Kunta Kinteh Island
Kunta Kinteh Island (James Island)
A UNESCO World Heritage island in the Gambia River, where the ruins of a 17th-century fort bear witness to the history of the West African slave trade.
Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly James Island) lies in the Gambia River about 30 km east of Banjul. From the 17th century, it was held in turn by Courlanders and the English. They built forts there as transshipment points for the slave trade. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2003 together with the surrounding sites. In 2011 it was renamed after Kunta Kinteh, the protagonist of Roots. The island is very small, with remains of gun batteries and fort ruins, and it is shrinking as the river erodes it. Most visitors join a boat day trip from Banjul or Denton Bridge. Alternatively, you can drive via the Barra ferry to Juffureh and take a small boat to the island. These tours usually include visits to Juffureh and Albreda and the island entry fee.
Opening hours
Daytime island visits by boat