Escape To Kua Ruins in Mafia Island
Kua Ruins, Mafia Island, Coast of Pwani Region, Tanzania
Offered in: English, Italian, German and 5 More
Tour Duration
3 hours (Approximately)Minimum Group Size
2 PersonMaximum Group Size
50 PeopleTour Type
Archaeology & Historical SitesGuides/Drivers
In-personMinimum Age
Children with 2 years & aboveMeeting & Pickup
Pick-up/Drop-off at any placeCut-off Time
24 hours before start timeCancellation Policy
May cancel up to 24 hoursImportant Information
Children Need to be Accompanied By at Least One Adult
All water based excursions are extremely tide and weather dependent
We don’t offer a pick up or drop off service by car but we’re accessible within a 15 minute walk from most hotels
Our advice:
- You can combine with Swimming In A Hidden Lagoon and BBQ Lunch On Marimbani Sandbank as full day excursion
- Wear decent (conservative/appropriate) clothes when walking around Island
- Bring Water resistant bag for cameras and other valuables
- Comfortable closed walking or hiking shoes
- Suitable for all ages and fitness level
Description
Nestled amongst the overgrown forests in the South of Juani are a set of ruins, the last remnants of the ancient city of Kua dating back to the arly 12th century. Kua is an identified archaeological site which still has no firm reasoning as to why all of a sudden the civilisation ceased to exist, although there are various legends. The destruction of Kua is said to have been by the sultan’s enemies, the Sakalava tribe from Madagascar during the fifteenth century. The ruins cover a large area of the South western side of Juani Island and are located close to the shore. As you wander between crumbling walls smothered by the roots of strangler figs, you will pass several mosques, a cemetery, a palace with large storeroom, a dispensary and a school, all which were funded by the then-lucrative trade in cowrie shells. From these one can tell that Kua was once a place of considerable local importance.
The city of Kua was established by settlers from Kilwa, and was heavily involved in trade. All over the ruins you can readily dig up pottery sherds, some dating several hundreds of years to Chinese and Persian origins. Vervet monkeys scamper among the fallen buildings and plenty of haunting cries from surrounding birds will add to the mysterious atmosphere, letting your imagination run wild. This is a wonderful excursion to plan for the late afternoon, when the afternoon light illuminates the ruins in a beautiful yet spooky ambience.
What's Included
- Service of Informative, friendly and Experienced Professional Tour guide
- Meet & Greet Services from your hotel to ensure that your trip is comfort
- Mineral Water, tea, coffee and small snacks during the tour
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Waiting Charge & Other Service Fees
What's Excluded
- Medical Insurance if needed
- Gratuities for Tour Guide or Driver
- Marine Park fees & Contribution to Local Community payable locally
- International & Domestic Flights
- Expenses of a personal Nature
- Airport/Departure Tax
- Visa Fee
COVID-19 Health & Safety Measures
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
