Embark on a powerful and immersive journey to the North Bank, where you'll explore the historic villages of Albreda and Juffureh, visit the Kinteh family, and cruise to Kunta Kinteh Island to uncover the deep history of The Gambia’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Things to do in Gambia
Roots by Land
Your day begins with a 7:00 AM departure as you drive to Banjul to catch the ferry to Barra on the North Bank. After an hour long ferry ride across the River Gambia, you'll disembark and travel through rural villages along a bumpy, authentic African road. The journey takes you to the historic twin villages of Albreda and Juffureh. In Albreda, once a French trading post, you'll visit the slave museum, the Freedom Flagpole—now a national monument—and a historic church built by the Portuguese, the first of its kind in West Africa.
Next, in Juffureh, you'll explore the home village of Kunta Kinteh, the enslaved man whose story inspired Alex Haley’s acclaimed novel Roots. A highlight of the tour is meeting the Kinteh clan, descendants of Kunta Kinteh. On your return walk, you'll visit a museum that documents over 400 years of the transatlantic slave trade and its devastating impact on Africa.
The tour continues with a short cruise to Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly James Island), once a key holding site for enslaved people. You'll explore the island’s ruins, including the remaining dungeon used for punishment. Afterward, enjoy a local lunch in the village before returning to Barra and ferrying back to Banjul.
Date published: