Plizio Visual Lab
Kunta Kinteh Island
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Island
Weather…
Water temperature…
Kunta Kinteh Island, formerly known as James Island, is a small island in the Gambia River that holds immense historical significance as a former slave trading post. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003, it features the ruins of Fort James, which was occupied at various times by the Courlanders, British, and French. The island was a strategic point for controlling trade along the river and became a central hub for the transatlantic slave trade. In 2011, it was officially renamed in honor of Kunta Kinteh, the protagonist of Alex Haley’s "Roots," who was famously captured in this region. Despite severe coastal erosion that has significantly reduced its size over the centuries, the island remains a somber memorial to the millions who were forcibly transported from West Africa. Visitors can take boat trips to the island to explore the ruins and learn about its dark colonial past and its impact on the global African diaspora.
- Location: Gambia
- Nearby: Faraba Banta (19 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 74 | 187 | 306 | 231 | 67 | 3 | 0 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reached by taking a motorized pirogue or dedicated tourist boat from the mainland village of Juffureh or directly from Banjul.
Best season
The dry season from November to May is handy for a smooth boat crossing and comfortable walking conditions on the island.
Terrain & paths
The island is very small and relatively flat, featuring exposed historical ruins and unpaved, sandy walking paths.
What to bring
Bring strong sun protection, comfortable walking sandals, and a camera to respectfully capture the profound historical monuments.
Parking
Visitors typically leave their vehicles safely parked at the mainland departure points in Juffureh or nearby Albreda.
Safety
Take great care when stepping on or off the small boats, and respect the fragile, eroding nature of the historical structures.
Time needed
A visit to the island itself usually takes about one to two hours, completely excluding the necessary boat transit time.
Geography
Facts
- Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage in 2003.
- Formerly called James Island until 2011.
- Strategic fort established by Courlanders.
- Renamed after the protagonist of Roots.
- Located 30 km from the river mouth.
- Severely threatened by coastal erosion.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kunta Kinteh Island (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Kunta Kinteh Island famous?
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key monument to the transatlantic slave trade.
How do you get to the island?
By boat from the villages of Juffureh or Albreda.
What can you see there?
The ruins of Fort James and exhibits on the history of slavery.
Is the island large?
No, it is small and significantly eroded; a tour takes about 45 minutes.
Should you also visit Juffureh?
Yes, the village and its museum provide essential historical context to the island visit.
Kunta Kinteh Island: where is it located?
Kunta Kinteh Island is located in Gambia.
Kunta Kinteh Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Kunta Kinteh Island: why is it worth visiting?
Kunta Kinteh Island, formerly known as James Island, is a small island in the Gambia River that holds immense historical significance as a former slave trading post.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Gambia →
Nearby cities
Farafenni
Farafenni is an important commercial town on the North Bank, strategically located along the Trans-Gambia Highway.
Barra
Barra is a key port town opposite Banjul, serving as the terminal for the ferry across the Gambia River estuary.
Kerewan
Kerewan is the administrative capital of the North Bank Region, situated along a bolong (creek) of the Gambia River.
Albreda
Albreda is a historic trading post on the north bank of the Gambia River, known for its links to the slave trade.
Juffureh
Juffureh is a world-famous village, made famous by Alex Haley's book 'Roots' as the home of Kunta Kinte.
Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve
A vast wetland area on the north bank of the Gambia River, protecting a rich birdlife and complex mangrove ecosystems.
History & landmarks
Albreda Historical Site
A former French trading post on the north bank of the river, known for its role in colonial history.
Juffureh Village
The village that became world-famous as the home of Kunta Kinte through Alex Haley's novel 'Roots'.
🗺️
Berending Sacred Crocodile Pool
A sacred site in the North Bank District, known for its religious significance and its crocodiles.
Senegambia Bridge
Also known as the Trans-Gambia Bridge, it connects the north and south banks of the Gambia River.
Nature
More places
Vainqueur Ruins
Ruins of an 18th-century French military post, strategically located on the north bank of the river.
San Domingo Ruins
Remains of a 15th-century Portuguese settlement, which is among the oldest European traces in West Africa.
🗺️
CFAO Building Albreda
A prominent former French trading post that testifies to the economic importance of Albreda during the colonial era.
🗺️
Niumi National Park
This park on the north coast includes mangroves, swamps, and sand dunes.
Barra Ferry Terminal
The crucial link on the North Bank, enabling passenger and freight traffic between Banjul and Senegal.
Fort Bullen
A British fort near Barra, built in 1826 to suppress the illegal slave trade at the river's mouth.
🗺️
Berending Crocodile Pool
Another significant sacred site with a crocodile pool, deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions of the region.
Jinack Island
A peaceful island at the mouth of the Gambia River with pristine beaches and mangroves.