THE BAJUNI ISLANDS
Aprox 125kms from KISMAYO to BURGAO.
They consist of 6 main islands, and numerous smaller cobs and rocks.
They are all covered in oysters and the waters are full of crayfish!!
The 6 main islands are ( from Kismayo-South )
COIAMA, NGUMI, CIOVAI,(2 islands) CIULA, DARACAS, and CIANDRA.
Ciuala has a permanent village and saline wells.
About 500-1000 people live here and are almost all subsistance fishermen.
The Bajuni people are the original inhabitants
But seem to be in minority at present as many are refugees in Kenya.
They know the sea and it would be wise to use them as guides
As the Somalis are not seafaring people.
Apart from Ciula the other islands are relatively uninhabited
Except for the seasonal fishermen and those escaping the mainland strife.
With local guides you should be safe enough!!
BURGAO should be avoided
It is controlled byFUNDAMENTALISTS and they do not like CHRISTIAN foreigners..........
As the islands end before Burgao this should not pose a problem.
There have been reports of a gun-boat in Burgao
But it would be surprising if it functions.....?
Diving amongst the Bajuni islands is a fantastic experience
the reefs are unbleached and untouched.
The fish are HUGE outside the islands and the water is warm...27-32degC.
Numerous dives at depths from 10m to 35m
Were done mainly on the outer reefs
There are a few drop-offs from about 17m but no wall like the
QUERIMBAS in MOZAMBIQUE
Be careful as there are no facilities until Kismayo and no deco-chamber in the area.
There are some locals who have scuba "experience".
Use them for information and watch your back.