MBlong4travel

We are planning a trip to CR May 14 - 23. Raifiki Lodge's horseback safari looks amazing, and I've read good feed back. However the lodging is a little expensive, and more luxury than I need. 2 adults, one 5 year old. Not crazy on tourist traps, but if we pick one or two splurges, is this worth it? Are there any comparable tours or locations?

LePageS

We were at Rafiki last month, by far it was the best part of our trip. If we go back to CR next year, we would definately do it again! If you have any specific questions feel free to email me.

rominacr

I've also been to Rafiki, and if you're going to splurge, anywhere, this should be it! The staff is outstanding, and it's such a unique experience. You'll love it!

tully

I'd really love to hear more about Rafiki Lodge. Wasn't familiar with it til I saw this post & checked out their website which was intriuging. How was the food, how to access from Quepos, how many days would be a good stay, etc. Plus, looks like they focus a lot on rafting which I've never done, do they have something for beginners? Anything you could add would be much appreciated, don't see much comment on it here at fodors.

LePageS

Here is a quick report of our stay.

Rafiki is about 1 1/2 hours from Quepos. We had a 4x4 rental car and made the drive ourselves. We arrived mid morning and our tent wasn't ready so we took a swim and relaxed a bit. My kids enjoyed the pool which has a fast waterslide. We spent the day walking the trails and relaxing. Our room was a tent which is pitched on an elevated wood platform. The attached bathroom is large super clean and modern. Hot water is fire heated, the fire is started twice a day at 6:00am and then again at 4:00pm. All the meals are served in the Rancho which is open air. The food was excellent, probably the best we had on our trip. That night we had a chance to meet the other families as well as the staff. Everyone was great! The next day we booked the white water trip. At this time of year the river runs at class 2 &3. We have never done this type of trip before and loved it. The staff is very informative as well as entertaining. We made a few swim stops, a walk to a waterfall and a lunch stop. At lunch a truck met our group with the food. At the end of the trip a our pickup met us with a beverage. My son was so impressed that they brought him the orange fanta that he had been drinking the night before.

We really enjoyed our time there. If we return to CR, I know that our trip will have to include a few days at Rafiki.

tully

LePageS, thank you very much for replying. I didn't realize it was that much of a drive from Quepos. I travel alone & don't rent cars, but I'm sure I could get there somehow, maybe taxi. A couple more questions....is there electricity/lights in the tents? Is it mostly families or a mix? Mucho gracias!

dfarmer

Thanks for the report of Rafiki, one of the places I had looked at, but does not get written about much here at Fodors. I guess I will put it back on my list!

Tully - I read on their website that they will pick you up Quepos.

LePageS

Tully....we were the only ones there with a car. I know the other people were picked up in a 4x4 taxi, I'm not sure how it was arranged. I know that the people at Rafiki will make arrangements for you. As far as people, when we were there it was a mix. A couple families, an older couple and a couple singles. As far as lights, there is one light in the tent/sleeping area & a light in the bathroom. They also give you a candle which we used outside on the deck as well as a flash light for walks to the rancho (bar/restaurant area)

Like I said before we had a great time and I would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

Suzanne