Rio Azul is a spectacular tropical holiday resort on the Mozambique coast. We aim to give our guests the holiday of a lifetime, and leave feeling refreshed and with lasting memories. 

If you are planning your vacation to Rio Azul, what should you pack? 

Read the simple guide below,  to find out everything you need to know. 

 

Less and light is best when packing for your beach holiday. 

When you stay at Rio Azul, most of your needs are taken care of by our attentive staff complement. We, therefore, recommend that our guests pack light for a stay with us. 

Below are some more details about what we advise packing: 

 

1. Comfortable loose-fitting clothing is most suitable. 

Mozambique boasts year-round warm temperatures with high humidity. Thankfully, this makes packing easy because you can focus on lightweight, and

loose-fitting clothing. 

Consider breathable fabrics, plenty of swimwear, and comfortable sandals. 

 

2. Toiletries for before, during and after sun exposure are a must.

Rio Azul has an exquisite beach and it’s difficult to tear yourself away from it. This naturally comes with sun exposure, and we recommend a high SPF sunscreen to keep your skin protected. 

We also recommend a good after-sun lotion or some aloe vera gel to soothe any post-sun exposure. 

You might also consider packing a hat or cap. 

 

Beach items to pack for the family

For the kids just being on the beach keeps them entertained for hours. 

If you’re worried about entertaining the kids at Rio Azul, don’t give this a second thought!

Our beach boasts soft sand and warm water, and the only problem you’ll have is getting your kids off the beach! 

 

Remember to pack:

• Swimsuits

• Hats

• Towels

• And items for the beach, such as a bucket and spade, or any other toys keep your children entertained for hours. 

 

Any prescription medicines and antimalarials 

One of the advantages of staying at Rio Azul is our remote location which allows you to get away from it all. 

The only downside to this is that reaching a pharmacy is slightly challenging due to the distance. We recommend packing any prescription medication that you’re on, enough antimalarials, and some paracetamol in case of headaches.

Apart from prescription medication and antimalarials, you should also check which other vaccinations you might need. Yellow Fever is essential, while vaccinations for Hepatitis, Meningitis, and Pneumonia could be useful. You might want to chat to your doctor a few months before departing. 

 

Electronic gadgets and cell phones need a travel adapter plug

Remember that in Mozambique, you will likely need a plug adaptor for your electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, etc) to work. 

You can pick these up inexpensively online, at airports, or travel stores. If you are struggling to find a good adaptor, contact one of Rio Azul’s team members and we will recommend a good brand and store from which to purchase a travel adaptor. 

 

Currency to travel to Mozambique

All types of currency have to be declared on entry to Mozambique, but the national currency is the Mozambican metical (MZM).

If you decide to bring cash into Mozambique, bear in mind that you will need to declare this when entering the country. There is a maximum cash amount that you can bring into the country, namely USD$5000 and 10 000 MZM without declaration. 

Instead of bringing large quantities of cash into the country, you could use your credit or debit card as these will work widely throughout Mozambique. 

 

Passport for all visitors and selective visa requirements

When planning your dream beach holiday to Rio Azul, take note that your passport should have at least six months of validity and have at least two empty pages for passport stamps. 

It’s also a good idea to check if the Mozambican government requires a visa for your nationality passport. Mozambique allows visa-free entry for some countries, while for others, you can apply online for a visa. 

 

Activity personal gear like snorkel, diving mask and dive shoes. 

At Rio Azul, you can experience the most amazing Mozambique holiday. If you feel like relaxing on the beach and sipping cocktails, you will love the beautiful tropical atmosphere.

However, if you are more of the active type, and want to take part in some exciting tropical activities, remember to pack personal gear, like snorkelling equipment, diving gear or any other gear you may need to take you on your nature adventure.

 

Travel Essentials like mask and vaccine certificate or negative test

As of 2022, Mozambique still requires people entering the country to have proof of a Covid-19 vaccine or a negative Covid test. You may also need a mask while travelling and entering indoor spaces in Mozambique.

Since Covid-19 is an ever-changing and ongoing virus, it’s worth checking what the regulations are when you decide to travel as they are subject to change at short notice.  

 

Manageable luggage and beach bag within weight allowance.

Before finalising your packing, it’s a good idea to check with your airline on the maximum weight allowance for luggage. Luckily, for a Mozambique beach holiday, you can afford to pack light! 

We recommend bringing a spacious beach bag so that you can fit with all your beach essentials (beach towel, drinks, sun tan lotion, etc). A beach bag made from soft and foldable material is ideal as it will fit nice and compactly into your suitcase. 

Always keep an eye on your personal belongings. Rio Azul is a safe and secure holiday resort. However, if you want to venture further afield and explore the local area, we recommend watching your personal belongings as there can be occasional petty theft in the area. 

 

Travel smart by air to your favourite destination in Mozambique

Reaching your beach holiday destination in Mozambique is easier than you think! 

If you have decided to drive, our resort can be reached by road if you’re travelling from major South African cities, like Johannesburg or Durban. 

From Johannesburg, via the N1 or N4 or Durban via the N2, the estimated driving time is 17 hours. 

Alternatively (and if you want to reach your destination as soon as possible), flying is incredibly convenient. There are many flights into Maputo (Mozambique’s capital) from Johannesburg, Portugal, and more destinations.  

Unfortunately, the transfer drive from the Maputo Airport is over 11 hours drive, meaning that the Vilankulo airport is the closest airport to the Rio Azul lodge with only 2 hours travel time.

Direct flights are usually 2 hours and 15 minutes from Johannesburg, Gauteng and 3 hours and 40 minutes for a connecting flight.

Flights are available from Airlink and LAM airlines.