Home Search by budget Destinations Beaches Interactive map Services Booking Collections Ratings VIP Club
Find flights Book transfer
Home / Destinations / Juffureh

Juffureh

Gambia · City · GMD · 13.340000, -16.380000
Family friendly 6.7/10 · Rank 1024 of 2 709
Best season: November-May

Best for

Suitable for lovers of history and culture, and those wanting to see a place connected to the history of the transatlantic slave trade.

Best season

November-May

Daily budget
$61.00 (≈ 5 119 ₽)
For 7 days
$427.00 (≈ 35 834 ₽)
Juffureh is a historic village on the northern bank of the Gambia River, known as the birthplace of Kunta Kinte from Alex Haley's famous novel "Roots". Nearby is James Island (Kunta Kinteh Island), which together with the village is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the slave trade and African heritage.
Summer
38.0°C
Winter
18.0°C
Search by budget Atmosphere Pros and cons Climate Attractions Excursions Prices FAQ
Search by budget
Enter an amount — we'll show destinations within your reach
Description and atmosphere

Energy

sleepy

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Juffureh residents are mainly Mandinka, friendly and hospitable. They are proud of their village's history and happy to share it with guests.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Rich history and culture
  • Authentic atmosphere
  • Affordable prices
  • Friendly locals

Cons

  • Difficult access (long road)
  • Limited tourist infrastructure
  • Hot and humid climate
  • Few entertainment options
  • Limited accommodation choices
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
33.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
38.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
25.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
32.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
18.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
July-October
Attractions

Kunta Kinteh Island

UNESCO World Heritage Site, former slave trade centre on the Gambia River

Slavery Museum

Small museum in Juffureh telling the history of the transatlantic slave trade

Juffureh Village

Historic village, birthplace of Kunta Kinte, with traditional houses and a mosque

Gambia River

Scenic river with boat trips and birdwatching

Women's Cooperative

Cooperative where local women sell batik and handmade crafts

Best areas

Village Centre

Close to the museum, mosque and main attractions

Riverfront

Scenic area along the Gambia River, ideal for walks

Cooperative Area

Quiet area with craft workshops and shops

Must-try food

Benachin

Fish or meat dish with rice and vegetables, popular in Gambia

Domoda

Thick peanut sauce stew with meat or fish

Chicken Yassa

Marinated chicken with onions and lemon, served with rice

Fresh Fish

Fish from the Gambia River, grilled or in sauce

Rice with Peanut Sauce

Traditional dish with rice and peanut sauce

Where to go next

Banjul

Gambia's capital with markets and museums, 2 hours by car

Kunta Kinteh Island

UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible by boat

Kiang West National Park

Reserve with diverse wildlife, 1 hour by car

Albreda

Historic village near Juffureh, 10 minutes by boat

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
none
Getting there
Nearest airports
Банжул Международный Аэропорт (BJL).
Check flight prices Putivator
Compare prices from 800+ airlines — Putivator
Search
Visa
Visa requirements
required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-May
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Book a hotel Partner
Over 2 million hotels — Trip.com
Find
Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
Airport transfer Putivator
Comfortable transfer — Putivator
Book
Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Juffureh Partner
Museums, parks, tours - Tiqets
Find
Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
eSIM for travellers Partner
Internet in 200+ countries — Yesim
Connect
Frequently asked questions
Juffureh: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-May. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Juffureh: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +38.0°C, during the day — up to +33.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Juffureh: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +18.0°C, during the day — up to +32.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Juffureh: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on July-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Juffureh: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $61.00 (≈ 5 119 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Juffureh: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $40.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $70.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $120.00 per night, an apartment — $30.00 per night, a villa — $80.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Juffureh: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $12.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $1.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Juffureh: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $80.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.50, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Juffureh: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Kunta Kinteh Island — UNESCO World Heritage Site, former slave trade centre on the Gambia River; Slavery Museum — Small museum in Juffureh telling the history of the transatlantic slave trade; Juffureh Village — Historic village, birthplace of Kunta Kinte, with traditional houses and a mosque; Gambia River — Scenic river with boat trips and birdwatching; Women's Cooperative — Cooperative where local women sell batik and handmade crafts. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Juffureh: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Benachin — Fish or meat dish with rice and vegetables, popular in Gambia; Domoda — Thick peanut sauce stew with meat or fish; Chicken Yassa — Marinated chicken with onions and lemon, served with rice; Fresh Fish — Fish from the Gambia River, grilled or in sauce; Rice with Peanut Sauce — Traditional dish with rice and peanut sauce. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Juffureh: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Village Centre — Close to the museum, mosque and main attractions; Riverfront — Scenic area along the Gambia River, ideal for walks; Cooperative Area — Quiet area with craft workshops and shops. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Juffureh: is a visa required?
Visa: required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Juffureh: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Банжул Международный Аэропорт (code BJL). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $80.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Juffureh: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — GMD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $61.00 (≈ 5 119 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Juffureh: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Juffureh: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Banjul — Gambia's capital with markets and museums, 2 hours by car; Kunta Kinteh Island — UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible by boat; Kiang West National Park — Reserve with diverse wildlife, 1 hour by car; Albreda — Historic village near Juffureh, 10 minutes by boat. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.7/10
Overall rank: 1024 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 317

Best season

November-May

Useful information

Currency: GMD
Coordinates: 13.340000, -16.380000