accompong maroon tour

Must Do-Accompong Maroon Village Tour & Celebration

• Local taxes
• Driver/guide
• Live commentary on board
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
• Transport by air-conditioned coach/mini van
• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Lunch & drinks
• Pickup offered from Montego Bay Hotels. Pickup from Grand Palladium also available at separate pricing.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Infant meals not included
• Minimum age is 5 years
• Minimum drinking age is 18 years
• Dress code is smart casual
• Minimum numbers apply. 6 persons minimum. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• tomiwaa786 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Adventerous and fun! Our driver Copely was the best person I met in Jamaica.He is so professional, friendly, respectful, and gave good tips. The excursions themselves were so fun and accessible. Long drive to get there but so worth it. Dunns River was my favorite. As a bigger woman, I do feel like they underestimated me and took me down the easy paths, where I would've preferred to stay with the main group and do the difficult ones too. But overall I'm glad I went and will definitely be back again. Read more Written April 25, 2024
• Maccay5967 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nine mile Bob Marley Absolutely can’t fault this trip it was long but so worth it. Our tour guide from Tui called Odette was full of knowledge laughter and fun, our driver Dalton was brilliant at driving,the roads which are a little to be desired and extremely bendy… he would be great at rally driving. Our guide at nine mile was informative and clearly has a passion for his job. Be aware you are offered a lot of weed but no pressure or pushing to buy. No Problem. I was very moved by the whole experience and would highly recommend this trip. Read more Written April 20, 2024
• ranjinik2019 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Adventurous and very well organized Fabulous trip. Very well organized. The places were beautiful and adventurous. The driver Mr. Copely and the guides at each location were great, very attentive, and friendly. Mr. Copely points out a lot of interesting places on the way. Blue Hole, Secret Falls, and walking along the aqua river in the forest was a wonderful experience. Climbing Dunn's River Falls was so AMAZING!!! A unique experience. The guide knows where to climb and takes care of everyone. The whole tour was great. Go with SNL Tours for this tour. It is a wonderful combination of adventure and excellent staff, and also reasonably priced. Read more Written April 7, 2024
• Alilynn1 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Active and long day This is an ALL DAY excursion so be prepared. It is also very active. We are still a little sore. The Blue Hole is beautiful sight to behold. There is a photographer that will take an official picture as you jump or swing about 10 ft. The secret falls are quite the hike up so we waited at the bottom natural spring pool while our group climbed to the 30 foot drop. Lunch was not included so we paid at the restaurant. We ended at Dunns River Falls which is a climb up 600 plus feet of falls. Shoutout to our Driver Franklin who was masterful on those tight Jamaican roads. Read more Written April 1, 2024
• isthatyourdog 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Long day that can get expensive. Obviously very touristy We got picked up in Montego Bay. You have to stop at a lit of hotels picking people up. Bring water shoes. They tell you that you cant wear Teva or Chacos but everyone had them and they are fine. The guides are all barefoot so it seems a little like a scam when they stop at a shop where they will happily sell you watershoes for $35 each. The tour itself is fine but our guide skipped stuff others did so you may or may not do the secret falls which is just a small walk to yet another pool. They sort of rush you through "stay in line, stay in line". You dont get to swim or hang out at all and they basically try to get you not to take any pictures because they want to take them and charge you. Our guide was ok but you could tell hes bored and he does this all day with dragging tourists up rocks and trails to shove them off ropes and small jumps. Anyone can do it any ability truly. The lunch was good at Lindas but you get water or water downed punch that is mostly guava and watermelon. The drinks came well after the meal. But the lunch was good. Dunns Falls was kind of a bummer. They combine you with a really big group. You walk up the falls. We ended up leaving our "guide" because he was attached to the two really old and really fat people. If you dont have good balance or have bad knees dont do it as you hold up the tour for everyone. Most of us left and went up the falls ouselves. We took our own iphone pictures with no issues and didnt buy the $40 videographer one because he wasnt with is most of the time. I am not sure why you even need a guide. There is no need to hold hands and i did the whole thing with minimal guidance or help. Watch for the really hard sell of trinkets at at the end. Overpriced and very hardsell. Then a very long drive back stopping at all the hotels. Took forever to get home. Its a long day. Its fun to do and very pretty. Just expensive with all the tips and people wanting you to buy something. Read more Written March 26, 2024
• Sandy3563 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Bob Marley Fan You had better be in good climbing condition as you will be climbing alot of stairs and hills that are steep and rocky, good for billie goats. We enjoyed the experience of visiting Bob Marley's home and his and moms mausoleums. Wear comfortable shoes that can be removed easily as you can't wear your shoes in the mausoleums. Read more Written March 25, 2024
• BCephus 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience in paradise Amazing experience… even for ‘non swimmers’! The beauty of these falls and blue holes are incomparable! Highly recommended! Read more Written March 14, 2024
• 653alanf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Do it, you need to.. A fantastic opportunity to visit the birthplace and resting place of Bob Marley. The drive up to Nine Mile is ‘interesting’. The tour was excellent, lots of good information and a wee bit of live music half way round. Not going to say too much, but this might not suit folk who have an issue with smoking, just go with the flow and enjoy. Actually found the experience to be quite moving, left Nine Mile feeling hopeful and positive. Read more Written March 14, 2024
• O7784MYcaroll 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great trip, must see places! Copely, our driver for the day was awesome. He explained us about history while driving to the locations, and he answered all of our questions. Really nice guy! Blue Hole was so much fun, its a must go to place! I honestly enjoyed it more than the River Falls tbh, since you only go up the falls while everybody is holding hands and that's basically it and Blue Hole was much more fun! jumping into the water from up high, swimming and having a great time. But its a nice place to visit at least once. True paradise. Read more Written March 13, 2024
• 951harveyk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Jamaica Blue Hole and Dunn’s River Falls Marlo was an excellent guide and made the trip memorable and fun. The places we stopped were what we expected and were well managed. The tour guide did include much history of Jamaica which was very helpful. Read more Written March 13, 2024
• U6174WFJM 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles It's an 11 hour day, so get ready for that. The Falls fantastic. You stop enroute to buy shoes and phone protection. It's a MUST. Shoes were $10. Lunch. Lovely setting by the beach. Chicken and rice/salad. Fruit punch. Then 1hr 30mins up to Nine Mile, steep winding road, pot holed. Then, it is quite intimidating arrival, ushered into a den where marijuana items are offered to you whilst seated on a dirt step. Then, across the road to the Bob Marley tour. Make sure you take lots of tip money as in at least THREE places you'll be hassled to tip. The band for a few songs, the priest, when he takes two minutes to read a sermon in a chapel, and the guide who will stand with his hand out. Then at least a 2 hour drive back to Montego Bay. Read more Written March 12, 2024
• 485LisaB 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great, physical experience. Great excursion with great staff at each location. Be warned, both are quite strenuous and involve swimming , jumping and climbing so you will get a bit of a workout. Definetly bring water shoes and water proof case for your phone if you plan on taking it along . Dunns River is a hike up the falls so it gets slippery. Read more Written March 3, 2024
• trudie f 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Another off our tick box list! A well organised tour - collected on time and a fabulous informative journey to Nine Mile with Copely who navigated the tricky roads with real skill. It was great to see more of the island as until today have only experienced the coastline - such a lush green country. Fantastic to hear the full lifestory of Bob Marley and to experience the areas where he gained his inspiration. Read more Written March 2, 2024
• colonelsanders1890 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Awful management They changed the date of my tour without asking, and I tried to tell them that I couldn’t go the day they changed it to and I never received a reply Read more Written March 1, 2024
• Gythorpe 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Bob Marley village of 9 miles tour. Trip booked through Tui on site at the hotel. Cheaper than on-line before we left the UK. Picked up at the hotel lobby at 08:30 & returned at 14:15. Includes a lunch of jerk chicken & rice. Paid $176 us dollars for two adults. Takes around an hour to reach the village from Runaway bay, our bus guide, Tanya, was excellent, stopping periodically to inform about certain places / plants etc along the way, also taught the passengers to speak patois! Hilarious. George the driver was the same, true team work & worth every cent. Arrival at the village has outside stalls & sellers of all forms of trinkets & Ganja for those who partake, incuding Ganja homemade brownies amongst other forms. Be prepared to climb steps, slopes and paths before reaching the top where Marley lies in state. There are levels you can rest, buy drinks, gifts & restrooms, though be mindful you must be fully mobile. Another guide will then take you through the different sites, explaining every step and singing the songs Marley wrote in relation to the place you stand. Our Rastafarian guide was named Benjamin & his knowledge is powerful, as a die hard Marley fan for over 40 years, he really knew his stuff. The last stop is the mausoleum high above 9 miles, a dollar candle can be purchased to lite as a mark of respect, the dollar goes towards the local school for books etc. A whole afternoon of enjoyment, tiring but worth every second. Would i visit Jamaica again? Dunno.... but nine miles i'd go again in a heartbeat. The Rastarfarian community are beautiful welcoming people and a full credit to the village of nine miles & beyond. ONE LOVE! ♡♡ Read more Written February 28, 2024

More to explore in Jamaica

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Must Do-Accompong Maroon Village Tour & Celebration provided by SNL Jamaican Tours

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Accompong Jamaican History Comes Alive

Until I visited Accompong Maroon Town, I thought I knew all there was to know about the Maroons in Jamaica. So when my kids, and a couple of friends took the drive with me up into St. Elizabeth's Cockpit Country, I was looking forward to the view more than anything else.

Turning inland at Tombstone in Lacovia, it was a pleasant 20 minute drive through Newton and Maggotty.

The last 15 minutes were challenging. The road was as awful as the view was fabulous, but my car, a true Jamaican, has yet to meet the pothole it can't handle. The bad road brought home to me how hard it would have been for the British to penetrate Maroon territory with no road at all.

That's when I realised the difference between reading history , and feeling history come alive.

We got to the town on a quiet morning. For a small fee we were taken on a guided tour around the community, and the significance of the place grew on us with each step we took. Kenroy Cawley made a knowlegable guide, knowing when to talk, and when to be quiet and let us take it all in.

Maybe it was the Kindah tree where Kojo made his war plans, or the holy, healing Seal Grounds, or maybe just the mountain air. I can't put my finger on any one feature that makes Accompong special, you have to feel it for yourself.

Who were the Accompong Maroons?

The term Maroon usually refers to Africans who escaped slavery in the Americas and set up their own communities in remote areas.

The original Jamaican Maroons were mostly African and some Taino slaves who either escaped, or were set free by the Spanish at the time of the British capture of Jamaica in 1655. Over the next 5 years they helped the Spanish to defend the island, until the British conquest was complete. Thereafter their numbers swelled with runaway slaves from the sugar plantations.

The Jamaican Maroons spent years fighting to remain free and thwarting attempts to penetrate their strongholds. They were never conquered by the British.

A peace treaty granting the Maroons land, freedom and some autonomy was negotiated in return for the Maroons agreeing to return runaway slaves to the authorities. This created a separation between the Maroons and the rest of Jamaican society, and a sense of regret among many Maroons.

Accompong is the only Maroon settlement on the western side of Jamaica. It was founded by Accompong, who was brother ofthe famous maroon leader Kojo (Cudjoe). The settlement is located in the hills of St. Elizabeth , at the place Accompong used as a camp for carrying out raids.

The village was officially established in 1739, when the first Maroon War between the Englishand the Maroons ended. Land was granted to the Maroons, the exact boundaries of which are in dispute today.

Within the town, individual plots of land are passed down from generation to generation, with no official titles changing hands. Neither the land nor income generating activities within its boundaries are subject to government tax.

Community matters are directed by the Colonel and the council which he appoints. The Colonel is elected every three to five years. In elections held in August 2009, Colonel Peddie was replaced by Colonel F. Williams.

The abeng is the most recognised symbol of the Maroons. It is a cow's horn with the tip cut off. The Maroons sent secret war time messages by the drum and the abeng. Blowing through a square cut into the concave side of the abeng produced a sound heard for miles, which could be decoded by those who knew how. Today it is used mainly for ceremonial and festive purposes.

Accompong today is a farming community, with a few shops to serve the local population, and a small museum showcasing the history of the Maroons. There is also the tiny Craft and Herbs shop, selling, naturally, craft and herbs. (I'm careful to use the plural 'herbs', because in Jamaica 'herb' is something you can get locked up for selling!) The traditional Maroon Gumbay drum is sold here, along with natural remedies for many common ailments.

Every January 6, the town celebrates Kojo's Day . Hundreds gather from across Jamaica and the world to commemorate Kojo and the signing of the Peace Treaty.

On this day the Maroons share some of their cultural traditions - music, dance, drumming, feasting - with the wider society. Many of their rituals and practices are never shared with outsiders.

Why don't you come and experience Jamaica for yourself? Or if you're a yardie living abroad, come home and treat yourself to Jamaica! Find the best deals, compare prices, and read what visitors have to say about hotels in Jamaica

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Must Do-Accompong Maroon Village Tour & Celebration

• Local taxes
• Driver/guide
• Live commentary on board
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
• Transport by air-conditioned coach/mini van
• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Lunch & drinks
• Pickup offered from Montego Bay Hotels. Pickup from Grand Palladium also available at separate pricing.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Infant meals not included
• Minimum age is 5 years
• Minimum drinking age is 18 years
• Dress code is smart casual
• Minimum numbers apply. 6 persons minimum. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• tomiwaa786 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Adventerous and fun! Our driver Copely was the best person I met in Jamaica.He is so professional, friendly, respectful, and gave good tips. The excursions themselves were so fun and accessible. Long drive to get there but so worth it. Dunns River was my favorite. As a bigger woman, I do feel like they underestimated me and took me down the easy paths, where I would've preferred to stay with the main group and do the difficult ones too. But overall I'm glad I went and will definitely be back again. Read more Written 25 April 2024
• Maccay5967 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nine mile Bob Marley Absolutely can’t fault this trip it was long but so worth it. Our tour guide from Tui called Odette was full of knowledge laughter and fun, our driver Dalton was brilliant at driving,the roads which are a little to be desired and extremely bendy… he would be great at rally driving. Our guide at nine mile was informative and clearly has a passion for his job. Be aware you are offered a lot of weed but no pressure or pushing to buy. No Problem. I was very moved by the whole experience and would highly recommend this trip. Read more Written 20 April 2024
• ranjinik2019 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Adventurous and very well organized Fabulous trip. Very well organized. The places were beautiful and adventurous. The driver Mr. Copely and the guides at each location were great, very attentive, and friendly. Mr. Copely points out a lot of interesting places on the way. Blue Hole, Secret Falls, and walking along the aqua river in the forest was a wonderful experience. Climbing Dunn's River Falls was so AMAZING!!! A unique experience. The guide knows where to climb and takes care of everyone. The whole tour was great. Go with SNL Tours for this tour. It is a wonderful combination of adventure and excellent staff, and also reasonably priced. Read more Written 7 April 2024
• Alilynn1 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Active and long day This is an ALL DAY excursion so be prepared. It is also very active. We are still a little sore. The Blue Hole is beautiful sight to behold. There is a photographer that will take an official picture as you jump or swing about 10 ft. The secret falls are quite the hike up so we waited at the bottom natural spring pool while our group climbed to the 30 foot drop. Lunch was not included so we paid at the restaurant. We ended at Dunns River Falls which is a climb up 600 plus feet of falls. Shoutout to our Driver Franklin who was masterful on those tight Jamaican roads. Read more Written 1 April 2024
• isthatyourdog 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Long day that can get expensive. Obviously very touristy We got picked up in Montego Bay. You have to stop at a lit of hotels picking people up. Bring water shoes. They tell you that you cant wear Teva or Chacos but everyone had them and they are fine. The guides are all barefoot so it seems a little like a scam when they stop at a shop where they will happily sell you watershoes for $35 each. The tour itself is fine but our guide skipped stuff others did so you may or may not do the secret falls which is just a small walk to yet another pool. They sort of rush you through "stay in line, stay in line". You dont get to swim or hang out at all and they basically try to get you not to take any pictures because they want to take them and charge you. Our guide was ok but you could tell hes bored and he does this all day with dragging tourists up rocks and trails to shove them off ropes and small jumps. Anyone can do it any ability truly. The lunch was good at Lindas but you get water or water downed punch that is mostly guava and watermelon. The drinks came well after the meal. But the lunch was good. Dunns Falls was kind of a bummer. They combine you with a really big group. You walk up the falls. We ended up leaving our "guide" because he was attached to the two really old and really fat people. If you dont have good balance or have bad knees dont do it as you hold up the tour for everyone. Most of us left and went up the falls ouselves. We took our own iphone pictures with no issues and didnt buy the $40 videographer one because he wasnt with is most of the time. I am not sure why you even need a guide. There is no need to hold hands and i did the whole thing with minimal guidance or help. Watch for the really hard sell of trinkets at at the end. Overpriced and very hardsell. Then a very long drive back stopping at all the hotels. Took forever to get home. Its a long day. Its fun to do and very pretty. Just expensive with all the tips and people wanting you to buy something. Read more Written 26 March 2024
• Sandy3563 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Bob Marley Fan You had better be in good climbing condition as you will be climbing alot of stairs and hills that are steep and rocky, good for billie goats. We enjoyed the experience of visiting Bob Marley's home and his and moms mausoleums. Wear comfortable shoes that can be removed easily as you can't wear your shoes in the mausoleums. Read more Written 25 March 2024
• BCephus 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience in paradise Amazing experience… even for ‘non swimmers’! The beauty of these falls and blue holes are incomparable! Highly recommended! Read more Written 14 March 2024
• 653alanf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Do it, you need to.. A fantastic opportunity to visit the birthplace and resting place of Bob Marley. The drive up to Nine Mile is ‘interesting’. The tour was excellent, lots of good information and a wee bit of live music half way round. Not going to say too much, but this might not suit folk who have an issue with smoking, just go with the flow and enjoy. Actually found the experience to be quite moving, left Nine Mile feeling hopeful and positive. Read more Written 14 March 2024
• O7784MYcaroll 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great trip, must see places! Copely, our driver for the day was awesome. He explained us about history while driving to the locations, and he answered all of our questions. Really nice guy! Blue Hole was so much fun, its a must go to place! I honestly enjoyed it more than the River Falls tbh, since you only go up the falls while everybody is holding hands and that's basically it and Blue Hole was much more fun! jumping into the water from up high, swimming and having a great time. But its a nice place to visit at least once. True paradise. Read more Written 13 March 2024
• 951harveyk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Jamaica Blue Hole and Dunn’s River Falls Marlo was an excellent guide and made the trip memorable and fun. The places we stopped were what we expected and were well managed. The tour guide did include much history of Jamaica which was very helpful. Read more Written 13 March 2024
• U6174WFJM 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles It's an 11 hour day, so get ready for that. The Falls fantastic. You stop enroute to buy shoes and phone protection. It's a MUST. Shoes were $10. Lunch. Lovely setting by the beach. Chicken and rice/salad. Fruit punch. Then 1hr 30mins up to Nine Mile, steep winding road, pot holed. Then, it is quite intimidating arrival, ushered into a den where marijuana items are offered to you whilst seated on a dirt step. Then, across the road to the Bob Marley tour. Make sure you take lots of tip money as in at least THREE places you'll be hassled to tip. The band for a few songs, the priest, when he takes two minutes to read a sermon in a chapel, and the guide who will stand with his hand out. Then at least a 2 hour drive back to Montego Bay. Read more Written 12 March 2024
• 485LisaB 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great, physical experience. Great excursion with great staff at each location. Be warned, both are quite strenuous and involve swimming , jumping and climbing so you will get a bit of a workout. Definetly bring water shoes and water proof case for your phone if you plan on taking it along . Dunns River is a hike up the falls so it gets slippery. Read more Written 3 March 2024
• trudie f 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Another off our tick box list! A well organised tour - collected on time and a fabulous informative journey to Nine Mile with Copely who navigated the tricky roads with real skill. It was great to see more of the island as until today have only experienced the coastline - such a lush green country. Fantastic to hear the full lifestory of Bob Marley and to experience the areas where he gained his inspiration. Read more Written 2 March 2024
• colonelsanders1890 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Awful management They changed the date of my tour without asking, and I tried to tell them that I couldn’t go the day they changed it to and I never received a reply Read more Written 1 March 2024
• Gythorpe 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Bob Marley village of 9 miles tour. Trip booked through Tui on site at the hotel. Cheaper than on-line before we left the UK. Picked up at the hotel lobby at 08:30 & returned at 14:15. Includes a lunch of jerk chicken & rice. Paid $176 us dollars for two adults. Takes around an hour to reach the village from Runaway bay, our bus guide, Tanya, was excellent, stopping periodically to inform about certain places / plants etc along the way, also taught the passengers to speak patois! Hilarious. George the driver was the same, true team work & worth every cent. Arrival at the village has outside stalls & sellers of all forms of trinkets & Ganja for those who partake, incuding Ganja homemade brownies amongst other forms. Be prepared to climb steps, slopes and paths before reaching the top where Marley lies in state. There are levels you can rest, buy drinks, gifts & restrooms, though be mindful you must be fully mobile. Another guide will then take you through the different sites, explaining every step and singing the songs Marley wrote in relation to the place you stand. Our Rastafarian guide was named Benjamin & his knowledge is powerful, as a die hard Marley fan for over 40 years, he really knew his stuff. The last stop is the mausoleum high above 9 miles, a dollar candle can be purchased to lite as a mark of respect, the dollar goes towards the local school for books etc. A whole afternoon of enjoyment, tiring but worth every second. Would i visit Jamaica again? Dunno.... but nine miles i'd go again in a heartbeat. The Rastarfarian community are beautiful welcoming people and a full credit to the village of nine miles & beyond. ONE LOVE! ♡♡ Read more Written 28 February 2024

More to explore in Jamaica

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Must Do-Accompong Maroon Village Tour & Celebration provided by SNL Jamaican Tours

Accompong Village

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Accompong Village Guide - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Accompong Maroon tour

Information: Accompong is the mountaintop historic home of the Leeward Maroons. The term “Maroon” is believed derived from the Spanish word “cimmaroon” referring to “Wild and Feral” as the Maroons struck fear into the hearts of the English landholders.

Under the leadership of an ex–African Warrior Chief (Kojo or Cudjoe), freed slaves from the Spanish settlements who were set free when the Spanish inhabitants of Jamaica fled to Cuba before the English invasion joined in number with the escaped English plantation slaves and became a formidable foe in battle.

This exciting and informative tour of Accompong Town in St. Elizabeth displays the history and culture of the Maroons. The Maroons were run–away slaves who escaped into the hills and waged war against the British slave owners. They were such good war tacticians that, in 1739, the British were forced to negotiate for peace.

Visit Peace Cave where the treaty was signed. You may meet the bush doctor, who has amazing knowledge of local herbs and their uses. Enjoy the Maroon singers and dancers while dining on an authentic Jamaican lunch.

Price: Base cost USD $400.00  Per person cost USD $20.00  *Charges include transportation from the point of pickup, to the community and back to the original point of pickup, and guide fee and a local Jamaican lunch.

Opening hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (Tour duration: 8 hours) Bookings are requested one day in advance.

Address: Hills of St. Elizabeth

Contact: (876) 952-4544 / 891.3352

Accompong Town

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Sergio Pitamitz/age fotostock

You won’t regret a visit to Accompong Town, an authentic Maroon village in the hills of Cockpit Country. The Maroons, descendants of enslaved West Africans first brought to Jamaica by the Spanish, fought British slaveholders—by cleverly using the nearly impenetrable hills and hollows as a base from which to strike—and eventually won their independence. Since 1738, they’ve mostly lived in their own communities, largely autonomous and separate from other Jamaicans. The best time to visit is the first Monday in January, for the annual Maroon Day Festival, when hundreds of Maroons from around Jamaica and abroad, as well as a few thousand tourists, descend on Accompong Town for a day of drumming ceremonies, food, and celebration. You can tour the village by appointment; make arrangements to visit with a driver. A museum, near the entrance to the village, displays historic artifacts, photos, and memorabilia. The Peace Cave, a short hike from town, is where Captain Cudjoe, the warrior and leader, signed a treaty with the British that recognized the Maroons as an independent nation and granted them 1,500 acres of land in the region. Walk around and take in the gorgeous, serene mountainous views, and learn the extraordinary history of a free people.

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Maroon Festival — Accompong Village

• Trip Type Art , Heritage , Nature , Sightseeing
• Activities Art/History , Nature , Sightseeing
• Group Size No size limit - No size limit
• Reviews 0 Reviews
• Trip Duration 6 Hour(s)
• Trip Outline
• Trip Includes
• Trip Excludes

LOCATION:  Saint Elizabeth

TOUR INCLUDES:  Transfers, snacks and beverage, tour lasts approximately six hours, and you can choose between a day tour or night tour (no overnight).

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Join the Maroon Festival Celebration!

Experience the indigenous local music, food, and fun at the Maroon Festival!

Watch the Maroon Fest 2024 highlights below.

Visit Accompong Village

Join us for maroon festival 2025, join the celebration.

Be a part of the biggest celebration of music, food, art, and culture. Book your tickets now and get ready to have the time of your life!

Discover Art & Culture

Our festival is not just about music and food. We also showcase the best of art and culture. From installations to workshops, get ready to experience something new.

Experience Live Entertainment

Our festival brings together the iconic Jamaican culture musicians from around the world. Get ready to dance and enjoy the beats of music that will leave you mesmerized.

Fun For the Whole Family

Bring your family and friends to our festival. We have lots of activities for kids and adults. From photo-booths to live entertainment, there is something for everyone.

Satisfy Your Food Cravings

Foodies, rejoice! Our festival features a wide range of indigenous delights that will satisfy your cravings. 

Shop Till You Drop

Shopaholics, this is your chance! Our festival features a variety of vendors selling unique items. From local and indigenous artwork to handmade accessories, you'll find plenty of hidden treasures.

Become a sponsor

Join us in celebrating the heartbeat of our community, a vibrant culture that resonates beyond Caribbean borders!Be a part of the Accompong Maroons' momentous occasion as we commemorate the end of war and the signing of a historic peace treaty in 1738.

Connect with 5000-6000 attendees from around the world and experience a rich cultural exchange! Our 2025 theme, "Echoes of the Past, Blueprint for the Future", honors our heritage while paving the way for sustainable growth and cultural integrity.

Partner with us to shape a future where our traditions thrive, and join a movement that celebrates diversity and unity!

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Our two-day annual festival, January 5 & 6 , features a range of activities, including, but not limited to:

• The Young Warriors Competitions (camouflage, cross country and bow and arrow)

• Indigenous Link-up

• Captain Cudjoe Awards Ceremony

• Live Shows featuring prominent artistes, along with various cultural exhibitions 

We ensure a rich cultural tapestry that appeals to a diverse local and

international audience

Our Partners

Maroon festival past pictures.

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This village located in St. Elizabeth is named after its founder Accompong, brother of Quao, Cuffy, Cudjoe, and Nanny, the leader and founder of Nanny Town. They were well trained warriors from the Ashanti area of West Africa.

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Private Tour

Accompong Maroon Indigenous People 6th of January Festival

Enjoy this annual one day January 6th festival with the Indigenous Maroons of Accompong Village. watch the drummers, singers and dancers assemble for rituals, marching on the Parade Grounds and through the village. Enjoy the history, museum, ceremonial food that is prepared.

For groups of 11 or more, please contact us for special rates.

$ 360.00 – $ 1,420.00

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• Age: All ages
• Duration: 8-hrs
• Location: St. Elizabeth
• Physicality: Easy
• Season: January 6th
• Language: English

ACCOMPONG MAROON VILLAGE: Come! Celebrate with us at the Accompong Maroon Cultural Festival! This free village of Accompong, located in the Cockpit Mountains is home to the very resilient descendants and direct bloodline of the Koromanti & Ashanti people out of Ghana, West Africa who were taken to Jamaica during the Atlantic Slave Trade to work on the plantations. The Maroons were escaped slaves who ran away from the plantations, took to the mountains & form groups of warriors. They were very rebellious.

On January 6 each year, the Accompong Maroons celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the 1739 peace treaty with the British. Held in Accompong, St. Elizabeth, this festival marks the victory of the Maroons in the first war against the British in which they fought for over 51 years for their freedom, led by their late warrior leader Cudjoe. Come & enjoy the rituals, food, goombay drumming, Maroon tribal songs & dance and browse through the museum.

On the day of the tour, your friendly tour guide will meet you at the pickup point in a cool air-conditioned van/bus, we set off towards the south of the Island so relax and enjoy the lush, green mountains and valleys as we make our way to Accompong village. Don’t forget to take lots of photos. Our tour guides are ready to entertain you with lots of information on Jamaica’s rich history so feel free to engage them.

This trip will take you through little rural farming towns and villages. Many of these villages were developed during the plantation era. Till this day, the prime source of income is farming. After a 1 hour 50minutes drive you get to Accompong where you will be greeted by an experienced resident Maroon Guide who will give a briefing before taking you on a tour of the village while indicating where the various seal grounds are. You will continue on to Kindah (means one family). There you can sit under a huge mango tree on the very rocks that the Maroon Warriors sat on either to plan their strategy before an attack on the British Red Coats or to celebrate after an attack and they were successful. Hundreds of Maroons and visitors will be entertained in the traditional, authentic Maroon spirit of drumming singing and dancing. A feast of boiled pork, roasted yam and roasted plantain will be available for sampling .

After the visit to Kindah, you will make a stop to purchase lunch, visit the museum & then depart for your hotel/pickup point.

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Sovereign State of Accompong Celebrating 285 years of Freedom

Chief Richard Currie, First Among Equals

We the indigenous people inhabiting the archipelago within the North  American territory of the Americas, referred to as Jamaica have reaffirmed our independence and Birthright. Our government is styled as the "Sovereign State of Accompong." Accompong Town is the Capital for Cockpit Country. We are the Heirs to the 1738 Maroon Treaty and Maroon Identification.

ACCOMPONG Maroon IDentification Card

Article 1 Section 7 Cause 4 of the lawfully ratified Constitution for the Sovereign State of Accompong provides for adopting laws to implement a form of naturalization that is uniformed and acceptable. 

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Sign the petition.

By signing this petition you will be showing your support to defend Cockpit Country from being destroyed. You will also be joining the MOVEMENT to save our Environment and SAVE the island from destruction. Sign up today!   

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Justice, safety and the law, business and industry, culture and recreation, jobs and employment, road and transport, notice board, 285th maroon anniversary.

Accompong Town

"Culture as One"  - Unity Through Peace and Friendship 

vice news cockpit country documentary

"Jamaica was once the world’s leading exporter of bauxite, which is the ore from which aluminum is made, but decades of mining have taken a toll on the land and the people. With reserves depleted, the government is now pushing to move mining operations into the most ecologically sensitive part of the island known as Cockpit Country. The Maroon of Cockpit Country fought off the British in the 1700s and now they're conjuring the warrior spirit of their ancestors to take that fight to stop mining."

Get involved!

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Madonna Pays Tribute to Her Kids as She Shares Behind-the-Scenes Photos with Them from Her Celebration Tour

The singer is mom to six kids — Lourdes, Rocco, David, Mercy, Stella and Estere

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Madonna is taking a minute to honor her kids.

On Thursday, April 25, the singer, 65, shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram of herself and her kids from the past few months after they joined her on stage during her Celebration Tour. In the first photo, Madonna is surrounded by three of her six kids — son David, 18 and twins Estere and Stella, 11 — as they engulf her in a group hug.

Other photos show David and Madonna playing guitar together, daughter Mercy, 18, getting a kiss on the cheek from one of her sisters, as well as scenes of all of them on stage with their mother.

"On the day before our 80th show of the Celebration Tour I need to acknowledge my incredibly talented children who carried me through this Journey each of them bringing their own unique talent to the stage," the proud mom began in her caption.

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"Rehearsals began over a year ago with almost a 2 month break waiting for me recover from a near death experience. They never stopped practicing… they never stopped cheering me on and supporting me," she continued. "There [sic] enthusiasm kept me Going!!!"

"They were also going to school and rehearsing every night. !! . am so very proud of all of them. I think what my children learned the most this year of rehearsing and performing is that if you who to follow your dreams, you have to work hard for them."

"And if all of them choose something different later in life, they will never forget this year of blood, sweat, and tears. Nor will I. ♥️ It’s a CELEBRATION," Madonna ended her caption.

In an interview with  W. Magazine earlier this week, the "Material Girl" singer spoke about her Celebration Tour , which concludes in the coming weeks with a few stops in South America.

"When I go on tour, nothing brings me more happiness than to know we are all working on the same show, creating the magic together," the proud mom said. "It would be boring if they were just traveling from hotel to hotel, and occasionally coming to watch the show."

"Of course, I am their mother so sometimes we get on each other's nerves. We are a family of artists but we are also a family, and that's what happens."

Madonna is mom to six kids — Lourdes, 27, Rocco, 23, David, Mercy, and twins Stella and Estere. Her son David and daughters Mercy, Stella and Estere joined her on stage for this tour.

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