I consider myself to be an adventurous traveler, but it was time that I bring my family on the ultimate adventure deep into the Costa Rican Jungle. This brought up to Rafiki Safari Lodge, the most unique jungle adventure that we had the privilege to experience! Save this for your next family travel destination and you won’t be disappointed!
Rafiki Safari Lodge is truly one of a kind accommodation. The lodge combines glamping with amenities consistent with a luxury resort. The Lodge is located 30 kilometers from Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It is immersed on 618 acres of private reserve along the Savegre River. The owners of Rafiki are incredible individuals that actually took over the reserve and brought it back to life. Previously, it was being used as farm land and drove all the natural wildlife away. The current owners took over the land and let the jungle grow back to its natural form. This brought back all the local wildlife and allowed nature to take its course. They don’t advertise this, but it is a phenomenal story that deserves to be shared.
The Safari Tents
Rafiki Safari Lodge imported their safari tents directly from South Africa. Each tent is perched on a wood platform with stunning views of the surrounding jungle. The tents are private and encased in nature. Our tent was built for a family with a double bed, twin bed and bunk beds. It was plenty roomy for our family of 5. The bathroom was huge and incredibly beautiful- not something you’d expect in a tent. The best part was the front porch with rocking chairs looking out on the jungle. The tents provide luxury camping at its finest. And yes, it gets HOT.. but don’t worry because they provide several fans to keep you cool! All part of the jungle adventure fun!
The Main Lodge at Rafiki
Now let’s talk about the Main Lodge at Rafiki Safari Lodge. The main lodge is where you will be served breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is also the perfect place to relax in the evenings and have a craft cocktail. My personal favorite is the Rafiki Mojito- you won’t be disappointed with their spin on the original! My kids were OBSESSED with all the fresh fruit juices!
One thing I really enjoyed about the experience at Rafiki is that everything was catered to your stay and your specific needs. Each morning at breakfast, the staff would come around with a menu and you would choose your meal options for lunch and dinner, as well as the time you wanted to eat. Then all we had to do was show up at the main lodge at our selected time and we were served freshly prepared meals! This made it especially easy with our kids. The meals were insanely delicious with a wide variety to choose from. I can’t recommend it enough.
The lodge also has freshly brewed coffee each morning. You can’t beat Costa Rican coffee! One of my favorite things to do was have a cup of coffee in the rocking chair while all the toucans came out to enjoy their breakfast as well. It was magical.
Bonus points for if you get up before your kids and can enjoy the nature in peace!
Adventurous Activities
Something else you will plan out each day in advance are your activities you wish to embark on while staying at the lodge. Bird watching and night walks are available daily, which I highly recommend. The other activities you can choose from are white water rafting, horseback riding, waterfall hike, mangrove kayaking or relax and sign up for a massage!
During our jungle stay, we participated in the night hike, waterfall hike and horseback riding. I can’t even begin to express how utterly amazing the guides are. These were some of the kindest, most authentic, caring individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting in my entire life. Not only were they overflowing with knowledge, they were naturals with the kids. Some of these excursions were quite the feat for my kids to conquer, and I can honestly say we wouldn’t have successfully made it through the activities without the guides and their patience. Spending the day with them, learning about their culture and being shown the hidden gems of the reserve made the entire trip.
After you spend your day adventuring in the jungle, relax in the naturally heated infinity hot tub at the lodge. Or head down to the pool to cool off. If you are brave enough, try out the worlds fastest waterslide. Seriously though- I think I flew. You can also explore the grounds around the lodge. One day we went off on a little hiking trail and discovered a waterfall! So many surprises around every corner.
Rafiki Safari Lodge is majestic. It is by far one of the most special places I have ever visited. Every adventurous family that is looking to go off grid, ditch the technology, fully immerse in culture and wants to dive into wildlife needs to visit Rafiki Safari Lodge. It is the perfect destination for both family travel or couples up for an adventure! I can’t wait to return again someday when the kids are older.
Thank you for the memories, Rafiki Safari Lodge. Can’t wait to return for another jungle adventure! Pura Vida!
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