Rafiki Safari Lodge

perez zeledon, costa rica

From $264/ night
  • baggage wranglers
  • bar / lounge
  • bath products
  • bedding
  • books / library
  • ceiling fan
  • children's park / play area
  • community hot tub
  • community pool
  • electricity - micro-hydro power plant
  • electricity - outlets
  • flashlights
  • flower garden
  • front desk
  • housekeeping
  • laundry
  • lounge areas
  • patio / deck
  • phone
  • Private helipad
  • restaurant
  • running water
  • running water - sinks
  • running water - toilet
  • splash pad for children
  • store/shop
  • towels
  • water park
  • wheelchair access
  • wi-fi
  • bird watching
  • fishing
  • guided tours
  • kayaking
  • massage
  • nature walks
  • off-road vehicle tours
  • rafting
  • safari tours
  • social and cultural visits
  • wildlife observing
  • On-site restaurant
  • All meals are included in the rates.
  • Specialize in South African cuisine and "braai" (BBQ)
  • Full breakfasts, hot lunches with all our tours
  • Three options every night for dinner including a vegetarian dish
  • Check-in

    12:00 PM

  • Check-out

    1:00 PM

  • Taxes

    13%, included

  • Gift Cards

    Not available at this property

  • Included in the Rates

    Meals and accommodations.

  • Gratuity

    Not included, but appreciated

  • Other Fees

    Additional Activity Packages

  • Parking

    Complimentary on-site

  • Cellular Signal

    Strong

  • Wi-Fi Signal

    Strong

  • Minimum Age for Children

    None

  • Additional Guests

    Not Permitted

  • Suggested items to bring with you

    Personal items, outdoor attire, dry bag, rafting sandals, boots, backpack, and a hat.

  • Reservation and Cancellation Policy

    All canceled reservations received 16 or more days prior to arrival are subject to a 10% cancellation penalty. 

    Reservations canceled within 15 days of the scheduled arrival date are subject to a 50% penalty of the entire stay and will receive a 50% refund.

  • Pet Policy

    Pets are not allowed on this property. 

How Do I Get There?

Rafiki is located 16 kilometers off the Pacific Highway (34), 25 kilometers from Manuel Antonio National Park. Once you turn off of the highway, simply follow the little signs up the valley. It is a scenic drive that goes through two small villages, Silencio and Santo Domingo. Having a 4 x 4 is recommended in the rainy season.

It takes about 3.5 hours to get to Rafiki from the capital of San Jose. Costa Rica has good coverage with Google maps. Simply type in "Rafiki Safari Lodge," and it will take you straight there!

View Google Maps

Rafiki is a family-run, wilderness tent camp in the lower Savegre Valley. The lodge and 10 Luxury Safari Tents sit on an 800-acre, private tropical reserve along the banks of the Savegre River. Rafiki offers boutique-style adventure tours to the guests that visit. Enjoy whitewater rafting, waterfall hikes or horseback riding in an amazing setting! The Savegre Valley is one of the last unknown gems of the region. The Savegre River is one of the cleanest in Central America, while the valley represents one of the last intact altitudinal corridors in Costa Rica, with a healthy ecosystem represented from sea level all the way up to over 3,000 meters. This provides world-class birding and wildlife sightings right from the private porch of your tent.

The tents bring the romance of camping with the conveniences of a modern hotel room. They are imported directly from South Africa, where the idea of luxury camping, glamping, began. They are specially designed to withstand the element of the wilderness to keep you safe, dry, and comfortable. 

The Rafiki Beach Camp is an extension of Rafiki Safari Lodge. The camp is set right on Matapalo Beach. This strategic little oasis makes it a perfect place to access all the adventure of the central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica!

Glamping Types

  • Treehouses

Great For

  • couples
  • families
  • honeymoon
  • large groups
  • romantic
  • small groups
  • wedding

Setting

  • countryside
  • eco-reserve
  • forest / woods
  • mountain
  • river / stream
  • safari
  • tour / excursion

Total Accommodations

  • 10

Minimum Night Stay

  • 1

Rates Based On

  • double occupancy

Best time to visit

Open: Year-Round

Best time to visit: Christmas–Easter

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
5.0 531 Reviews
Email

Accommodations

  • Lakeview Luxury Safari Tents

    From $284/ night
    01
    03
  • Luxury Safari Tent

    From $264/ night
    01
    03
  • Amenities
    • baggage wranglers
    • bar / lounge
    • bath products
    • bedding
    • books / library
    • ceiling fan
    • children's park / play area
    • community hot tub
    • community pool
    • electricity - micro-hydro power plant
    • electricity - outlets
    • flashlights
    • flower garden
    • front desk
    • housekeeping
    • laundry
    • lounge areas
    • patio / deck
    • phone
    • Private helipad
    • restaurant
    • running water
    • running water - sinks
    • running water - toilet
    • splash pad for children
    • store/shop
    • towels
    • water park
    • wheelchair access
    • wi-fi
  • Experiences
    • bird watching
    • fishing
    • guided tours
    • kayaking
    • massage
    • nature walks
    • off-road vehicle tours
    • rafting
    • safari tours
    • social and cultural visits
    • wildlife observing
  • Dining Options
    • On-site restaurant
    • All meals are included in the rates.
    • Specialize in South African cuisine and "braai" (BBQ)
    • Full breakfasts, hot lunches with all our tours
    • Three options every night for dinner including a vegetarian dish
  • Policies
    • Check-in

      12:00 PM

    • Check-out

      1:00 PM

    • Taxes

      13%, included

    • Gift Cards

      Not available at this property

    • Included in the Rates

      Meals and accommodations.

    • Gratuity

      Not included, but appreciated

    • Other Fees

      Additional Activity Packages

    • Parking

      Complimentary on-site

    • Cellular Signal

      Strong

    • Wi-Fi Signal

      Strong

    • Minimum Age for Children

      None

    • Additional Guests

      Not Permitted

    • Suggested items to bring with you

      Personal items, outdoor attire, dry bag, rafting sandals, boots, backpack, and a hat.

    • Reservation and Cancellation Policy

      All canceled reservations received 16 or more days prior to arrival are subject to a 10% cancellation penalty. 

      Reservations canceled within 15 days of the scheduled arrival date are subject to a 50% penalty of the entire stay and will receive a 50% refund.

    • Pet Policy

      Pets are not allowed on this property. 

  • Location

    How Do I Get There?

    Rafiki is located 16 kilometers off the Pacific Highway (34), 25 kilometers from Manuel Antonio National Park. Once you turn off of the highway, simply follow the little signs up the valley. It is a scenic drive that goes through two small villages, Silencio and Santo Domingo. Having a 4 x 4 is recommended in the rainy season.

    It takes about 3.5 hours to get to Rafiki from the capital of San Jose. Costa Rica has good coverage with Google maps. Simply type in "Rafiki Safari Lodge," and it will take you straight there!

    View Google Maps

Inside Scoop

  • Rate Details:

    Rates are for double occupancy per night, with meals and taxes. Third and fourth persons in a tent are $69 each for meals and taxes.

  • The busiest time of the year is from Christmas week through Easter. There is little rain at that time of year, and the river is crystal clear. The rains start in April; we have thundershowers most afternoons, but they do not usually disrupt things. The river picks up around May and becomes exciting for rafting adventures. The waterfalls also become more impressive. Our favorite months are June through August. The mists that dance through the forests are amazing to witness, and you will never see green in so many colors!