y dejar vivir.
Family vacations, group travel or private retreats. Rafiki is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in the jungle!

rafikisafari

View

Oct 14

Open
Join us for un unforgettable adventure. #rafikisafarilodge #costarica #vacationmodeon😎

Join us for un unforgettable adventure. #rafikisafarilodge #costarica #vacationmodeon😎 ...

17 1

rafikisafari

View

Sep 27

Open
October 18-19, 2025 Bushmaster Timed Training at Rafiki Safari Lodge. Stay tuned for details… #rafikisafarilodge #bushmastermtb #timedtraining #contrarelojsubiendo #contrarelojbajando

October 18-19, 2025 Bushmaster Timed Training at Rafiki Safari Lodge. Stay tuned for details…
#rafikisafarilodge #bushmastermtb #timedtraining #contrarelojsubiendo #contrarelojbajando ...

161 17

rafikisafari

View

Sep 23

Open
As temperatures start to fall in the northern hemisphere, the streams and rivers start to clear up in the tropics. Join us for an unforgettable adventure in the Savegre Valley #rafikisafarilodge #vivariosavegre

As temperatures start to fall in the northern hemisphere, the streams and rivers start to clear up in the tropics. Join us for an unforgettable adventure in the Savegre Valley #rafikisafarilodge #vivariosavegre ...

56 0

rafikisafari

View

Sep 23

Open
The 2025 Rafiki employee party. Everyone seen in this picture directly or indirectly depends on the lodge for their livelihood. This represents the majority of the folks that live in the village of Santo Domingo, 3 kilometers away. Most of these families depended on forestry and cattle ranching before the inception of Rafiki. Some 25 years later, the village is still thriving, but if you look in the background, all the mountains are covered with trees and cattle ranching is no longer viable. Sustainability is possible. We thank every guest that has stayed with us in the past 23 years for making it possible. Without you, reality in the Savegre Valley today would be completely different. 🙏

The 2025 Rafiki employee party. Everyone seen in this picture directly or indirectly depends on the lodge for their livelihood. This represents the majority of the folks that live in the village of Santo Domingo, 3 kilometers away. Most of these families depended on forestry and cattle ranching before the inception of Rafiki. Some 25 years later, the village is still thriving, but if you look in the background, all the mountains are covered with trees and cattle ranching is no longer viable.
Sustainability is possible. We thank every guest that has stayed with us in the past 23 years for making it possible. Without you, reality in the Savegre Valley today would be completely different. 🙏 ...

140 8

rafikisafari

View

Sep 17

Open
Loving the new lake!

Loving the new lake! ...

28 2

rafikisafari

View

Sep 16

Open
The new lake has been such an amazing new feature at the lodge. Being able to have a place to swim is a dream come true. #rafikisafarilodge #hotelwithalappool #blessed❤️ Thank you for the video @manuel___fuentes

The new lake has been such an amazing new feature at the lodge. Being able to have a place to swim is a dream come true.
#rafikisafarilodge #hotelwithalappool #blessed❤️ Thank you for the video @manuel___fuentes ...

94 8

rafikisafari

View

Sep 10

Open
No artificial ingredients! #costarica #rafikisafarilodge #backroadstravel #whitewater #rafting

No artificial ingredients! #costarica #rafikisafarilodge #backroadstravel #whitewater #rafting ...

18 0

rafikisafari

View

Aug 12

Open
A nice little spot for a break. #aquahike #rafikisafarilodge #glamping#glamping #costarica #jungle #waterfallhike

A nice little spot for a break.
#aquahike #rafikisafarilodge #glamping#glamping #costarica #jungle #waterfallhike ...

20 0

rafikisafari

View

Aug 8

Open
Fun collage from about 10 years ago… #rafikisafarilodge #glamping

Fun collage from about 10 years ago…
#rafikisafarilodge #glamping ...

27 0

rafikisafari

View

Aug 8

Open
Dunkin’ donuts!🍩 #rafikisafarilodge #costarica #glamping #jungle #whitewaterrafting #birding #backroadstravel #vivariosavegre

Dunkin’ donuts!🍩 #rafikisafarilodge #costarica #glamping #jungle #whitewaterrafting #birding #backroadstravel #vivariosavegre ...

48 0

rafikisafari

View

Jul 29

Open
Lovely afternoon in “rainy” season 😂 #rafikisafarilodge #greenseasonrocks #familyholiday❤️

Lovely afternoon in “rainy” season 😂 #rafikisafarilodge #greenseasonrocks #familyholiday❤️ ...

50 0

rafikisafari

View

Jul 28

Open
All of the tropical colors! #rafikisafarilodge #costarica #glamping #whitewaterrafting #vivariosavegre #suspensionbridge #horsebackride

All of the tropical colors! #rafikisafarilodge #costarica #glamping #whitewaterrafting #vivariosavegre #suspensionbridge #horsebackride ...

49 0

rafikisafari

View

Jul 27

Open
Typical days in the Savegre. #rafikisafarilodge #costarica #jungle #glamping #whitewaterrafting #

Typical days in the Savegre. #rafikisafarilodge #costarica #jungle #glamping #whitewaterrafting # ...

25 2

rafikisafari

View

Jul 26

Open
Party in the tub! #rafikisafarilodge

Party in the tub! #rafikisafarilodge ...

22 0

rafikisafari

View

Jul 23

Open
Fish playing along and goes straight for the helmet😂#rafikisafarilodge

Fish playing along and goes straight for the helmet😂#rafikisafarilodge ...

41 4

rafikisafari

View

Jul 14

Open
Enjoying the little break from the rainy season. Wonderful days in the Savegre Valley. #rafikisafarilodge #costarica #glamping #jungle #whitewaterrafting #birding #backroadstravel #

Enjoying the little break from the rainy season. Wonderful days in the Savegre Valley. #rafikisafarilodge #costarica #glamping #jungle #whitewaterrafting #birding #backroadstravel # ...

46 0

A Quick Tour

As seen on

Rafiki Safari on the Family Vacation Critic

badge

Members of

Costa Rica Hotel Association Member

Rafiki Safari Lodge is a member of the Adventure Hotels of Costa Rica.