Sleep in a tent in the rainforest, raft the river, ride horses through the jungle, hike to waterfalls — or simply sit by the pool. Every adventure starts on our private reserve, deep in the Savegre Valley, in between Manuel Antonio and Dominical.
At Rafiki, there's no pressure to do everything. Start early or sleep in. Head out for an adventure or spend the afternoon by the pool. The day is yours.
You stay in one place, unpack once, and choose how much you want to do. Curated adventures, home-style meals and Rafiki hospitality are all steps from your front porch. We take the stress out of planning, so you can actually relax on your vacation.
14 South African-style safari tents surrounded by forest. Proper beds, private bathrooms, your own porch — close enough to hear the jungle soundscape without giving up a good night's sleep.
With over 600 acres to play with, every day is a new journey.
Especially good for families and groups. Some want the river, some want a trail, some want to sit by the pool and read. You don't all have to vacation the same way to still travel together.
Breakfast is included every morning before the day starts. Lunch and dinner are available at the on-site restaurant, so you can eat well without ever leaving the lodge.
14 safari-style tents. Perched on a scenic plateau. Real beds, private bathrooms, hot water and your own porch — with the river valley, birds and forest right outside your door.
Every safari-tent booking includes the essentials below. Guided adventures are added to your stay, or already bundled into a package.
Add or bundle: whitewater rafting, horseback riding and guided hikes — booked alongside your stay, or included for you in a package.
Every stay can be as active or as relaxed as you want. Pick one adventure, choose several, or spend the afternoon doing nothing.
Rapids, forest, swimming holes, waterfalls and guides who know these waters like the back of their paddles
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Ride with local guides and horses that are part of life here, not simply brought in for the activity.
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Trails toward rivers, waterfalls, suspension bridges and places you wouldn't see from the road.
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Sometimes the day starts with something landing outside the rancho before you've finished your first coffee.
→Everything at Rafiki starts with a safari tent. Book the stay on its own, or book it as a package with your adventures already included.
Tent. You add rafting, horseback riding and guided hikes separately, choosing only the days you want.
Best for: travelers who want to build their own stay.
See Options →Tent + selected adventures already included. Rafting, horseback riding and more are included in your stay, so nothing is left to organize.
Best for: travelers who want everything planned.
Explore Packages →“We've been back 5 times in 15 years.”
All the guides grew up in the area and that's what makes the trip truly special. Pura vida. — Lance R., Facebook
"A beautiful, African-inspired lodge for the wildlife lover. Incredible guides and luxurious tents that exceeded our expectations."
"Lovely cabins, excellent food, and the rafting was a life-changing experience. The whole family loved every minute."
"The staff exceeded our expectations. The kids didn't want to leave the water slide and we were already planning the next trip on the drive out."
Constant Boshoff founded Rafiki after bringing an idea inspired by Africa to Costa Rica and finding a home for it in this river valley. Now Loki and Mauren continue that story alongside a local team closely connected to Santo Domingo and the communities around Rafiki.
Twenty-five years on, it's still family-run, still 100% local, still built around the same 600-acre river valley between the jungle and the ocean — with guests who keep coming back year after year.
Give your Costa Rica trip a few days by the river, in the forest, and away from the usual route.
