Walk Where Bob Marley Walked: A Pilgrimage to Nine Mile, Jamaica

For reggae music lovers, a trip to Jamaica is often seen as a pilgrimage, a chance to experience the musical culture firsthand and, more importantly, to visit the homeland of Jamaica's most famous personality, the iconic singer, songwriter, and musician, Bob Marley, who passed away in 1981.

The Nine Mile tour offers a glimpse into Marley’s formative years at the birthplace and final resting place of the Jamaican legend.

The village of Nine Mile sits in the lush, mountainous interior of the northern parish of St. Ann, offering impressive vistas of the elevated countryside. It is a reminder that while you have embarked on a cultural and historical tour you cannot escape the natural beauty of the island which has brought millions of visitors to its shores.

Nine Mile boasts two key landmarks: the house where Bob Marley once lived and the property housing his mausoleum, located next to his final resting place and a traditional Ethiopian church.

There are actually two mausoleums. One holds the remains of Mama Marley, Bob's beloved mother Cedella Booker, while the other houses the legend himself.

There you will find a treasure trove of the reggae superstar’s memorabilia including his guitars, awards, and photographs which all chronicle his incredible rise to musical immortality.

Along the tour you will also come across the Rastafarian-coloured "rock pillow" where Marley would often rest his head to find inspiration.

A rastafarian guide is always with you to add context to the surroundings and share anecdotes about the musician’s life. Food and drinks are available and of course, there is a gift shop for you to browse.

Marley once said, “My music will go on forever. Maybe it's a fool say that, but when me know facts me can say facts. My music will go on forever.”

Look around at your fellow pilgrims at Nine Mile. They are visitors, just like you, coming from different corners of the globe to visit the birthplace and final resting place of a musical genius. You see it now – the true prophetic nature of his words.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended on this journey of cultural exploration. The tour including the drive from Kingston and back is about six hours.

We encourage you to inquire at the front desk of the hotel for additional information and options for the Nine Mile excursion. Our hotel staff will be delighted to assist in planning your tour.