Kunta Kinteh Island - Full-day historical & cultural tour
Embark on a moving and informative excursion to Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly James Island), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that played a pivotal role in West Africa’s history. Located approximately 30 km upriver from Banjul near the villages of Juffureh and Albreda, the island’s ruins—including Fort James—offer a powerful, tangible reminder of the transatlantic slave trade and the resilience of local communities.
Your day typically starts with a early morning pickup from your hotel. After a short drive to the ferry terminal in Banjul, you’ll cross the Gambia River to Barra and continue by open-top jeep toward the historic river villages where the stories of Kunta Kinteh (and the broader oral traditions) are preserved.
Discover the Island
Walk among the remains of colonial-era Fort James, hear first-hand accounts and oral histories from local guides, and learn how this place fits into regional and global history. The tour weaves together documented facts and local narratives so visitors leave with both knowledge and context.
Two ways to visit the Island
- By Land: Travel through rural communities and markets, meeting locals and stopping in Albreda and Juffureh to learn about daily life and local heritage.
- By Boat: A river cruise offers abundant wildlife-viewing opportunities (monkeys, birds, and occasionally dolphins) and a gentle introduction to the landscape that shaped local history.
Two Ways to Visit
Why this tour is unique
Kunta Kinteh Island is more than a photo stop: it’s a space for reflection, learning, and local story-telling. This tour is ideal for history lovers, students, and travellers seeking a meaningful cultural encounter.
Tour Highlights
- Hotel Pickup & Ferry Crossing – Begin with an early morning pickup and scenic ferry ride across the Gambia River to the north bank.
- Drive to Juffureh & Albreda – Journey in an open jeep through rural villages, experiencing local markets and village life along the way.
- Visit Juffureh Village – Discover the roots of the Kinteh family and learn the oral history of Kunta Kinteh.
- Albreda Settlement – Explore this historic town once tied to the slave trade, with remnants of colonial influence.
- Cross to Kunta Kinteh Island – Board a local boat to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, stepping onto the ruins of Fort James.
- Guided History Tour – Learn the myths, facts, and historical accounts of the transatlantic slave trade from knowledgeable local guides.
- Lunch by the River – Enjoy a traditional meal with views of the Gambia River.
- Return Journey – Retrace your steps via jeep and ferry, arriving back in Banjul in the evening.
Key Experiences
- Stand on the ruins of Fort James, a place of deep historical and emotional significance.
- Connect with the story of Kunta Kinteh, a symbol of resilience and identity for millions worldwide.
- Engage with local communities in Juffureh and Albreda, experiencing daily Gambian life.
- Choose between a land adventure through villages or a river journey with wildlife spotting.
- Reflect on the history of slavery while surrounded by the beauty of the Gambia River.
- Capture memorable photos of both cultural heritage sites and natural landscapes.
- Ages
- 4 and above
- Duration
- 8-12hrs
- Live guide
- Live guide (English, French available on request)
What's included
- Food (Breakfast & Lunch)
- Water & Refreshments
- Entry tickets
- Private transport
- Ferry crossings (where applicable)
What's not included
- Personal expenses
Itinerary
Here's what you can expect during the tour.
By Land
Start of Journey
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Hotel Pickup & Drive to Banjul Ferry
Begin with a hotel pickup in Banjul. Drive to the ferry terminal and enjoy the lively atmosphere before crossing the Gambia River.
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Ferry Crossing: Banjul to Barra
Cruise across the Gambia River to Barra on the north bank. Enjoy scenic river views and watch local life unfold around you.
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Drive to Juffureh & Albreda
Board an open jeep and drive through rural villages. Along the way, experience Gambian village life, local markets, and schoolchildren greeting visitors.
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Visit Albreda & Juffureh
Explore Albreda and Juffureh, home of the famous Mandinka warrior slave Kunta Kinteh. Visit the slavery museum and interact with local residents to hear their stories.
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Boat to Kunta Kinteh Island
Take a local boat across the river to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the ruins of Fort James, a symbol of the transatlantic slave trade.
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Guided History Tour
Learn from expert guides about the myths, facts, and history of slavery. Stand on the soil where countless enslaved Africans began their forced journeys.
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Lunch by the River
Enjoy a traditional Gambian meal with refreshing drinks while taking in river views.
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Return Journey
Travel back by jeep to Barra, then take the ferry across the Gambia River to Banjul.
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Hotel Drop-off
Arrive back at your hotel with lasting memories of a powerful and educational journey.
End of Journey
By Boat
Start of Journey
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Hotel Pickup & Transfer to Banjul Port
Start your adventure with a hotel pickup and transfer to the riverside port in Banjul.
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Scenic River Cruise
Board a motorized boat and cruise along the Gambia River. Along the way, spot monkeys, birds, lush vegetation, and—if lucky—playful dolphins.
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Arrival at Albreda & Juffureh
Disembark and explore these historic villages. Visit the slavery museum and hear stories from local guides about the resilience of their ancestors.
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Boat to Kunta Kinteh Island
Sail a short distance to the iconic Kunta Kinteh Island. Walk among the ruins of Fort James and absorb the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
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Guided History Tour
Your guide will take you through the island’s history, explaining its role in the slave trade and its enduring cultural significance.
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Riverside Lunch
Relax and enjoy a traditional lunch along the riverbank, surrounded by nature and history.
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Scenic Return Cruise
Cruise back downstream to Banjul, soaking in the beauty of the Gambia River and spotting wildlife along the way.
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Hotel Drop-off
Arrive back in Banjul and transfer to your hotel after a moving and unforgettable day.
End of Journey
Important Information
Before you book, please review the following to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
Tips
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses – shade is limited on the island and boats.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain and ruins.
- A camera and binoculars are highly recommended for ruins, river scenery, and wildlife along the way.
- Learn a bit about the history of slavery in The Gambia before your visit – it makes the experience more meaningful.
- Engage with locals in Juffureh and Albreda villages to enrich your cultural understanding.
Accessibility
- Access involves multiple transports, ferry or boat crossings, open-top jeeps, and walking on ruins/uneven ground. These surfaces may be rocky, sandy, or cobblestone — they are not wheelchair-friendly by default.
- Paths and trails are often unpaved and may have loose stones, steep steps (especially on docks or into ruins), or uneven terrain. Good, sturdy footwear is highly recommended.
- Ferry and boat boards usually involve small steps; disembarking could be tricky for those with limited mobility.
Health & Safety:
- The tour involves boat or ferry crossings; follow crew instructions carefully when boarding and disembarking.
- Some ruins are unstable – avoid climbing on fragile structures or entering restricted areas.
- Children should be supervised at all times, especially near the river or inside ruins.
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