The Rafiki Property includes a Wildlife Refuge.

The Rafiki Safari Lodge, outside Quepos, Costa Rica, is not simply dedicated to its paying guests that come to experience the adventurous treat of this rainforest destination. The “Luxury Tent Camp” is actually a part of a sustainable project to reintroduce the 650lb Baird’s Tapir, a relative to the horse and rhinoceros, to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

Their cyclical sustainability model draws in money through tourism to reinvest in the natural surroundings, people and wildlife in the region, which will then attract more tourists.

They are currently in Stage 2 of the project, which includes fencing in a 60 acre portion of the 750 acre property to serve as the reintroduction area for the Tapirs, where they can acclimate to the area and be viewed by visitors. The Rafiki staff hopes to reintroduce the first Tapirs from other captive sites in the summer of 2008, which will be strictly monitored from an onsite Veterinarian Center. The goal is to someday release the animals along a corridor designated for the giant animal that crosses over the Rafiki property.

The motto of the Lodge, which opened in 2002, is “Vivir y dejar Vivir” (Live and let live). It was constructed by the Boshoff family from South Africa who has managed to leave tiny foot prints in the wake of their prolific project.

The Boshoffs purchased the property after sons Lautjie and Nel took a surfing trip to Dominical, Costa Rica 12 years ago. They got lost along the way, and stumbled upon a home set in the middle of the dense jungle property. Their father, Constant Boshoff, purchased the property in 1999, and began to construct the hotel, incorporating a bit of South Africa in the Safari style tents, cuisine and respect for nature.

From the fans to the pool to the garbage, everything here is designed to have a minimal impact on nature. Energy is generated by a hydro-electric plant which is run by the water that also feeds into Costa Rica’s fastest water slide and the small onsite pool. No chemicals are used in the pool, which is naturally cleaned by the moving water.

The hotel uses biodegradable or recyclable products wherever possible, and the small amount of trash that is generated is disposed of in an onsite treatment plant. The water is heated by a fire that is built from wood and disposed-of paper products.

The family has also firmly instilled a humble practice of social responsibility. Because the entire staff comes from nearby towns such as Santo Domingo and Silencio, they have invested in the future of these areas. They help maintain the schools through donations, and provide training for employees as well as the Red Cross in the area. Between 20 and 30 students have already received scholarships through the hotel, and others benefit from English lessons that are provided at the lodge.

From the point of view of the guests, the hotel is a unique adventure escape. “It is an adventurous Osa,” said past guest Richard Bexon. “I would recommend it for people that don’t want to travel all the way to the Osa to experience Costa Rican wildlife up close.”

Despite their unique safari style, the accommodations are far from rustic. The safari tents are pitched upon raised wooden platforms with rocking chairs and beautiful views of the valley below. Each tent opens into a luxurious bathroom that may make you lose your bearings for a moment. There is a fan and screened windows to protect you from the heat and the mosquitoes.

For those looking to rough it, the lodge is not lacking in adventure opportunities. Son and manager Lautjie is a bit of a bushman and onsite biologist. He leads many of the safaris, be it on horseback or in the lodge’s specialty “Mini Me” rafts that allow guests to have slightly less stable experience on the Rio Savegre. The infamous Super Lekker is Rafiki Safari’s signature challenge and blends horseback riding, whitewater rafting and hiking for quite the adrenaline rush.

From the courtesy welcome drink at the beginning of your stay, to the South African Braai or barbeque where you share tales of the day’s quests, you will find yourself feeling like part of the Boshoff family and their exemplary model of sustainable tourism set in the rainforests of Costa Rica.

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Filed under: Hotel & Restaurant Reviews on March 6th, 2008