Kunta Kinteh Island and Juffureh: the heart of the Roots story

Why it matters

From the seventeenth century, European powers fought over this small island because whoever held it controlled trade on the river. Gold, ivory and above all enslaved Africans passed through. In 1976, Alex Haley traced his ancestor Kunta Kinte to Juffureh, and Roots brought the village to the world's attention. In 2011 the island was renamed Kunta Kinteh Island. For many visitors from the diaspora, coming here is a profound personal moment.

Kunta Kinteh Island

The island is tiny and has been shrinking for decades due to erosion. What remains are the ruined walls of the fort, cannons and a few baobab trees. It is quiet and moving. Guides explain the history, and you may be shown the small cell where captives were held. Stay on marked paths: the ruins are fragile.

Albreda and the museum

On the north bank, **Albreda** was once a French trading post. Its small **museum on the slave trade** covers the trade on the river, the conditions of the Middle Passage and the abolition movement. Outside stands the **Freedom Flagpole**, where it is said an enslaved person who touched it would be granted freedom.

Juffureh

Next door, **Juffureh** is the village of the Kinte family. Visitors are often welcomed by members of the extended family, and it is customary to make a small gift or donation to the village. Walk through the compounds, see the baobabs and meet local craftspeople, always asking before taking photos.

Other nearby sites

The UNESCO listing also covers the **San Domingo** Portuguese ruins, the **Maurel Frères** building in Albreda and **Fort Bullen** and the **Six Gun Battery** at Barra, which guarded the river mouth against slave ships after abolition. Many tours include Fort Bullen on the way.

How to visit

There are two main ways:

• **By boat** from Denton Bridge near Banjul. This is the classic Roots trip: a relaxed day on the river, often with lunch and stops at Albreda, Juffureh and the island. Look for operators with proper life jackets and shade.
• **By road** via the Banjul to Barra ferry and then a short drive east. It is cheaper but slower, depends on the ferry and you will still need a short local boat to reach the island.

Entrance fees and village contributions apply; check current fees with the tour operator or the National Centre for Arts and Culture.

The Roots Festival

The **International Roots Festival** brings diaspora visitors, music, dance and ceremonies to Juffureh, Banjul and the coast. It has not been held every year, so check dates well ahead if you hope to attend.

Tips for a respectful visit

• Dress modestly and bring sun protection: there is little shade on the island.
• Carry small notes for donations and crafts.
• Ask before photographing people.
• Allow time to reflect: for many people, this is not a usual sightseeing stop.

Combining it

Most people visit from the resort coast or Banjul. If you are travelling on to Janjanbureh and the upper river, the north bank road can be part of your route upcountry.