Planning Rafiki?

BEFORE YOU GET HERE.
LET'S WALK THROUGH IT.

You're looking at Rafiki and probably trying to figure out the same things most guests want to know before coming. Where exactly is it? How do I get there? How many nights? What will the kids do? What do we eat?

So instead of a wall of questions, let's take the trip in order.

You're here: Costa Rica Route

Step 01 — You're Still on the Coast

"WHERE EXACTLY IS RAFIKI?"

You're probably looking at Manuel Antonio, Dominical or Uvita on your Costa Rica route. Start there. Rafiki is where you turn inland for a few days and enter the lower Savegre Valley.

You don't need to know Savegre before planning the trip. We'll show you where it fits.

See It on the Map →

You're here: Costa Rica Route → Getting Here

Step 02 — Now You're Wondering About the Road

"DO I NEED A 4X4?"

Roughly 3.5–4 hours by car from San José (SJO), 16 km off the Coastal Highway near Savegre River, Pérez Zeledón. The last stretch is unpaved — 4x4 is required, not just recommended, especially in green season.

"CAN YOU ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION?"

Yes. Tell us where you're sleeping before Rafiki and where you're heading afterward. We'll help connect the route.

You're here: Costa Rica Route → Getting Here → Arrival

Step 03 — You Arrive

"WHAT ARE THE SAFARI TENTS ACTUALLY LIKE?"

Canvas outside. A proper bed inside. Private bathroom. Hot shower. Rocking chairs and your own porch. Forest around you. You hear more of Costa Rica's nature without having to sleep like you're camping.

"ARE THERE BUGS?"

Yes. You're in a rainforest. Most of them belong outside your tent. Keep the screens and tent properly closed and let the forest stay where it belongs.

See the Safari Tents →

You're here: Your Stay → Experiences

Step 04 — Now the Family Has Opinions

"DO WE ALL HAVE TO DO THE SAME THING?"

No. One part of the family can raft. Someone can go birding. Someone stays at the lodge. Someone books a massage. Everyone comes back later.

"IS RAFIKI GOOD FOR CHILDREN?"

Rafiki works particularly well for families because there is enough adventure to make the trip exciting and enough freedom that every day doesn't have to be organized around the kids. Pool. Water slide. River. Horses. Wildlife. Forest. And plenty of dirt. Usually a good combination.

You're here: Experiences

Step 05 — You're Thinking About the River

"I'VE NEVER RAFTED. IS THAT A PROBLEM?"

No. Your guide handles the river knowledge. You handle listening and paddling. Current water conditions determine how the day operates.

"CAN MY CHILD RAFT?"

If your little one is under six, we can always talk about it. If they're comfortable in the water, adventurous, and happy to go down the slide, there's a good chance we can make it work. We'd just want to make sure it feels right and safe for them first.

"WHAT IF THE RIVER CHANGES?"

Then the plan changes. A real river doesn't run according to a booking calendar. Rafiki's guides make decisions based on what the Savegre is doing that day.

Explore Whitewater Rafting →

You're here: Experiences → Food

Step 06 — Now You're Hungry

"WHAT WILL WE EAT?"

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Lekker Bar & Braai. And yes — you can see the menus before arriving.

See What's Cooking →

You're here: Booking

Step 07 — You've Been Here Two Days

"IS TWO NIGHTS ENOUGH?"

Two nights gives you one strong Rafiki experience. Three nights gives the place room to work — two different adventure days, time at the lodge, breakfast without rushing, a slower afternoon. For most first-time guests, three nights gives you a much fuller sense of Rafiki.

"WHAT IF WE HAVE MORE TIME?"

Forest Beach and Super Lekker continue the Rafiki journey toward Beach Camp and the Pacific.

Compare Rafiki Journeys →