Bajuni Islands

The Bajuni Islands are a small archipelago of low, coral and sand islands off Somalia’s southern coast in the Lower Juba region. The islands are associated with the Bajuni people and traditional fishing communities.

The islands consist of scattered islets, sandbanks and fringing coral reefs that support fishing, small-scale agriculture on larger islets, and seabird colonies. Beaches, shallow lagoons and mangrove-lined channels are typical features of the archipelago’s islands.

Historically the islands are part of the Swahili Coast trading network and have long been inhabited or seasonally used by local Bajuni fishing communities. Their use has centered on fishing, sea transport and small-scale settlement rather than large urban development.

Geographically the archipelago lies in the Somali Sea off Somalia’s southern shoreline, roughly off the coast near the port city of Kismayo in Lower Juba.

Access is by boat from ports along the Somali coast-commonly from Kismayo or other local fishing towns. Travel requires local arrangements and up-to-date security assessments.

• Arrange passage with local boatmen in Kismayo or nearby coastal towns and confirm safety conditions before travel.
• Bring reef shoes - many small islands have shallow, rocky approaches.
• Respect local customs and any fishing zones; some islands are used seasonally by fishermen.