Travel Guide Bunkeya

Located 225 kilometres (4 hours) from Kolwezi - via Fungurume and Luambo - at the eastern end of Lubudi province and territory, the village of Bunkeya is the historical stronghold of King M'siri and the capital of his kingdom. It was there that he was killed by the Belgian captain Omer Bodson in 1891, an event that is commemorated every December 20 in a traditional two-day ceremony. Several places and memorial sites testify to the facts, including the location of his murder by Captain Bodson, as well as his grave, shot dead in the process by M'siri's son, who himself followed a few minutes later. But also the cemetery of the notables and personalities of the chiefdom and the royal cemetery where all the Mwami (kings) who have since succeeded each other are buried. A page of crucial history, well told by local historians, and to be included in a tourist visit to the region.For the past ten years, it has been His Majesty Mwenda Bantu Kaneranera Godefroid Munongo Jr. who has presided over the destinies of the Bayeke and the former empire of Garengaze, as a descendant of the great line of M'siri. With the help of the province and other partners, Chief Godefroid Munongo Jr. and the elders are considering establishing an eco-tourism project that would make Bunkeya a cultural village to welcome visitors in order to further enhance this significant episode in Congo's history and this iconic place. And which could be part of a global tour that includes a visit to Upemba Park and the magnificent Kiubo Falls located an hour away. Steps to be takenGo to the administrative office of the Bayeke chiefdom for courtesies, various registrations, and pay the various access fees (a maximum of ten dollars per person).The best way is to book the tour several days in advance, by informing the local guide and historian (Patrick Mikombe +243 97 186 34 55 or +243 89 814 68 10). Rate: about 5,000 FC.Traditionally, before entering a sacred site, it is recommended to entrust a small obole to the ancestors, a few FC tickets as an offering, on which kaolin (clay) will be thrown, as tradition dictates.