About Us

Rio Azul offers serenity in a tropical wilderness for couples, groups and families. Families and groups can enjoy their own tastefully styled beach villa with a private pool on the deck overlooking the tidal lagoon. The warm and clear waters of the lagoon invite you and your kids to snorkel, go for long walks around the peninsula or simply take your own private boat out to one of the sand banks.

Perfect for a romantic holiday or honeymoon, we can arrange a romantic island picnic for you and your partner on Bartholomew Dias Island. Here you can indulge in some exotic bird watching or a leisurely beach walk. A “dining under the stars” experience can be arranged for private parties or romantic dinners, as well as picnics on the beach. We even offer special packages for those wanting to have a memorable beach honeymoon at Rio Azul Lodge.

A Beach Paradise

Rio Azul lodge is a beach paradise and 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 eliminates stress and anxiety so often found in today’s society. In front of Rio Azul lodge lies this fantastic stretch of crystal clear water which can be explored by foot or by boat. The mangrove ecosystem is made up of a fascinating chain of pioneering and sacrificial plants together with a huge array of crustaceans. Bird life is abundant, colourful and spectacular.

Guests are welcome to indulge in a wide range of water and beach activities such as guided lagoon and mangrove forest cruises which offer exceptional birding (download bird list) (link to download pdf of bird list), as well as boat trips to the Bazaruto Archipelago where you are likely to encounter turtles, dolphins and perhaps even whale sharks. Indulge in a beach picnic where freshly caught fish is cooked on an open fire or go snorkelling in the mangroves and spot colourful fish hiding in the underwater labyrinth that is a vital natural resource. For each couple and family, a small private boat is available to explore the blue waters of the lagoon, take a trip to one of the large sand banks at low tide or adventure into the waterways of the estuary. Of course, there is always the option to simply relax by the pool or on the deck of your beautiful thatch beach chalet. Whatever you choose, be sure to be the creator of your own holiday without compromises.

Cuisine and Dining

Dining at Rio Azul is a delightful affair with the freshest ingredients locally sourced and produced, or grown in our own vegetable and herb garden, as well as straight from the sea. Expect Mozambican specialties such as peri-peri chicken and freshly caught prawns.

Dinners in particular are always a delightful experience and can vary between relaxed and informal evenings, romantic and candle lit affairs, as well as lively beach barbecues.

Dining at Rio Azul Lodge offers an exquisite experience to guests. These casual 3 course meals are a relaxed affair served in our dining area where you are always assured of unsurpassed personal attention

Our Menu

We specialise in freshly caught fish and seafood tantalizingly prepared with exotic spices and traditional Portuguese cuisine. The menu includes some of the best seafood such as crab, lobster, calamari and Mozambican prawns to name a few. We cater for vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements.

Local Culture

Clients can view a large range of local culture, including quaint, stilted fishing villages dotted around the estuary. Beach walks can also provide you with scenes of local fisherman applying their trade.