Rio Azul Beach Resort

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Rio Azul overlooks the Govuro River Estuary and is about 2km from the river mouth. The Govuro River mouth is 80km north of Vilanculos as the crow flies.
The River runs north from Vilanculos and past Inhassoro and enters the sea at Bartholomew Diaz point, at the northern end of the Bazaruto Archipelago.

The mangrove estuary system covers an area of around fifty square kilometres and the waterways of the main and sub-rivers extend for more than a hundred kilometres.

Rio Azul offers visitors a chance to fish the endless stretches of estuary canals and channels as well as view the abundant birdlife in this mangrove region while at the same time enjoying the beautiful, unspoilt beaches longing to be explored in this paradise setting.

Great care was given to the design of Rio Azul, and much emphasis given to the eco-friendliness of the accommodation. The Chalets and Villas are built and decorated in an Afro-chic elegance and style and to this end no expense has been spared on the furnishings which reflect luxury and essential comfort.

At the heart of Rio Azul is the “living-dining” area where many ‘great tales’ are told while sipping away on an exotic drink, it offers a sometimes welcome retreat from the African sun and is a great place to retreat into a corner with a good book. Our main deck has a pool and the best sunsets you are likely to experience in your lifetime. And the view from the 31-foot bar is possibly one of the most spectacular in Africa.

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 self catering guests (fridge, microwave, freezers, oven, stove, crockery and cutlery etc). The Villa is divided into 3 rooms sleeping 6 adults, which are all en-suit. And also has a guest bathroom with shower. 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.

Rio Azul Lodge offers an exquisite fine dining experience to guests. These casual fine dining meals are a relaxed affair served in our dining area where you are always assured of unsurpassed personal attention.

Fine Dining Menu:
The fine dining experience menu includes freshly caught fish tantalizingly prepared together with exotic Portuguese spices and traditional cuisine. The more exotic food menu that is served on a regular basis includes some of the best sea food: crab, lobster, prawn, calamari and Mozambique Prawns to name a few.

Private and Romantic Fine Dining:
A “dining under the stars” experience can be arranged for private parties or romantic dinners, as well as picnics on the beach.

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 large fishing boat “Fazer” is 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 varietals can be caught using a variety of different techniques, i.e. lure, fly, bait or trace 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 young game fish such as Barracuda and other varietals such as Rock cod and Honeycomb rays can frequently be found here too.

Types of Fish Caught at the Lodge:
Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Ignoblis, Queenfish, King Mackerel, Queen Mackerel, Bonito, Bludgers, Kingfish,
River Snapper, Grunter

(All species can be caught off Light or Heavy tackle and or Fly tackle as well as bait)
All fishing excursions are accompanied by our experienced guides who have both international and local fishing experience and knowledge.

Snorkelling and Diving:
Rio Azul unfortunately does not have any major reefs in the immediate vicinity; however we arrange exciting day excursions/picnics to the well known Paradise Island and the surrounding reefs where you will be entertained by a wide variety of bejewelled fish and extraordinarily shaped corals.

A kaleidoscope of colour greets you both above and below the ocean. Magnificent reefs, home to the turtles that nest nearby, whales, dolphins and if you are lucky the elusive dugong.

The reefs are protected, unspoilt and pristine offering multitudes of colourful fish which are bound to remain a highlight of your Rio Azul experience for many years to come.

Bird Watching Holidays At Rio Azul:
Rio Azul is blessed with a pristine unspoilt estuary, making it ideal for great bird watching holidays.
Your bird watching holiday at Rio Azul can include a bird walk along the Rio Azul shores and in the surrounding bush of Rio Azul. Rio Azul also offers guests boat rides on the estuary where there are a large variety of common and exotic birds.

Take a Break at Rio Azul:
Take a break at Rio Azul Lodge - A Paradise Beach Resort that will provide you with a vacation getaway where you can just take a break from the hectic pace of modern life.

Rio Azul offers you a relaxing break where you can choose to enjoy an abundance of beach activities OR a vacation getaway where you can just lie under the umbrella with a cocktail and a book all day long.

Paradise Beach Resort
Without a doubt Rio Azul beach paradise is the best “losing track of time” destination in Southern Africa. The translucent waters of both the Estuary and the Indian Ocean act as a soothing balm which slowly and effectively eliminate stress and anxiety so often found in today’s society.

Romantic Getaway
Rio Azul Lodge can arrange a romantic picnic for you and your partner on Bartholomew Dias Island. Here you can indulge in some exotic bird watching or a leisurely beach walk.

Nature Walk and Boat Rides
The area around Rio Azul Lodge offers an abundance of natural scenery. The estuary offers relaxing nature walk and boat ride oppertunity. With a number of birders among the Rio Azul Lodge Staff, your bird walk will be filled with spectacular bird watching opportunity.

Local Culture
For those who just want to enjoy the local culture, beach walks will provide you with scenes of local fisherman applying their trade

Other Activities include:

• Fishing
  
• Kayaking
  
• Snorkelling
  
• Bird Watching
  
• Hiking
  
• Trail walking
  
• Wind Surfing
  
• Skiing and Wakeboarding
  
• Dhow Cruises
  
• Island excursions (Day & Overnight)

(Guides available for all the above)

Rates

Whether you are staying in Rio Azul’s Luxurious Villas or Chalets, your Daily rate Will include:

• All meals daily
  
• Unlimited use of estuary boat per room
  
• Use of sea kayaks
  
• Tea & coffee
  
• Snorkelling on request

Rates Exclude:

• Drinks
  
• Boat hire for deep sea fishing
  
• Snorkelling at sea
  
• All petrol for estuary boats and deep sea fishing boats
  
• Mozambique airport tax
  
• Flights

< Summer Specials
< Download Detailed Rates in ZAR
< Download Detailed Rates in $US

Directions

The beach resort overlooks the Estuary and is about 2km from the River mouth. The Govuro River mouth is 110km north of Vilanculos, Mozambique, Africa. Rio Azul is also only 30km from Paradise Island.
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 to The Lodge (permits required- arranged by our Lodge prior to arrival).

Testimonials

2nd May 2011
Thanks once again for your hospitality at Rio Azul, it was a blast! Patrick you really are one of a kind- you’re a star. Matt, I really learnt a lot from you and now know more about deep-sea fishing and the beauty of the different species! John you are a patient man and for that you will always have clients returning, including me! Please go to my website www.actiongallery.co.za to view the angling section (icon on top of homepage) Thanks once again guys. I miss you all! Clinton, Raymond and Family

August 2010
Just a quick note to compliment all the staff, especially Patrick for an unforgettable experience. The food was fantastic.We will be coming back soon. Thank you, Sam.

29th March 2010
I thank you very much for your assistance to provide me with a most wonderful and memorable trip to Rio Azul. I much appreciated the upgrade to my own chalet. Patrick made me most welcome and I thoroughly enjoyed his company. The food, thanks to James, was great and all the staff were most friendly and helpful. I also caught the biggest fish of the week, so my ego was well fed too! I will most certainly return! I met the owner, John, Jane and their two lads on my last day, who also made me most welcome. Thanks again, yours gratefully, Tony

10th January 2009
This was a very special and successful trip. I will live the memories and Dylan will never forget the experience. Once again you guys (all of you) have made a very special impression on the reason for living. So nice to learn more about the lodge and people, still got to get to the bus – will be back, The Straws

8th September 2008
Thank for an amazing time. You have an incredible gem here. We loved the island adventure and all of your kind hospitality. We will definitely be recommending Rio Azul to everyone. Thanks so much Nic and Kat

5th September 2008
You are truly the most awesome hosts in the most idealic part of the whole world. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality and kindness. We will certainly be back With much love Andrew and Ann

2nd April 2008
Thanks to Pam, Craig, Brandon, Inno, Cameron, the Chefs and all the people who made our stay so enjoyable. Sunset cruises, BD Island, freshly baked bread with strawberry jam, deep sea fishing, breaking the bar Coyote Ugly style and more all contributed to making our stay a memorable one. Thanks for everything and all the very best! Take care, Adrian & Margeaux (“The Honeymooners”)

17th January 2008
What an amazing experience it was indeed. This wouldn’t have been possible without the hosts, staff etc at Rio Azul… not forgetting the good food. This place is just amazing. Thank you so much Chirleyn

12th August 2010
Just a quick note to compliment all the staff ,especially Patrick for an unforgettable experience . The food was fantastic .We will be coming back soon .

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*ALL BOOKINGS GO DIRECTLY TO THE OWNER OF THE LODGE