I have never before written a negative travel review (or any negative review) but feel compelled to share this so as to save someone else from the stress of this... read more visit. Our stay at the Rafiki Beach Resort ranks as possibly my worst travel experience and not at all as marketed. I spent $2,000 on this 5-night visit to their two properties and felt quite misled by the beach camp.

When I first reached out to the owner last summer to discuss whether Rafiki was a good fit, I was clear I’d be traveling alone with two children and our most important needs were quiet, restful time/space, safety and fun. Lautjie assured me that the beach would be very quiet other than perhaps a “few” fireworks “down” the beach on New Years’ Eve ending just after midnight. I asked repeatedly about the quiet and emphasized our need for that. He marketed a private and "relaxing" beach resort with peace and just a few families around. I was NEVER told that our tent was on a public beach.

Bottom line: there were loud dogs barking starting at 5:30am, people partying (his staff!) until 2am a few feet from our tent and incessant cigarette and cooking smoke inundating our tent all day. It was not at all private and not at all peaceful or restful.

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