Arthur Haley's created a book "Roots" which later became a famous TV series about Kunta Kinte who discovered his roots in the Gambian village of Juffureh. James Island was also mentioned where the slaves were held captive before being loaded onto the slave ships.

This became the inspiration for the annual Roots Homecoming Festival which provides a focal centre for the millions of African Americans and Europeans longing to retrace the footsteps of their forefathers, or historians and study groups in search of an interesting and educational experience with the facts and facets of this highly important phase of human evolution. It remains a long term and developing project for The Ministry of Tourism and Culture who have enjoyed seeing the attendance expand by five times in its short history without the backing of any major promoter.

To find out more about the aims of the festival and activities available at the festival see the Useful Links section.

palmgrove@gamtel.gm. Telephone: 4201620. Fax: 4201621
Banjul Highway, City of Banjul, The Gambia, West Africa. Private Mail Bag No. 334 (Serrekunda)

Introduction About the Hotel Facilities Useful Info Booking Useful Links
Smiling Coast The Culture The Capital River Fishing Birdwatching Up River Roots