Azulik Private Lodge

THE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY comprises 30 000 hectares of pristine Marine and Wildlife territory and is the first Privately Managed Specially Protected National Park in Mozambique. Azulik overlooks the Portuguese Bazaruto Archipelago and this became a National Park in 1971, revealing a wide variety of beautiful sea creatures in both shallow and deep-water reefs, including Great Leatherback Turtles, Sailfish, Angel Fish, Manta Ray, Dolphins and most importantly, the nearly extinct Atlantic Dugong (which resembles a sea lion). This diverse Eco-system of wilderness and wetland, with its powder white beaches and crystal clear water provides a barefoot luxury experience like no other, all in a hidden corner of sub-tropical Africa. Also found on land are Livingstone’s Eland, Kudu, Sable antelope, Blue Wildebeest, Plains Zebra, Giraffe, Nyala, Duiker and Steenbok. Deep-sea fishing of Marlin and Barracuda is truly spectacular and the large flocks of Flamingos and Pelicans are a sight to behold. All of these animals live in harmony in this conservation paradise and are truly a “Gift to the Earth” as stated by the WWF.

ACCOMMODATION at Azulik Lodge offers exclusively decorated and contemporary designed tented lodgings with original charming Mozambican architecture. The lodge has four luxury semi rigid thatched tents each with an en-suite bathroom with outdoor shower. The bungalows have a private viewing platform, with a hammock to make the most of the astonishing views.

All rooms are equipped with a queen size bed with a mosquito net, fan, tea and coffee facilities, mineral water, hairdryer, mosquito repellent and the necessary bathroom amenities. The lodge is ideally suited for groups of friends or family up to eight who are after a relaxed bush and beach experience and offer extreme privacy for the most discerning guest. Azulik Lodge is an exclusive lodge and you will therefore have the entire lodge to yourselves

THE MAIN BUILDING has an open plan lounge, dining and bar area with a balcony overlooking the Bazaruto islands. It has a real indoor – outdoor feel, scattered with hammocks, hang beds and sunken seating surrounding the cool rim flow pool. The lodge is the epitome of style and luxury with its own unique décor. A beautiful wine selection and soft drinks are on offer throughout the day and are included in the daily rate.

The food includes a variety of local cuisine, prepared by a private cook and butler host for the ultimate personalized dining experience. Meals are served either in the dining room or under star studded skies at various locations. A variety of other dining options such as beach picnics, bush dinners or packed island lunches can also be arranged at no extra cost (Weather permitting). Guests can also spend an evening around the fire in the outside BOMA area. A Television and games are also available in the main house.

ACTIVITIES are centred around the beautiful beaches and the wildlife Sanctuary. Beaches are accessed via game viewing vehicle and are ideal for kite surfing (equipment not provided) and swimming. On route to the beach you may encounter wildlife that might inspire you to take in a sundown game drive or bush walk a little later. Snorkel and dive the magnificent colourful reefs in the surrounding area that are home to unique species of small and large sea creatures. Alternatively, island hopping, deep-sea fishing or a dhow excursion can be arranged. For that extra special experience, hop onto a helicopter and view an explosion of turquoise from above.

For more information contact Mozambique Islands: info@mozambiqueislands.com

The neighbouring islands include Bangwe, Magaruque and Linene Island. Cowrie point is renowned for its beautiful shells, balmy waters and dolphins can often be spotted around the area. 2-mile reef offers superb snorkeling and diving opportunities. 6-mile reef is famous with experienced divers where certain times of the year whale sharks can be spotted. Further afar is Benguerra, Bazaruto, Paradise and Pansy Island. A nature conservation fee is charged on most islands, which is not included in the daily rate.

Adventurous guests who would prefer to drive – Vilanculos is approximately 700km North of Maputo. It would be best to do the trip over two days with a stop at Ihnambane, since the journey can be quite long. Daily flights are available from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Vilanculos Airport.

Flights are also available from the Kruger National Park on Thursday and Sunday. And private or charter flights can be arranged.

Transfers from the airport to the Lodge must be booked at the time of making a reservation and are charged separately as the cost varies considerably depending on pax or mode of transport. It must be noted that, at times, there may be a delay in the transfer to Azulik Lodge should passengers be arriving at different times on different airlines. Transfers to the lodge can either be via boat (45 min) or helicopter (10 min). If transfer is via boat, you may be required to wade through knee-deep water, so bear this in mind when choosing your attire.

Once you arrive at the Sanctuary, you will be met by Azulik game viewing vehicle, and driven the 20 min drive to the lodge. Here a warm welcome and an ice cold cocktail await you.

The Archipelago is a malaria area and it is advisable to wear protective pharmacist about a suitable malaria prophylactic. All personal medication should be brought with you, as well as suntan lotion, sun block creams, malaria tablets and antihistamine creams, as there is no pharmacy.

Solar power/Generator Due to the remoteness of Azulik Lodge power is obtained from a combination of solar and generator power.

The water at Azulik is filtered, safe and potable. Bottled water is freely available.

The Mozambique coastline broadly follows a southern African weather pattern, with rainfall mainly occurring between December and March. Humidity can be very high during this period. In April or May rainfall subsides and humidity drops, with better weather spreading gradually from the South to the North. June to October is often characterized as perfect tropical weather, providing almost no rain, clear skies and plenty of sun. June, July and August are Mozambique’s coolest months, although temperatures may still reach up to 30°C during the day. September and October see a climb in temperature, while still remaining dry. November is a month of transition and less predictable with some November months remaining sunny and others bringing early rainfall.