Our Story & Vision
Rafiki — your companion who always has your back.
Our Story
& Vision
Rafiki - A word originates from the swahili language and is rooted from Arabic meaning “your companion”.
From the Red Sea to the Atlas mountains — more than accommodation, it's a promise.
Chapter 01
Our Story
Rafiki Hostels was born from the journeys of a passionate traveler who discovered that the most memorable experiences weren't just about places — they were about people, laughter, and the moments that stay with you forever.
After visiting more than 100 hostels worldwide, we saw a gap: travelers needed more than a bed.
That's why we chose the name Rafiki - A word originates from the swahili language and is rooted from Arabic meaning “your companion”.
Our Story
Rafiki Hostels was born from the journeys of a passionate traveler who discovered that the most memorable experiences weren't just about places — they were about people, laughter, and the moments that stay with you forever.
After visiting more than 100 hostels worldwide, we saw a gap: travelers needed more than a bed. They needed a companion they could trust and experiences that spark joy, broaden perspectives, and create lasting connections beyond where they come from or how they were raised.
That's why we chose the name Rafiki - A word originates from the swahili language and is rooted from Arabic meaning “your companion”. We are here to be that companion, especially for women and solo travelers who deserve to feel safe, heard, and cared for at every step of their journey.
From the Red Sea to the Atlas mountains of Morocco, Rafiki is more than accommodation. It's a promise: that you can explore the beauty of these regions with confidence, while also having fun, sharing stories, and making memories with new friends along the way.
Chapter 02
Our Vision
Vision video coming soon
Largest Hostel Chain
To become the largest hostel chain in the Middle East and Africa, redefining what safe, inclusive, and inspiring travel looks like.
Safe Spaces for All
To create spaces where every traveler — especially women — feels protected, respected, and empowered to explore freely.
Joy Through Travel
To help travelers have fun, grow, and learn through traveling — because joy is just as important as safety.
Global Standard
To set the global standard for hospitality, sharing our systems, best practices, and customer experience designs worldwide.
We dream of a world where Rafiki is recognized not only as a place to stay, but as a movement in hospitality.
Our Vision
Our vision is bold and heartfelt.
Vision video coming soon
Largest Hostel Chain
To become the largest hostel chain in the Middle East and Africa, redefining what safe, inclusive, and inspiring travel looks like.
Safe Spaces for All
To create spaces where every traveler — especially women — feels protected, respected, and empowered to explore freely.
Joy Through Travel
To help travelers have fun, grow, and learn through traveling — because joy is just as important as safety.
Global Standard
To set the global standard for hospitality, sharing our systems, best practices, and customer experience designs worldwide.
We dream of a world where Rafiki is recognized not only as a place to stay, but as a movement in hospitality — one that raises the bar for safety, care, connection, and fun across the industry.
✨ Chapter 03
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Values video coming soon
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.”
Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13)
At Rafiki, we believe travel is about connection. Our hostels are places where cultures meet, stories are shared, and friendships are formed. Whether it's over a family dinner, a hike through desert trails, or a night of music by the sea, we create spaces that bring people together across borders and backgrounds.
We design our hostels and experiences around people, not just buildings. Every detail — from welcoming common areas to thoughtful services — is crafted to make travelers feel safe, comfortable, and inspired. Our goal is to deliver exceptional human experiences that leave guests feeling cared for and connected.
The Middle East and Africa are home to breathtaking landscapes — deserts, mountains, waterfalls, and coastlines. We strive to do the least harm to these environments by adopting eco-friendly practices and supporting local conservation initiatives. Protecting nature is part of our promise, so future generations can enjoy the same beauty travelers experience today.
At Rafiki, fun doesn't have to mean alcohol. We show our guests that joy can be found in adventure, music, laughter, and community. From shared meals to outdoor activities, we create experiences that prove you can celebrate life in ways that are healthy, inclusive, and unforgettable.
Every bed, every room, every experience sold at Rafiki contributes to educating a child. This is our way of giving back — because travel should not only change the traveler, but also uplift the communities they visit. Our dream is to build Rafiki Schools across MEA, opening doors for children to learn, grow, and dream bigger.
We believe hospitality should benefit everyone. That's why we hire locally, collaborate with local businesses, and organize free community events. By empowering communities, Rafiki becomes more than a hostel chain — it becomes a partner in creating opportunities, fostering culture, and doing good wherever we are.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do.
Values video coming soon
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.”
Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13)
At Rafiki, we believe travel is about connection. Our hostels are places where cultures meet, stories are shared, and friendships are formed. Whether it's over a family dinner, a hike through desert trails, or a night of music by the sea, we create spaces that bring people together across borders and backgrounds.
We design our hostels and experiences around people, not just buildings. Every detail — from welcoming common areas to thoughtful services — is crafted to make travelers feel safe, comfortable, and inspired. Our goal is to deliver exceptional human experiences that leave guests feeling cared for and connected.
The Middle East and Africa are home to breathtaking landscapes — deserts, mountains, waterfalls, and coastlines. We strive to do the least harm to these environments by adopting eco-friendly practices and supporting local conservation initiatives. Protecting nature is part of our promise, so future generations can enjoy the same beauty travelers experience today.
At Rafiki, fun doesn't have to mean alcohol. We show our guests that joy can be found in adventure, music, laughter, and community. From shared meals to outdoor activities, we create experiences that prove you can celebrate life in ways that are healthy, inclusive, and unforgettable.
Every bed, every room, every experience sold at Rafiki contributes to educating a child. This is our way of giving back — because travel should not only change the traveler, but also uplift the communities they visit. Our dream is to build Rafiki Schools across MEA, opening doors for children to learn, grow, and dream bigger.
We believe hospitality should benefit everyone. That's why we hire locally, collaborate with local businesses, and organize free community events. By empowering communities, Rafiki becomes more than a hostel chain — it becomes a partner in creating opportunities, fostering culture, and doing good wherever we are.
Join the Journey
At Rafiki, we don't just host travelers. We champion their journeys — laughing, dancing, and living fully wherever they wander.