Kunta Kinteh Island – Albadarr, The Gambia - Atlas Obscura

Kunta Kinteh Island

A tiny island home to a former English slave fort. 

34
48
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding Kunta Kinteh Island with additional information or photos.

This island, formerly named James Island was an English slave fort on the mouth of the Gambia river. Today it’s a powerful reminder of the evils of  the slave trade, and particularly of Britain’s role.

Kunta Kinteh Island is located near Jufureh, the birthplace of Kunta Kinteh, an ancestor of Alex Haley and subject of the early part of his book Roots

The island, part of a UNESCO world heritage site, used to have numerous beads formally worn by young female captives. Apparently these beads had an important role in marriages and the captives, realising their fate, would throw them away in despair. Unfortunately over the years these have been stolen by tourists and very few remain.

Know Before You Go

A visit here is probably best if it follows a visit to the Gambia National Cultural museum in Banjul.

Community Contributors

November 1, 2016

Make an Edit Add Photos
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web