Quietly waiting on the shores of Mozambique, is Rio Azul, an untouched paradise meaning “Blue River.” The Lodge offers the perfect haven to rest, and restore one’s soul while soaking in the breathtakingly beautiful views of the endlessly blue estuary.
Rio Azul Lodge is situated on the Northern end of the Bazaruto Archipelago at the mouth of the pristine Govuro River which enters the sea at Bartholomew Dias. Guests enjoy a scenic 1 1/2 hours road transfer from Vilanculos before reaching this private beach haven.
The lodge faces west and enjoys spectacular sunsets in a quiet and peaceful setting of your own personal paradise. The setting is ideal for honeymoons, romantic holidays, family holidays, fishing holidays and of course beach holidays. Excellent fishing and bird watching opportunities wait, as well as kayaking, snorkelling and boating to name a few of the lodge beach holiday activities. Each group has access to their own boat to enjoy the estuary, allowing for endless hours exploring this pristine environment. Part of the experience is the excellent fine dining experience, with freshly caught cuisine to tantalise your senses.
Rio Azul offers luxury lodge accommodation including six twin chalets and two luxury villas which sleep six adults and six children. Each villa has its own swimming pool and is situated along pristine beach shores.
Rio Azul Lodge‘s main area consists of a lounge, dining room, bar area with a big wooden deck in front and a plunge pool. The view from the bar is possibly one of the most spectacular in Africa, overlooking the Govuro River during sunsets
Chalets
Rio Azul has six elegant, thatch style, beach chalets, with sublime views over the estuary. Facilities include electrical plug-points and fans. And all are equipped with fans, mosquito nets, en-suit showers, twin basins, night lamps and full cupboards.
Villa’s
The two Villa’s, also of thatch and wood construction both overlook the Estuary, from a private deck with pool. They both have a private lounge with overhead fans and full kitchen for private dining. The Villa is divided into 3 rooms sleeping 6 adults, which are all en-suite. The Villa also has a loft with beds for up to 6 children. Electrical plug-points, fans, mosquito nets, night lamps and full cupboards are all standard.
Location
The beach resort overlooks an estuary and is about 2km from the river mouth. The Govuro River mouth is 110km north of Vilanculos, Mozambique, Africa.
The Govuro River runs north from Vilanculos and past Inhassoro and enters the sea at Bartholomew Diaz point, at the northern end of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Getting There
Flying: From OR Tambo Int. Airport (Johannesburg), to Vilanculos Int. Airport, Mozambique. Transport to the Lodge is arranged prior to arrival and an air-conditioned vehicle will transport you to the lodge via a spectacular beach drive to Bartholomew Dias Point and The Lodge.Self Drive: From Johannesburg, 16 hour drive via Maputo, Xai Xai and Vilanculos. 80km North of Vilanculos, turn right towards Inhassoro (14km), and a 24km beach drive (permits required- arranged by our Lodge prior to arrival) to The Lodge.
Child Policy
Rio Azul is a Family Lodge and children are encouraged.
Malaria
Although Malaria has not been an issue at the Lodge in the past, for precaution’s sake, malaria medication is advised. Doxitab and Malanil are both very good although can make you drowsy.
Sea Sickness
Any guests looking to go Deep-sea fishing who have had sea sickness before may want to bring sea sickness medication in case. We recommend ‘Stugeron’.
Fishing
For those looking for a first rate fishing holiday, Rio Azul is one of the few venues along the Mozambique coast where one can access deep water with strong currents close to the beach. The point at the river mouth has deep water right at its edge, and big game fish move into easy casting distance of the shore to feed.Our two 31 foot fishing boats are perfect for a variety of types of Deep-sea fishing. With a supply of good fishing spots not far off the coast a huge variety of fish can be caught here. Most commonly being Mackerel, Cuta, King Fish, Queenfish as well as seasonal Marlin and Sailfish. These fish can be caught using a variety of different techniques, i.e. lure, fly, jigging and bait fishing.
As well as Deep-sea fishing, the Govuro River estuary offers many species of fish for light tackle fishing and fly fishing. Fish such as snapper and grunter are most commonly found here, but juvenile game fish such as Barracuda and other varietals such as Rock cod and Honeycomb rays can frequently be found here too.