Juani Island | Kua Ruins | Juani Island Blue Lagoon

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Juani Island

Juani Island, one of the largest and most characteristic islands in the archipelago, are the ruins of the ancient city of Kua, whose decline, as yet unexplained by archaeological and historical, is the object of many legends.

The island's fauna is quite unusual and includes wild pigs, monkeys and small antelopes (blue duiker). Depending on the visitors' interests, the trip can either be limited to a visit to Kua or may also include a trek through the bush to the "Blue Duiker".

Kua - Ruins

The city of Kua, located on Juani Island south of Mafia, was a major trade center linking Africa to Asia and Kilwa to Zanzibar. The inhabitants of Kua were from the Persian Shiraz, who conquered Mafia in the 10th C. The ruins are located on the western side of Juani Island, covered by bush and intertwined trees. The decline of this ancient city remains unexplained but has become the subject of many legends.

The remains of Kua include several houses, one of these has a bathroom under the building with a vaulted ceiling; two mosques, dating to the 14th C, and tombs with pillars also stand nearby.

Juani Island - Blue Lagoon
The southern point of Juani Island is divided in two by a long shallow channel linking the big inland bay with the open sea. Sail up the emerald channel by Dhow , and take a short walk to the natural Blue Lagoon, whose water level varies according to the tide. The area can only be reached by boat during high tide for a few hours a day, but those who decide to trek from Kua, will witness a natural phenomenon known only to few people: during low tide the whole channel is drained of water creating an extraordinary sight with a view of the ocean waves breaking on the reef in the background. The entire area belongs to a special archipelago project for the protection of its wildlife and vegetation.