Fort James Island Things to Do

Try to talk with the boat's captain. I've notice that men here in Gambia try to maintin a tuff atitute but that can be changed if you give them a bit confidence and smiles. After a while they talk a lot to you and you get to know a bit more of their culture by talking to people right?

Its incredible how did the pelicans changed the colour of the trees just by ***ing on them. Pelicans sleep on these big trees so when they poo it just fells on the floor and on the trees. Dont worry cos when you arrive to the island they fly away until you return to Albreda. Can you imagine if elephants were able to fly?

Fort James suffered various sackings and destructions due to its strategic place in mid-river right on the entrance of the country going up stream.
A god defense system was necessary. You have not more than 10 canons on the island.

The arrival to the island is a pretty amazing adventure. After the 20 minute pirogue ride on the gambia river you actually arrive on this mid-river island with pelicans, canons and a ruined fort. The huge trees existing on the island gives it a special touch to the all great scene.

This fort was originaly constructed in 1651 by agents of the Duke of Courland, the Fort itself suffered several sackings, desertations and rebiuldings until its actuall state of ruins. It is a very pleasant visit.
This James Island and its related site belong to UNESCO World Heritage programe since 2003.

The Gambia River is one of the smallest major rivers in Africa, running just 1,130 km (700 miles) from the Fouta Djallon plateau in north Guinea to the Atlantic Ocean at the capital city, Banjul. It is navigable for about half that length.

The river is known largely because of The Gambia, the smallest country in Africa, which consists of little more than half the river and its two banks

This will the the highlight of you visit. Altough the island is great to enjoy with the ruins and some canon, definately this will be the thing you'll like the most. You have to make a 20 minutes trip up stream the river Gambia with a couple of local people. Oon the way you can see some girafes and lions. hehehe, i'm kidding its a joke, you dont have them here in gambia. you can just enjoy the amazing view of the river. I actually touched the water, but i dont really advise you to put you hand in the mouth after, even with all the vaccines taken.

To go to James Island you have to get a boat in Albreda. Before Albreda you have Juffureh which is connected to Albreda. This is a small village that mainly subsists of the guidance to the james island museum and the guidance to the Island itself.
Before when the Root industry was at its peak and thousands of African Americans made the pigrimage to see the village they believed Alex Haley had been describing in his book.
Also near by you can go to the place where Kunta Kinte was born.