Situated on the border of Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Rafiki Safari Camp is a peaceful and wild getaway. The lodge sits upon a small hill overlooking the bush, with the Bua River babbling away in the gorge below. This family owned and run eco-lodge offers warm hospitality and great facilities and is completely off the grid. It has a campsite and 6 comfortable, solar powered, en-suite tented chalets that are well spaced and very comfortable, this accommodation is famously complimented by the exquisite cuisine served al fresco, offering fantastic views across the bush with prolific birdlife and various little bush dwelling creatures. The little swimming pool is a welcome respite from the African heat and your private deck a lovely spot to relax and read a good book. If you’re a birder, this is the place to be, with Nkhotakota boasting over 230 bird species marking it an Important Bird Area (IBA).
“I visited Rafiki Safari Camp with a group of friends, we had the most wonderful time there of ultimate relaxation and the inner peace that comes from being in the bush with the added benefit of being able to walk around the camp and bush without fear of bumping into a dangerous animal (but near enough to the reserve to spot your favourite big grey fatties!). Sandy and Chris, the owners are absolute gems; so welcoming, funny and kind, we really enjoyed spending time with them and sampling Sandy’s exquisite ox-tail stew and homemade limoncello!”
Last visited by Gabi Costantini, Sales and Marketing in Jun 2020
Walk with the ellies
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, also known in Malawi as the Elephant Sanctuary, had 500 elephants moved from other parks within Malawi to this special location. If you want to enjoy the wilderness and have a love for the glorious African Elephant then this is the place to head to. Head out on a short walk along the river bank or go on a hike to the more remote areas. One of the wonderful guides will help track a herd of elephant, there are so many of them to see around and if you catch them on a good day, they can be extremely entertaining.
A relaxing retreat
Relax in style by the pool or on your private deck with a cold drink in hand and escape from hectic daily life, surrounded by unfiltered nature. Enjoy forest bathing in the woodland that surrounds the area. With no light pollution, the stars here are incredible! The wilderness is on your doorstep and at Rafiki Safari Camp you can hear all the wonderful noises of the bush. Nothing is too big or too small when staying here, the times are set around you, you choose when you want to do an activity, what time you wish to eat and if you want to enjoy the wild then you are left to do just that – a home away from home. With only 3 lodges within the park, you can be sure you won’t run into another soul whilst staying here.
Comfortable chalets
Solar powered tented chalets meaning power all day long, hot water and high-pressure showers. The beds and bedding are of high quality and very cosy. Each chalet has its own private deck and feel very private. The paths to the rooms have motion detector solar lights that will guide you to your front door with ease and won’t have the whole camp surroundings lit up like a Christmas tree!
The price categories give you an idea of the nightly cost per person for this accommodation.
Amazing staff and adventure
-Great food -Great staff. They speak good English and care about your stay. They make you feel like a part of a family there. -Fast and Fun water slide & pool. Freshwater pool with shallow and deep water -Amazing view at every location -Whitewater Rafting- was super fun. They stop you an amazing waterfall, guides were great. Nothing dangerous. Our guide showed us many varieties of plants along the way to the river as well. -Aqua hike – our guide was great and very friendly. He showed us many interest things along the way. We saw amazing waterfalls and swam in them. Just a heads up, steep at the start. Overall, amazing stay!
A TripAdvisor Member
World’s best mojitos in an incredibly special setting
Rafiki is the place to go if you are looking for both adventure and absolute relaxation. They offer exciting activities but time can be spent relaxing on the balcony of your tent or from the lodge. It has a very laid back vibe and a plethora of wildlife to keep you entertained.
A TripAdvisor Member
Amazing adventure
We had an amazing experience at Rafiki. The whole staff was attentive and provided an outstanding service. Even though we got hit with a tropical storm, they did everything to make us feel safe and when was time for us to leave they clear our path safely and made sure that we were out on the main road on time for our departure. Food is delicious! This is the real spirit of glamorous camping. My 3 year old and my 6 year old had a blast playing in the river and doing nature walks. We would definitely come back! Thanks again Rafiki Staff!!!!
Number of rooms:5 Luxury Units, 2 family rooms and 3 double/twin/single
Child policy:Children of all ages are welcome
Swimming poolYes
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