Rafiki Safari Lodge
Costa Rica
Rafiki is a family
owned lodge. The Boshoff family
started the project in 1999 in hopes
of using tourism to build a wildlife
refuge and Tapir re-introduction
program. The first stage of the
project, the lodge and cabins, was
completed in December of 2002.
Currently the lodge sees travelers
from all over the world. Their contributions
have helped us develope the nessecary
contacts and cultural understanding
to undertake the second stage of
Rafiki. Stage 2 of Rafiki is to
build a fence around about 60 acres
of forest, construct a Veterinary
facility, and begin the process
of attaining and transporting tapirs.
The animals will come from captive
environments, but will hopefully
one day roam free through the Savegre
Valley. Currently there is a corridor
designated for tapir, El Paso de
la Danta, which passes through Rafiki's
property. This means that Rafiki
is not an ecological island, making
our released animals very important
to the genetic diversity of the
tapirs of Costa Rica.
The philosophy of Rafiki's project
is South African in origin. Essentially,
through the use of tourism as a
means to generate capital, animals
can be given a second chance where
local hunting pressures and loss
of habitat have decimated their
populations. The tourism that enters
the area generates employment opportunity
in both the project itself, and
also in expanding local economy.
Rafiki is highly involved in the
local community and will be providing
scholarships to aspiring student
who choose to pursue careers in
eco-tourism, biology, veterinary
sciences, or any such related fields.
With the help of the travelers that
visit Rafiki, we are setting an
example to other projects in Costa
Rica and around the world, showing
that sustainible tourism is a viable
means to protect and restore the
ecology of a given location. If
you have any questions about our
wildlife refuge or Tapir re-introduction
program, please write to Lautjie
Boshoff, our resident Biologist
or Polly Underdown, our resident
Veterinarian.
Rancho
The lodge is nestled on a natural
plateau with ten luxury tents situated
near by, each with its own spectacular
view of the pristine mountains.
The Lodge serves as the restaurant,
bar and tour center. From here you
will start all of your safaris,
while being able to enjoy the pool
and water slide and experience some
amazing birding.
The Lekker
Bar and Braai
Treat yourself to a delicious South
African Braai (BBQ)cooked on our
grill, accompanied by side dishes
prepared by our professio-local
chef. Enjoy a tasty beverage from
the bar while being enchanted by
the natural beauty that Rafiki has
to offer!
Luxury Safari Tents
The spacious luxury tents were
imported from South Africa. They
comfortably sleep up to four people.
The large windows bring the sounds
and the smells of the forest in,
while the canvas walls keep the
creepies and the elements out. Enjoy
the magnificent views from your
private porch! Our showers are fire
heated to take the chill out of
the spring water.
