Mbuji-Mayi: The Diamond Heart of DR Congo with United Travels

Welcome to Mbuji-Mayi, the capital city of Kasaï-Oriental Province in the south-central Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). [3, 5, 26] Known as the 'City of Diamonds', Mbuji-Mayi sits atop one of the world's largest known diamond deposits and serves as a major hub for the country's diamond mining industry. [4, 5, 7, 26] Originally a cluster of villages, the city, formerly called Bakwanga, rapidly developed after diamond discoveries in the early 20th century, particularly under the influence of the mining company MIBA (Société Minière de Bakwanga). [3, 4, 6] While not a traditional tourist hotspot, Mbuji-Mayi offers adventurous travellers a unique glimpse into the vibrant Luba culture, the complexities of the diamond trade, and the resilient spirit of a major Congolese city far from the usual tourist trails. [5, 7, 14]