The Origins Of A Gambian Legacy: Kunta Kinte

Between the 15th and 19th centuries African men, women, and children were captured and shipped across the Atlantic in conditions of great cruelty. One such man became a household name across the world with the help of a bestselling novel and the preservation of his home town. Here’s everything you need to know about The Gambia’s inspirational Kunta Kinte.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Kunta Kinte’s Gambian legacy

Situated on the North Bank of the River Gambia, Juffureh is a small Mandika village made famous by the fact that it’s the birthplace of Kunta Kinte. Also known as ‘the slave who fought back’, Kunta Kinte’s story starts in 1767 when he was captured in the surrounding forests of his home village at the age of 17, sold into slavery and taken to America.

There have been disputes over Haley’s claims of legitimacy and his account of Kinte’s life, which he said were based on research and his family’s oral tradition. But what is certain is that his book has helped a great deal in popularising the ancestral home of Juffureh and the man Kunta Kinte internationally.

The ‘Roots’ tour

The release of the book and the well-received television show marked a turning point for the tiny village, as it also galvanised world opinion towards The Gambia and West African history. The village is still surrounded by the forest where Kunta Kinte was captured while gathering firewood. The ancestors of Kunta Kinte still live in Juffureh today and contribute towards the preservation of memory in the village by meeting with visitors partaking in the Roots Tour.

Aside from an excursion to Juffureh, the tour includes a trip to the neighbouring village and old colonial trading post of Albreda, the Gambian Slave Museum, and to Kunta Kinte Island (formerly known as James island) situated in the middle of the River Gambia. This tour is also popular with locals as it forms part of the history and social studies syllabus in Gambian schools.

Much has been done to preserve the site and the environment to make it look as it must have in the 1760s. Growing up Kunta Kinte would have, just like any other young boy, been adept at farming, cattle rearing, hunting and wrestling. In those days, these were common daily activities among many communities in rural Gambia, and ones that are still practised to this day.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.