Gambia day trip
Roots Tour to Kunta Kinteh Island and Juffureh
Full day. From £65 per person. Driver, ferry and entry.
Your day, step by step
- Pickup from the coast and drive to Banjul.
- Cross the river by ferry to Barra, allowing for the queue.
- Drive to Juffureh and neighbouring Albreda for the village and museum visit.
- Take the short boat out to Kunta Kinteh Island and walk among the fort ruins.
- Return to the coast after the ferry crossing.
Why we like this day
This is the full day we suggest when visitors want to understand a difficult part of Gambian history properly. We start from the coast, take the Banjul–Barra ferry, then travel up the north bank to Juffureh and Albreda. The island itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2003, and the day includes the river, the villages and the ruins rather than a rushed stop.
At Juffureh, the local story is closely connected with Alex Haley’s Roots. The museum in Albreda gives the background in a clear way, and the boat ride to the island lets you see why the river mattered. We allow time for questions and for a proper look around. This is not a trip we hurry because most guests want a quiet moment on the island.
The new ferry called Barra has been in service since March 2026 and the crossing is about 28 minutes, but ferry queues can still affect the day. We leave early and keep the plan flexible. Our local tip is to bring small dalasi notes for village purchases and water for the boat and ruins. If you are travelling with very young children, ask us first: it is a long day from the coast.
Photo gallery
Along the way
Good to know
Questions visitors ask us
Is Kunta Kinteh Island a UNESCO site?
Yes. Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
How long does the Roots tour take?
It is a full day from the coast because it includes the ferry, the drive north and the island boat ride.
Is the ferry included?
Yes. The advertised Roots tour price includes the ferry and entry.
What should I bring?
Bring a hat, water and small dalasi notes. Wear comfortable shoes for the island ruins.
Keep exploring
Plan the rest of your stay
Book in two minutes
Tell us when you land. We’ll do the rest.
Send us your details and we’ll confirm on WhatsApp, usually within the hour. Nothing to pay until the day.
Prefer to message us directly? +220 786 6562