Double Damn. It's hard to believe you went through the 1st ATM look about with continued possession of camera, phone, and wallet. I also assumed you would find your room ransacked when you got back to your hotel. That is one corrupt place.
Please be safe nobody wants to see anything bad happen. You and your content are good enough without having to take major risks. We appreciate it nonetheless.
@@eduardorivera7723 we have more clean water than your dirty country, get educated before spewing nonsense and you think we care if people want to visit? We’re the richest country in the world, what do we need outsiders to visit for?
First time viewer here, I’m Congolese, and I’m sorry you got subjected to all of that. But I will also like to say THANK YOU. We as Congolese are exhausted by our own country. Thank you for showing the world what a shame the country truly is, even amongst our peers on the continent. I can only hope this video goes viral. I have been sharing it to fellow Congolese.
…As someone that is familiar with Lubumbashi, I have to say all your bad experiences came at no surprise. Watching this video made me wish I knew who you were in order to help you navigate the bullshit. Sadly, the daily life of Congolese is dealing with extortion. Corruption is the only law of the land in Congo. The fact that a simple traffic police could feel so brazen to ask $1500 is enough to show you where we are as a nation. In most cases, if extortionist notice you’re not local PLUS you’re alone they will attempt to bluff you into paying them bribes for literally fuck all. Like your one month visa was suppose to be no more than 90$ yet even official government staff saw an opportunity for a quick meal ticket. God. And we Congolese wonder why we cannot solve the war in the east. Bref, I could go on. It’s truly sad, but I’m not willing to give up all hope. Though until we Congolese learn to stand up for what is right, I’ll never recommend this country to anyone as a place to visit.
Am African and have never seen anything like this before. Constant bad behavior in the whole video and I watch this guy alot but this gotta be the worst experience have ever seen him go through. Having anxiety watching this. You guys gotta fix your country and this has exposed much that the biggest problem of Congo is within
There is a reason why tourists don't go to DRC. I have said this over and over again. Glad even Itchy boots avoided it. It is not worth it. Traveling there even as an African has more bad experiences than the positive ones. They have a long way to go.
Yes, Itchy Boots took a ferry from Cabinda to Angola to avoid the DRC. I'm surprised Tommy took this risk as the DRC has such a bad reputation. I have never seen him look so uncomfortable.
@@yasuke4593 No, .he really meant $1500. 1500 Congolese francs is just $0,5. $1=30000 Congolese francs. In some places it can be negociated to 2700 congolese francs. You can google the rate.
I feel your pain man, I worked in Kolwezi for a year and Congo is the most difficult place to be in the world. Corruption and violence are prevalent and everyone is on the take. You did a great job showing what it’s actually like in Congo, it’s not somewhere I would ever go again…
@Givemeproofkid If west leave or not ,that's another question! But even if they leave 100% Congo ,how people's with that corrupted mentality will live ? How they will continue to invest in mining industry if foreign machines are not used? They will extract that with spoons?😅😅😅
@@mariusdon3429 You are either a kid or hypocrite! If the west leaves then war will break out and a winner will rise in congo. End of decades of war= more uniform forces(they can be corrupt but if there is no war then there will be progess no matter how slow)=more progress. But now the west is manipulating the war and if one warlord wins and the west to negotiate they have to have laverage( an other warlord) so they can say do this or we will arm this guy. We are not children and we know the playbook.
Definitely a crap-hole to give a wide berth. Oddly, there are many DR Congolese in my country (South Africa), but they are truly wonderful people who earn an honest living. I presume the scumbags are back home trying to rip tourists off, trying to recruit child soldiers, and giving their country a bad name.
@@mokisanyes it’s extremely true. I’m a New Yorker I met someone from the Congo… someone like low ranking official ( imo he was high ranking official ❤😊 🤤) but he was def a type of African I never seen before ( I studied French in school for 5 years still speak ) He said congo is a paradise trapped in hell. Every other street there is war or ghettos or lords of the block. Getting robbed and robbing is a way of life.
So basically no real upsides just constantly being harassed by locals and government trying to squeeze all your money and sanity from you. Sounds like a great vacation spot
@@davechristian7543Yah! But the Problem is they wont stay in there Own Countries instead of Bringing all there Cahous and Criminality to our Western Countries Now! 🌋😈☠️🕳️
I can explain the essence behind the excessive corruption and aggression in Congo. Basically when former president Mobutu sesseseko overthrew the Govt and come to power, he tried to nationalise all the Mining concessions, and the west reacted with severe economic sanction that crippled the entire economy. As a Consequence, Mobutu called the Army Generals and civil servants and told them the Govt is broke and would henceforth not be able to pay salaries. He then instructed all govt employees to be self employed in their govt offices and told them " eat with your stationeries and stamps", hence why whenever you are met by any govt official in the congo, expect to be extorted by these " self employeed" officials. MOBUTU'S "SELF EMPLOYMENT " LEGANCY CONTINUES TO THIS PRESENT DAY Its nothing to do with the hatred of king leopold etc.
Great insight, however it continued beyond Mobutu. Despite Kabila pere and fils trying to make garner foreign investment, they also encouraged corruption.
Your country is fucked for 200 yrs. Also your diamond (the green forest) disappears. You were 40 millions when i was young (im 44) you ate now 80, maybe 100 who knows? Congo with wegypt ate the 2 worst countries for foreigners. As I wrote Condo is destroyed, fucked for 200 years !
As a congolese who lived outside my country for more than 14 years and i just got back, i would say there's nothing improving. As you went through all these nonsense, we (citizens) we go through it in our daily basis. people are not allow to take even a picture in the club like seriuosly and elsewhere... corruption in my country is in another level and it sucks.
@@kipapula6838 My comment has nothing to do with Rwandans goverment or any external forces, okay. Rwanda has it own internal issues like every countries and our internal problems it is ours.
I remember the Itchy Boots episode where she took a ferry to go around DRC. I was thinking at the time "damn, she goes everywhere, but she's skipping Congo?" Now we know why lol.
I live in Canada's outback and deal with bears on a weekly basis on average and have run into numerous cougar, been lost in the bush and such and believe you are 1000Xs braver than me. I watch all your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us.
A white man on his own in the DRC is a recipe for disaster. He should have had a bodyguard to accompany him but he made the right decision not to stay there.
So Sad that they don’t realize they could make more money long- term by treating tourists better instead of trying to extort them. I hate to think like this of any country but I know by now how unbiased you are and you’re not one of these click-bait vloggers, so I highly doubt you just trying to make them look bad. Be safe! And you’re appreciated for taking these risks for people, like me, who can’t do this themselves.
I had the exact same experience in Uganda. Harrassment wherever I went. Tried to rob me twice. Literally couldn't walk outside in the evening. After two days of bribery, harrassment, people following me, etc. I decided to spend my remaining 4 days ONLY at the hotel. What an absolute mess. I went to more than 60 countries and I never experienced anything like this. I do understand these people are poor, but nothing justifies this behavior. I went to many poor countries, literally walking through the slums on the Phillipines, etc. and nothing like that or even remotely close to that ever happened.
the only trouble ive ever had in ph was with taxi drivers that camp at bus stops and airport terminals. even the begging kids on the street would at least back off if I asked. I usually give money to the ones I can tell just feel hopeless. My wife is from there, and I normally spend most of my time in the poorer areas drinking in the side streets with locals unless its the final days waiting for our flight back to the states. I hope to go back and stay there for good one day.
Watching you deal with the challenges of vlogging in the Congo demonstrates your inner strength. I can see how frustrated and tired you were but you refrained on spiraling into negativity. Respect bro❤
As Congolese Tutsi from eastern Congo, I am not surprised with your experience, total corruption, awful attitude, robbery of the highest level. and not wonder Congo is not developing. I am sorry for your negative experience.
Wow, this was intense! It's making me reconsider my own plans to visit Congo later this year. Thanks for sharing this! Stay safe in your future travels!
Im so glad you show the true nature of the people & countries you visit, good & bad. After seeing some of your visits there are definately countries I couldnt visit alone or even with company. You are so brave! I dont have the same level of tolerance, especially with the mindset of some of the people. They are doing themselves an injustice as no tourists will want to visit & spend money. I certainly wouldnt even desire to visit DRC after watching this, THANK YOU.
This is what happens when leaders are corrupt. Its starts at the top and becomes normalized. I think Congo is sensitive about the cobalt mines, and the exploitation of poor workers and child labour. Corrupt leaders making money from mines dont want tourists and foreigners seeing whats going on.
"I am police, I am here to protect you"....mmmkay pumpkin. This was crazy exhausting to watch. Thank you for sharing this as it's a part of the world I'll never set foot in.
@@xXCigarXxI have been pulled over, over 100 times by police in America and driven thru the borders of USA and Canada , driven in south America and more countries than I can remember, and I have NEVER had this happen once. And im black😢.
@@globallibran378 youve never been taken advantage of by police and have been pulled over 100 times. I drive for a living and have only been pulled over twice in my life. Doesnt mean the cops were on the up and up.....as a matter of fact both tickets I got were dismissed in court.
@@xXCigarXx completely false equivalency. America is no utopia and there are definitely dangers in police encounters in America but none ask you for bribes, NONE! You said drive for a living so please tell me where in America you know of police or Border Patrol who asked you for or demanded bribes?
As a Congolese, I’m not surprised you experienced that. I grew up in the states and even I would be treated exactly like you unless I really play the part of looking local and have my family surround me at arrival. Desperation is the only thing holding Congo back. Ppl are too desperate to realize they could actually be better off by inviting tourist that actually go to learn and appreciate other countries, not take advantage of “cheap” living. Until you meet people’s basic needs, they’ll act accordingly.
True, they chose to charge 1 tourist for 1000 instead of 20 tourists for 50, and that 20 tourists will spend more or less the same amount of money once inside
Congo really could be one of the richest countries in the world if they got rid of the corruption & started leveraging their own resources, at least your host kept it real with you about Congo 🇨🇩
Dude, I watched your Ireland video and loved it.... I saw your Northern Ireland video and laughed at how you handled that... but this is a whole new level... respect!
You can certainly mention the colonisation but in the here and now it’s clear the people aren’t helping themselves and greed seems to be the only motivation. So sad.
You need to understand that the corruption is a byproduct of colonisation and is still deeply ingrained within society here. Lubumbashi and any other city/town in the Katanga Provence are home to some of the most exploited humans on earth with the most important mining operations of the entire country residing here. As a result, most families barely make a living and live under the poverty line, so the education rates are extremely low. Not to mention, that tourism in Katanga is non existent, so anyone in the region who is non-Congolese is usually there to exploit, thus the hostility.
@@aaronkyungu Korea was colonized by Japan, Korea recovered and became a first world country. You're just making excuses for your failures. All of the middle east was colonized by european powers till after world war 2... they managed to form a functional civilization too. Yet somehow, thats too hard for africans? Not a good look.
I'm not defending this behaviour, but the exploitation of Congo is continuing in the present. Literally millions died very recently due to war and its effects and fighting is continuing in places. The place was and is a mess. Stability and peace haven't been achieved. Without peace and accountable government... what hope..
What lovely culture, I hope they keep enriching the West with this diversity and "indescribable energy" as you call it......it is exactly what our beautiful, safe, prosperous neighborhoods need.....
@@asscrackistan 100% agree. but since you can’t say anything on YT which goes against the ‘approved narrative’ the best thing say what they want to hear, go above and beyond and fawn over their magical sub-Saharans.
My ex-GF was Congolese. I visited a few years ago, but the capital region not the south. And all went well with me. Its like his guide said, if gou go with a Congolese, you'll be ok. But if you go alone as white ppl, you will be eaten alive by the corruption.
You're so courageous,am hopeful I will continue showing Africa 🌍 like the way you do, keep up the good work, doing the same here in Kenya 🇰🇪, welcome again.
Now this my friend, this was an uncomfortable thing to watch. I have experienced similar stuff in various countries, you cannot really get used to it. So therefore, big thumbs up to you.
As he himself said, the Belgians exploited and destroyed that country. The same ethnic people living on the other side of the border in Tanzania, for example, are completely different. The DRC should be one of the wealthiest countries in the world but the West continues to rob it of its wealth and has instilled a culture of corruption.
It was hard to watch and I couldn't wait until Tommy got out of the Congo. But, I think it is more nuanced and complicated than calling these people "horrible."
@@nycrawgirl No no no no no, just stop now! If you threaten someone's freedom unless they pay you, you are committing extortion and a horrible person. Asking for $1,500 is MORE than 3 years of their annual salary and degusting...
When I first saw your UA-cam title that you went to Congo. I said oh No. I am from Eritrea and I know Congo and the neighbouring countries. You took a huge risk by going there without any guide. The Airbnb guy told you the right thing at the last of your video. He said you shouldn’t come to Congo without a guide. He is completely right. You are lucky with the amount of money that you departed to pay for your visas and corruption. It could have been worse. Their foreign consulate visas don’t work when entering the country. It’s a very hostile place and definitely not for tourists.
Hey bro.. I was in Goma in November with a journalist visa. If you decide to go back, I can provide you with some free info that will make the entire process a lot easier and smoother. Its still Congo, but easier when you have some reliable contacts and paperwork from the right people. Kivus and Kinshasa. Love the videos! 💪
Taking the Zambia border was a mistake. Its much smoother thru Rwanda-DRC border. Things are more organized due to one-stop-shop immigration procedure and because Rwanda is well organized
@@westmax8491 Morocco 🇲🇦 Mauritania 🇲🇷 Senegal 🇸🇳 Gambia 🇬🇲 Guinea-Bissau Guinea 🇬🇳 Ivory Coast Nigeria 🇳🇬 and I'm aiming to get threw central Africa to Uganda 🇺🇬
Everyone will tell you crossing over from Zambia to DRC via the Kasumbalesa border is one of the worst experiences one can possibly experience, I've had first hand experience of it as well. And as a Congolese living in the Diaspora I can empathise with you, although if it's any comfort to you everyone has the same experience. Found myself getting second hand embarrassment watching this video, but I believe there is hope for DRC...our country will rise. Also as a side note, I expect you would have had a better experience flying into DRC...the border crossing is the worst.
DUDE, TOMMY. FIRSTLY, AWESOME VIDEO. yes, Congo is complex. i wish you had a reliable group you could have gotten around the country with. But it was still nice to see Lubumbashi. SECONDLY, your closing interaction from 32:00 on, you held it down brother. Much respect for telling them what they needed to hear.
Terrible, but it's easier to die in a shootout or by a racist cop in the USA, haha, and supposedly there is the definition of democracy. Imagine being the most powerful and ''developed'' country and having the 31% of mass shootings in the world, being #1 at that. That's a shame, at least everyone knows Congo is extremely poor.
There are Black places in America he might have been beaten. I was threatened with a machete. I live in a good city. Crime and punishment is the only answer.
Tommy I really admire you and you show the importance of learning the local language because what surprises me most about you is that your aesthetic is so so so gringo that it makes you attract a lot of attention but your great experience in traveling plus managing the local languages means that you always get your way. Mucho cariño desde Argentina! Y si volvés tendrías q ir al norte, Salta, Jujuy, Tucuman, etc ("la verdadera Argentina"). Abrazo de oso hermano.
At one point, my son and I converted money he spent into Canadian funds. Equaled over $6000. Not to mention all the other money they got out of Tommy. We noticed the worry on Tommy's face! Glad you made it out of there safely. ❤ Truly a stressful episode to watch!
The corruption in DRC is not surprising given the political and economic conditions. What is surprising is the amount of money they ask for. The reason, I guess, is that most of the foreigners they see are rich businessmen dealing with minerals.
Dude you’re much more patient than me; I would have turned around and went back to Zambia. I’m coming to “your “ country and you want me to pay you several bribes! NOOOO!!! Thanks for this video; it’s very helpful to know those things. Keep up the good work.
For a foreigner, you need to get in contact with the right people because people only come to Congo to take from and not bring anything so having someone who understands the system will help you. Also most of the time they don't care about the tourists because that is not their main source of income so showing you care at the border and trying something will help you much more than denying it. So have a few dollars to spend after clearing and it doesn't have to be much.
Sad that you had to go through that! I kept hoping that you would travel to Kinshasa to experience it, despite your setbacks in Lubum. The border corruption is pretty typical. Not as harsh as the airport experience. I agree with your Airbnb host that you should have a tour guide with you, for anyone thinking of visiting the DRC as a tourist.
@@tianabee9944 that's exactly why I do NOT want to be there. I watched the video. Absolutely no way unless they nuked the place would I go to a country so hostile and derived you'd think you were in the USA.
My own exposure to the DR Congo since my research and outreach from Kisangani started in 2004, had also been traumatic, because the country oozes trauma, brutality, exploitation, corruption and desperate survival. Extortion, bribery, corruption, confrontation and robbery is the culture and the language. It will require many years after peace is achieved (?), before any forms of normalcy would ever manifest in the (eastern) DRC. The churches and statistics of 92% Christian population bear NO fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS, peace and joy!
Hey brother, as a fellow New Yorker and frequent traveler to the continent, you did incredibly well in this dire situation. The few times I went to Kinshasa were even worse experiences. It's the unfortunate reality.
@@victorcreed3 I am sorry for that sir. Watching this vlog about Congo I've realized there is nothing for me to do over there. Those people embarrass themselves!
Welcome to my city Lubumbashi I've been watching your videos for years and I'm sorry for what happened to you here. In that part of town where you were walking, I don't feel safe taking out my phone, even myself. I don't know how you plan your trips, but it might be a good idea to have a tour guide so they can show you which part of town is safe.
Hey there. I was really shocked watching the vlog of Tommy about Congo. As you are living there I would like to ask you: What is the reason that the DRC is so strange and unsafe? Can you explain the background of it?
In my opinion, government institutions and politicians aren't working properly, which leaves plenty of room for corruption. Not only are government workers corrupt (some don't even know it), but so is the population. If I want to get a government document, stamp, approval or anything else from the government, I know that to get it quickly I'll have to pay a bribe, and that's what most people do. Government workers aren't well paid, so they've found a shortcut: bribery. Another factor is that there's no tourism here in Lubumbashi, so when people see a white person, they assume they've come here to do business, especially mining or even other business. Another factor is the value of money here. A $100 is a lot of money for most people around the world and even in my town, but for the businesses, elites and government workers, it's not worth much, because there is lots of money from the mining and minerals. The cheapest 5-star hotel for a single person costs 120 dollars a night, but when I cross the border into Zambia, the night costs only 30 to 60 dollars. The reason for this high cost of living is that most foreigners, especially whites, come here to do business in the mining sector and, as a result, the dollar has depreciated and is no longer worth much. Myself and the people around me can see that $100 isn't a lot of money. But to get it, it's almost impossible because there are no jobs available for most people. The Chinese and Indians have understood how things work in the Congo and have taken advantage of it. When you're a newcomer, especially if you're white, people want to take advantage of you. So it's sometimes a good idea to say no to most requests, and I recommend that you find a tour guide and even a security company for your stay.
In my opinion, government institutions and politicians aren't working properly, which leaves plenty of room for corruption. Not only are government workers corrupt (some don't even know it), but so is the population. If I want to get a government document, stamp, approval or anything else from the government, I know that to get it quickly I'll have to pay a bribe, and that's what most people do. Government workers aren't well paid, so they've found a shortcut: bribery. Another factor is that there's no tourism here in Lubumbashi, so when people see a white person, they assume they've come here to do business, especially mining or even other business. Another factor is the value of money here. A $100 is a lot of money for most people around the world and even in my town, but for the businesses, elites and government workers, it's not worth much, because there is lots of money from the mining and minerals. The cheapest 5-star hotel for a single person costs 120 dollars a night, but when I cross the border into Zambia, the night costs only 30 to 60 dollars. The reason for this high cost of living is that most foreigners, especially whites, come here to do business in the mining sector and, as a result, the dollar has depreciated and is no longer worth much. Myself and the people around me can see that $100 isn't a lot of money. But to get it, it's almost impossible because there are no jobs available for most people. The Chinese and Indians have understood how things work in the Congo and have taken advantage of it. When you're a newcomer, especially if you're white, people want to take advantage of you. So it's sometimes a good idea to say no to most requests, and I recommend that you find a tour guide and even a security company for your stay.
In my opinion, government institutions and politicians aren't working properly, which leaves plenty of room for corruption. Not only are government workers corrupt (some don't even know it), but so is the population. If I want to get a government document, stamp, approval or anything else from the government, I know that to get it quickly I'll have to pay a bribe, and that's what most people do. Government workers aren't well paid, so they've found a shortcut: bribery. Another factor is that there's no tourism here in Lubumbashi, so when people see a white person, they assume they've come here to do business, especially mining or even other business. Another factor is the value of money here. A $100 is a lot of money for most people around the world and even in my town, but for the businesses, elites and government workers, it's not worth much, because there is lots of money from the mining and minerals. The cheapest 5-star hotel for a single person costs 120 dollars a night, but when I cross the border into Zambia, the night costs only 30 to 60 dollars. The reason for this high cost of living is that most foreigners, especially whites, come here to do business in the mining sector and, as a result, the dollar has depreciated and is no longer worth much. Myself and the people around me can see that $100 isn't a lot of money. But to get it, it's almost impossible because there are no jobs available for most people. When you're a newcomer, especially if you're white, people want to take advantage of you. So it's sometimes a good idea to say no to most requests, and I recommend that you find a tour guide and even a security company for your stay.
I'm Congolese from Lubumbashi living in the USA, but I really feel sorry for you and, at the same time, very ashamed of myself!!! What a hell you went through!!!! Your face can tell the whole story. I don't know when this will change in that country. Corruption, robbery, extortion at their fine best!! Wow!!! unbelievable!!!!!
What do you mean? We are talking about corruption, extortion here. And do you want to compare the USA to the Congo DR? Ni bazimu inakubamba ao nini? @@douggreen8211
@@douggreen8211yes but the problem with my country Congo is the total ignorance of what tourism means. I am a Congolese and a few years ago I was walking along the ocean early in the morning in Muanda. Some plainclothes officer appeared out of nowhere and began to interrogate me. I burst out laughing and calmly explained that I came from the capital Kinshasa and needed some rest. And I am black. I have been insulted in Mbandaka for taking pictures along the river. We are at another universe compared to Kenya or Tanzania We must improve our ways
No reason to be ashamed of yourself when you are not doing those things @kalmbizi300. Your empathy tells a story of someone that wishes the best for another human being.
I have been watching you on your travels for quite a while now, and i have to say this one scared the shit out of me, i was really worried for your safety, be careful mate, we need you to show us many more, hopefully safer, places. Please be careful.
JUST WOW!!! ...Congo will never get better this way. You must've felt very much unsafe there!!! Tourists, bring money. If we feel unsafe to go, we won't go.
Hey Tommy I like your ease with which you usually relate to new places. I didn’t like how uncomfortable you were in Congo. It's interesting to me how Zambia is more free than Congo. I also felt uncomfortable. I hope you get a chance to rest and hydrate enough before your next video. I really like your content. It's always amazing.
Zambia and DRC were not founded the same. The Congo kingdom was much bigger with a diverse people with different ethnic groups. Majority of the Zambian descended from the Congo Kingdom and our population is small, less diverse and our 4 major tribes in Zambia is less complicated and somehow we manage to live in harmony. Plus Zambia did not have a history or war pre and after colonization. With DRC it was the opposite.
@berthekabwe871 I am sorry for what the DRC people are going through. It's crazy how colonialism changes people and to some in a very bad way. But I also felt the distress he went through and he wasn't his normal self, he was really annoyed. Thank you for the info though
I’m ashamed & It sadness me to see the state of my home country, we need to look ourselves in the mirror & take accountability for it. We keep blaming the “outsiders” for everything while we act like this, its unacceptable. Tommy I sincerely apologize on behalf of my ppl, you shouldn’t have gone through this. I was hoping you’d have a good time & excited for the video but looks like I was wrong, we’re never changing I’m losing hope. I hoped to visit the southern part sometimes this year too, I think I’m good on that, I got a big brother who had a similar experience on the Zambia/congo border too. I’ll be in the east again. DAMN! Look at other countries man smh My apologies again.
@@SabbaticalTommythis video won’t make any difference, the Congolese are a stubborn people and we like the way we are. Just don’t return as you’re not wanted.
@@Darny-xb4gc true, nonetheless once they know you’re from abroad you’re cooked. brother of mine had a similar experience there. But being black helps u, u can blend in for sure
@@mukongo-p9cYour ignorant and illogical comments are the real things that are not wanted, so continue to live in your dump and enjoy! You won't be seeing any of us there so no problems!
Itchy Boots just took the ferry around Congo from Cabinda because it´s so unsafe there, a few hours ride on a motorbike and you go there willingly :) Absolutly nuts.
It's a no no no no, Tommy they are100, or so years from any type of civility that is recognisable, definitely definitely not on a must visit, you got out of there alive by luck not design , a brave video to complete.
![How will I get around the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)?? 🇨🇩 [S7-E82]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/WEQOhC-kRAE/mqdefault.jpg)
For better or worse, I believe this is the only full vlog of Congo's 2nd largest city on the internet. I now know why.
This "spy" argument is so dumb. If you were a spy, you wouldn't show the camera in the open like that.
It sucks. If they would be smart they would promote coming there instead of letting us know to never ever go!
Double Damn. It's hard to believe you went through the 1st ATM look about with continued possession of camera, phone, and wallet. I also assumed you would find your room ransacked when you got back to your hotel. That is one corrupt place.
Your one brave dude
Stay safe bro
Please be safe nobody wants to see anything bad happen. You and your content are good enough without having to take major risks. We appreciate it nonetheless.
Thanks, Tommy for visiting Congo so we don't have to.
😂thought the same
Good because we don’t want you to visit either so don’t come! 😂😂
@@mukongo-p9c lol i can see why yall dont have clean water and no one wants to visit lol. dont worry only people going are travel vlogers
@@eduardorivera7723 we have more clean water than your dirty country, get educated before spewing nonsense and you think we care if people want to visit? We’re the richest country in the world, what do we need outsiders to visit for?
@bornagaingg6223 don't want them to visit but if they do you want their money? 🤡
Tommy, Congo also has a video upload fee, I can collect it and send it off to them, but I'm also going to need to see a Yellow Fever Vaccination card.
hahahah
think he prefers pink/black..
Yellow/pink not so much 😂
hahahaha
😂
😂😂👏👏👏👏🤌🤌
First time viewer here, I’m Congolese, and I’m sorry you got subjected to all of that. But I will also like to say THANK YOU. We as Congolese are exhausted by our own country. Thank you for showing the world what a shame the country truly is, even amongst our peers on the continent. I can only hope this video goes viral. I have been sharing it to fellow Congolese.
…As someone that is familiar with Lubumbashi, I have to say all your bad experiences came at no surprise. Watching this video made me wish I knew who you were in order to help you navigate the bullshit. Sadly, the daily life of Congolese is dealing with extortion. Corruption is the only law of the land in Congo. The fact that a simple traffic police could feel so brazen to ask $1500 is enough to show you where we are as a nation. In most cases, if extortionist notice you’re not local PLUS you’re alone they will attempt to bluff you into paying them bribes for literally fuck all. Like your one month visa was suppose to be no more than 90$ yet even official government staff saw an opportunity for a quick meal ticket. God. And we Congolese wonder why we cannot solve the war in the east.
Bref, I could go on. It’s truly sad, but I’m not willing to give up all hope. Though until we Congolese learn to stand up for what is right, I’ll never recommend this country to anyone as a place to visit.
Am African and have never seen anything like this before. Constant bad behavior in the whole video and I watch this guy alot but this gotta be the worst experience have ever seen him go through. Having anxiety watching this. You guys gotta fix your country and this has exposed much that the biggest problem of Congo is within
@@kipapula6838 agree 100%
@@david112312345it's great to see Congo has people like you though. That's what will change the country.
@@kipapula6838which country are you from?
This is why you are the number one travel vlogger for me, no matter what adversity you face you get on with it and move on, stay safe.
"Sir, you violated the law. We can resolve this for 1500 dollars" felt like something from a bethesda game lol
Brigands I can handle, but this talk of extortion? World's gone mad, I say.
That is his pay for 12+ months. He probably never touched a dollar in his life. Just an opportunist.
This comment is underrated 🤣
"By the order of Jarl stop right there! You have committed crimes against Congo and her people! What say you in your defense"
more like EA, Ubisoft, activision.
There is a reason why tourists don't go to DRC. I have said this over and over again. Glad even Itchy boots avoided it. It is not worth it. Traveling there even as an African has more bad experiences than the positive ones. They have a long way to go.
No one in their right mind would venture into such a cesspit of corruption.
Paris is better oops nope. New York is better oops nope. Chicago is better oops nope. Toronto is better oops nope. They have a long way to go......
Yes, Itchy Boots took a ferry from Cabinda to Angola to avoid the DRC. I'm surprised Tommy took this risk as the DRC has such a bad reputation. I have never seen him look so uncomfortable.
*Wandering with Paint* was in Congo and did several vlogs from there. She been to many other places too including Afghanistan.
Use your common sense. Would you travel through Ukraine now?
That AirBNB host you had seems like a really good dude. I wish him well. Hopefully you guys can keep some form of connection.
The amount of languages this man speaks blows my mind. Great work Tommy.
...number of languages...
@@qanononabong8491number, amount same shit
Yes and fart too ,listen carefully,minute 19:08 😂😂😂😂
He started talking french at one point
go back to Congo on your #666 video....only fitting......what a terrible place to visit as a tourist.🤕🤕🤕
That cop asking for $1500 was absolutely crazy. 1500$??!! Did he even have an idea of what he was talking about?
It was 1500 Congolese francs
😂😂😂😂😂 he is asking for something he has never even hold on😂😂😂😂😂😂 219,000ksh
Tommy fuata sheria usihangaike la sivyo pesa utatoa.
@@yasuke4593 No, .he really meant $1500. 1500 Congolese francs is just $0,5. $1=30000 Congolese francs. In some places it can be negociated to 2700 congolese francs. You can google the rate.
Might be worth taking a bunch of fake money to a place like this for times like that 😂😂
This episode is by far the most uncomfortable to watch. Please stay safe, Tommy! I wanna watch your future videos for at least 20 years more.
Will do
nah, I think the tweaker in Rosario or wherever that was way more uncomfortable
I feel your pain man, I worked in Kolwezi for a year and Congo is the most difficult place to be in the world. Corruption and violence are prevalent and everyone is on the take. You did a great job showing what it’s actually like in Congo, it’s not somewhere I would ever go again…
Bro, don’t go to Congo. It’s a golden rule, even for us native Africans.
Haha learned that the hard way. Never again!
Don’t want to go Congo but want to leech it for it’s natural resources funny that
What is wrong with going to Congo? In 5 to 10 years to come you will seek to enter Congo in all cost!
@@byamungusamuelnguma5577 😂
@@byamungusamuelnguma5577 ahahahhahahha
I am glad you go to places like the Congo so I don't have to. What a terrible place.
Yes. And the rule of King Leopold II ended in 1908.
He was greedy bastard, but they can't still blame him for everything.
@@sxsx5951Normal...blame the west ,of course 😂😂😂😂. That was 100 y ago ....but still is west fault 🤡🤡🤡
@@mariusdon3429
Lol
100% it is the fault of the african people living in congo.
But did west leave congo ? That is the question
@Givemeproofkid If west leave or not ,that's another question! But even if they leave 100% Congo ,how people's with that corrupted mentality will live ? How they will continue to invest in mining industry if foreign machines are not used? They will extract that with spoons?😅😅😅
@@mariusdon3429
You are either a kid or hypocrite!
If the west leaves then war will break out and a winner will rise in congo.
End of decades of war= more uniform forces(they can be corrupt but if there is no war then there will be progess no matter how slow)=more progress.
But now the west is manipulating the war and if one warlord wins and the west to negotiate they have to have laverage( an other warlord) so they can say do this or we will arm this guy.
We are not children and we know the playbook.
This was really hard to watch! Sorry you went through that but you did the whole world a favor by documenting your experience, it's much appreciated!
Tommy, thank you for filming your visit to the Congo.
I think I'll give that place a miss.
You're the best Tommy.
He has balls, many Africans will not even mess with Congo.
Definitely a crap-hole to give a wide berth. Oddly, there are many DR Congolese in my country (South Africa), but they are truly wonderful people who earn an honest living. I presume the scumbags are back home trying to rip tourists off, trying to recruit child soldiers, and giving their country a bad name.
Is this true?
@mokisan Congo has not had a stable government for a while.
@@mokisanWell, I agree ...Been there and it was bizarre!!!!
@@mokisanyes it’s extremely true. I’m a New Yorker I met someone from the Congo… someone like low ranking official ( imo he was high ranking official
❤😊 🤤) but he was def a type of African I never seen before ( I studied French in school for 5 years still speak )
He said congo is a paradise trapped in hell. Every other street there is war or ghettos or lords of the block.
Getting robbed and robbing is a way of life.
So basically no real upsides just constantly being harassed by locals and government trying to squeeze all your money and sanity from you. Sounds like a great vacation spot
Sounds great 😂
Yh but they have gorillas in congo. The cool ones not the little furry ones in uganda
each to there own my good man.
their* cant read and cant write.. oh god what have you become@@davechristian7543
@@davechristian7543Yah! But the Problem is they wont stay in there Own Countries instead of Bringing all there Cahous and Criminality to our Western Countries Now! 🌋😈☠️🕳️
I can explain the essence behind the excessive corruption and aggression in Congo.
Basically when former president Mobutu sesseseko overthrew the Govt and come to power, he tried to nationalise all the Mining concessions, and the west reacted with severe economic sanction that crippled the entire economy.
As a Consequence, Mobutu called the Army Generals and civil servants and told them the Govt is broke and would henceforth not be able to pay salaries. He then instructed all govt employees to be self employed in their govt offices and told them " eat with your stationeries and stamps", hence why whenever you are met by any govt official in the congo, expect to be extorted by these " self employeed" officials. MOBUTU'S "SELF EMPLOYMENT " LEGANCY CONTINUES TO THIS PRESENT DAY
Its nothing to do with the hatred of king leopold etc.
Thank you. Never knew this part of Congolese history.
Nothing, you say
Great insight, however it continued beyond Mobutu. Despite Kabila pere and fils trying to make garner foreign investment, they also encouraged corruption.
You forgot to mention how Mobutu came to power .
Your country is fucked for 200 yrs.
Also your diamond (the green forest) disappears. You were 40 millions when i was young (im 44) you ate now 80, maybe 100 who knows?
Congo with wegypt ate the 2 worst countries for foreigners.
As I wrote Condo is destroyed, fucked for 200 years !
As a congolese who lived outside my country for more than 14 years and i just got back, i would say there's nothing improving. As you went through all these nonsense, we (citizens) we go through it in our daily basis. people are not allow to take even a picture in the club like seriuosly and elsewhere... corruption in my country is in another level and it sucks.
Is this Rwanda's fault also? You guys like blaming everything on foreigners. Is this behavior caused by Rwanda or its truly shameful on the congolese?
@@kipapula6838Rwanda’s president is CIA
@@kipapula6838 My comment has nothing to do with Rwandans goverment or any external forces, okay. Rwanda has it own internal issues like every countries and our internal problems it is ours.
I remember the Itchy Boots episode where she took a ferry to go around DRC. I was thinking at the time "damn, she goes everywhere, but she's skipping Congo?" Now we know why lol.
Oooooh!! That journey to Cabinda!😅?
Yep had the same réaction, if she skip's the Congo there a really good reason :0(
@@adv67
We all know why
@@krazykkarl yep...Who want's to deal with all that bull sh.....
thanks for your videos
This dude is the most insane out of all the travel vloggers 😂
He is truly the best
As a mother, I worry about some of the decisions he makes.
Very underrated, dude should have over 1m followers.
The most real.
WRONG! Check out "Vagrant Holiday",
he stopped posting due to being abducted by Alien$,
but what he left behind is Pricele$$...
I live in Canada's outback and deal with bears on a weekly basis on average and have run into numerous cougar, been lost in the bush and such and believe you are 1000Xs braver than me. I watch all your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us.
☘️ Tommy’s been travelling for years, never seen him like that. Must’ve been bad.
So sad. They really broke his spirit. So much lawlessness
A white man on his own in the DRC is a recipe for disaster. He should have had a bodyguard to accompany him but he made the right decision not to stay there.
Sabbatical is a prejudiced fool. He travels around with his Woke hat, getting political with countries that he doesn't like.
Itchy Boots is 20 times smarter than Sabbatical. Tommy is a fool.
@@Bourne-fu8bz aren't you just charming.
Thanks for taking one for the team 😊
Thanks for showing us this. Glad you made it out of there! I was stressed just watching this. I think you need a vacation from this vacation.
You are definitely the world's best travel vlogger!!
So Sad that they don’t realize they could make more money long- term by treating tourists better instead of trying to extort them. I hate to think like this of any country but I know by now how unbiased you are and you’re not one of these click-bait vloggers, so I highly doubt you just trying to make them look bad. Be safe! And you’re appreciated for taking these risks for people, like me, who can’t do this themselves.
Lack of education sadly
I grew up in the kinshasa as a belgian. This doesent surprise me at all. Been like this for a long time
@@scuffed_jayz2976 did you ever walk on the streets?
the most long term or forward-looking these people can get is maybe tommorow.
Different set of values, quick money is king, working for it is lame! Unfortunately that’s how it is in most of Africa.
Tommy: "... and I've been asked for money three times."
Official, thinking to himself: "Only three times?!"
It feels like Congo isnt really a country but rather an enormous uncharted territory in the middle of Africa with some nominal state attributes
It’s a cookie jar for Europe
Yah Congo isnt even a place.
Thanks for sharing that, Tommy.
That's brutal.
Glad you got out of there.
be careful man, you're a real one
well he isnt a robot made of plastic yes he is a real human my child.
dude is from New York wheres theres lots of migrants there lol
I had the exact same experience in Uganda. Harrassment wherever I went. Tried to rob me twice. Literally couldn't walk outside in the evening. After two days of bribery, harrassment, people following me, etc. I decided to spend my remaining 4 days ONLY at the hotel. What an absolute mess. I went to more than 60 countries and I never experienced anything like this. I do understand these people are poor, but nothing justifies this behavior. I went to many poor countries, literally walking through the slums on the Phillipines, etc. and nothing like that or even remotely close to that ever happened.
Culture. And sadly that culture follows them wherever they go
What really bothers me is the leaders of the west know this yet allow these sort of people to come here and we are reaping what the elites are sowing
the only trouble ive ever had in ph was with taxi drivers that camp at bus stops and airport terminals. even the begging kids on the street would at least back off if I asked. I usually give money to the ones I can tell just feel hopeless. My wife is from there, and I normally spend most of my time in the poorer areas drinking in the side streets with locals unless its the final days waiting for our flight back to the states.
I hope to go back and stay there for good one day.
@@bid84it's not culture rather the nonexistence of it
@@australianpainter42069Highly ironic
Man, you got some balls. You re my favourite vlogger, along with Bald n Bankrupt . Stay safe next time 🙏
Watching you deal with the challenges of vlogging in the Congo demonstrates your inner strength. I can see how frustrated and tired you were but you refrained on spiraling into negativity. Respect bro❤
As Congolese Tutsi from eastern Congo, I am not surprised with your experience, total corruption, awful attitude, robbery of the highest level. and not wonder Congo is not developing. I am sorry for your negative experience.
Murudi basi kwenu kama amupendi Congo,arudi USA ,naweye urudi Cyangungu.
What caused all those corruptions? Imperialism, capitalism, and all those isms.. who caused all of that?
@@conciousmindsMeh, Mobutu f*ed up the country even more.
TUTSI CRIMINEL GENOCIDAIRE BIENTOT LA FIN PEUPLE DE LA HAINE DIABOLIQUE
Tutsis are not congolese.
Wow, this was intense! It's making me reconsider my own plans to visit Congo later this year. Thanks for sharing this! Stay safe in your future travels!
Im so glad you show the true nature of the people & countries you visit, good & bad. After seeing some of your visits there are definately countries I couldnt visit alone or even with company. You are so brave! I dont have the same level of tolerance, especially with the mindset of some of the people. They are doing themselves an injustice as no tourists will want to visit & spend money. I certainly wouldnt even desire to visit DRC after watching this, THANK YOU.
This is what happens when leaders are corrupt. Its starts at the top and becomes normalized. I think Congo is sensitive about the cobalt mines, and the exploitation of poor workers and child labour. Corrupt leaders making money from mines dont want tourists and foreigners seeing whats going on.
@@tubester4567Stop making excuses the entire continent is d@mn near corrupt 😤
@@poloststyles2669That is what he said that corruption has become normal to them because it started from the top.
I'd skipped the whole continent.
One look and I can imagine the rest of the cities and towns.
@@poloststyles2669Yes it is, largely aided & abetted by western/US corporations & NGOs... believe me, I live in africs....
Best and realistic video i have ever seen on DRC. I have subscribed.
"I am police, I am here to protect you"....mmmkay pumpkin. This was crazy exhausting to watch. Thank you for sharing this as it's a part of the world I'll never set foot in.
Sounds just like the police in America.
@@xXCigarXxI have been pulled over, over 100 times by police in America and driven thru the borders of USA and Canada , driven in south America and more countries than I can remember, and I have NEVER had this happen once. And im black😢.
@@globallibran378 youve never been taken advantage of by police and have been pulled over 100 times. I drive for a living and have only been pulled over twice in my life. Doesnt mean the cops were on the up and up.....as a matter of fact both tickets I got were dismissed in court.
Yeah fk going to the congo
@@xXCigarXx completely false equivalency. America is no utopia and there are definitely dangers in police encounters in America but none ask you for bribes, NONE! You said drive for a living so please tell me where in America you know of police or Border Patrol who asked you for or demanded bribes?
yo tommy i truly love the videos. please keep exploring forever.
As a Congolese, I’m not surprised you experienced that. I grew up in the states and even I would be treated exactly like you unless I really play the part of looking local and have my family surround me at arrival. Desperation is the only thing holding Congo back. Ppl are too desperate to realize they could actually be better off by inviting tourist that actually go to learn and appreciate other countries, not take advantage of “cheap” living. Until you meet people’s basic needs, they’ll act accordingly.
True, they chose to charge 1 tourist for 1000 instead of 20 tourists for 50, and that 20 tourists will spend more or less the same amount of money once inside
I feel like certain countries are just not meant to be visited and thanks for making the sacrifices to show us which ones.
Congo really could be one of the richest countries in the world if they got rid of the corruption & started leveraging their own resources, at least your host kept it real with you about Congo 🇨🇩
You need to understand that the real wealth of a nation is it's people!
But they prefer to put all there blame on rwanda instead of cleaning up internally.
Blame corrupt western companies and banks. Companies give stuffed brown envelopes to the corrupt elite and the banks receiving the cash know it.
They have to take their resources back
It’s hard being a nice guy in a mean world. As long as you keep your dignity the negativity will pass
I just got a message from the Congo demanding I pay $200 after watching this video
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Not bad. I had to pay a prince there $500 but he said kindly in his email that he would send me $1.1million in return. I'm going to be rich!
Made me laugh.. thanks
😂😂😂
It's a cause.
Dude, I watched your Ireland video and loved it.... I saw your Northern Ireland video and laughed at how you handled that... but this is a whole new level... respect!
Congo might be the only nation I have absolutely zero hopes to substantially improve. Such tragedy.
DRC, and Haiti.😢
Exactly
why wouldnt u hope it improves, like why do u no like them?
Read again before assuming bullshit@@davechristian7543
@davechristian7543 by having no hopes of it improving they mean things are so bad there that it is very unlikely anything will ever improve.
Man this was a difficult watch, hope you’re ok Tommy! Very sad to see the corruption in this country. People have no shame.
You can certainly mention the colonisation but in the here and now it’s clear the people aren’t helping themselves and greed seems to be the only motivation. So sad.
I agree
its enough to make you lose any sympathy you had for them in the first place when they behave like this.
You need to understand that the corruption is a byproduct of colonisation and is still deeply ingrained within society here. Lubumbashi and any other city/town in the Katanga Provence are home to some of the most exploited humans on earth with the most important mining operations of the entire country residing here. As a result, most families barely make a living and live under the poverty line, so the education rates are extremely low. Not to mention, that tourism in Katanga is non existent, so anyone in the region who is non-Congolese is usually there to exploit, thus the hostility.
@@aaronkyungu Korea was colonized by Japan, Korea recovered and became a first world country. You're just making excuses for your failures.
All of the middle east was colonized by european powers till after world war 2... they managed to form a functional civilization too.
Yet somehow, thats too hard for africans? Not a good look.
I'm not defending this behaviour, but the exploitation of Congo is continuing in the present. Literally millions died very recently due to war and its effects and fighting is continuing in places. The place was and is a mess. Stability and peace haven't been achieved. Without peace and accountable government... what hope..
dude i was about to search for a video of the drc and i got recomended this
im so happy i saw this
The energy of the Congo is indescribable….. I almost didn’t even want to watch past 2 minutes…. I’m on the edge of my seat for you while watching 😅…
What lovely culture, I hope they keep enriching the West with this diversity and "indescribable energy" as you call it......it is exactly what our beautiful, safe, prosperous neighborhoods need.....
@@asscrackistanAfrica is the future of the world! Strong African men and women will enrich us beyond measure. We won’t know what hit us.
@@damonmelendez856 Riiiiiight........but back in reality though, literally every statistic proves otherwise in todays REAL world.....
@@asscrackistan 100% agree. but since you can’t say anything on YT which goes against the ‘approved narrative’ the best thing say what they want to hear, go above and beyond and fawn over their magical sub-Saharans.
My dream was to visit the Congo formerly Zaire in my lifetime because of the music and the rich culture. This video has shaken me to the core.
Fuck the Congo did you see how much hassle he went through?? I know it’s one place I’ll never travel to 😂😂😂
Even most of that music is made out of Congo
Zambia has a storied musical history (zamrock) and is way more normal than the Congo
My ex-GF was Congolese. I visited a few years ago, but the capital region not the south. And all went well with me. Its like his guide said, if gou go with a Congolese, you'll be ok. But if you go alone as white ppl, you will be eaten alive by the corruption.
You're so courageous,am hopeful I will continue showing Africa 🌍 like the way you do, keep up the good work, doing the same here in Kenya 🇰🇪, welcome again.
Great advertisement for all the reasons to never ever ever go there. Good job Congo Tourism board!!
Now this my friend, this was an uncomfortable thing to watch.
I have experienced similar stuff in various countries, you cannot really get used to it.
So therefore, big thumbs up to you.
Like where?
Really enjoyed this Video, I like how you talk about the Geography and History of the Country which explains the state of Congo today
Tommy, that was a hard watch. Happy you're safe and I certainly don't blame you for wanting out of there!
Horrible people.
As he himself said, the Belgians exploited and destroyed that country. The same ethnic people living on the other side of the border in Tanzania, for example, are completely different. The DRC should be one of the wealthiest countries in the world but the West continues to rob it of its wealth and has instilled a culture of corruption.
Just watch his previous videos. He goes around tarnishing safe and peaceful countries because of his political bias. The fool listens to too much CNN.
It was hard to watch and I couldn't wait until Tommy got out of the Congo. But, I think it is more nuanced and complicated than calling these people "horrible."
@@nycrawgirlNo, they are literally horrible. Corrupt, criminal, selfish.
@@nycrawgirl No no no no no, just stop now! If you threaten someone's freedom unless they pay you, you are committing extortion and a horrible person. Asking for $1,500 is MORE than 3 years of their annual salary and degusting...
I have had beautiful days in Congo but seeing this video gets me right back there. Never ever again.
When I first saw your UA-cam title that you went to Congo. I said oh No. I am from Eritrea and I know Congo and the neighbouring countries. You took a huge risk by going there without any guide. The Airbnb guy told you the right thing at the last of your video. He said you shouldn’t come to Congo without a guide. He is completely right. You are lucky with the amount of money that you departed to pay for your visas and corruption. It could have been worse. Their foreign consulate visas don’t work when entering the country. It’s a very hostile place and definitely not for tourists.
Luckily this is not as bad as Érythrea
@@superwassouexactly.
Erithrea is even worse???@@superwassouwhat is going on there then?
@@QuadDamage-tt7sj Feel free to look by yourself like a grown one.
@@superwassou lazy ass
Hey bro.. I was in Goma in November with a journalist visa. If you decide to go back, I can provide you with some free info that will make the entire process a lot easier and smoother. Its still Congo, but easier when you have some reliable contacts and paperwork from the right people. Kivus and Kinshasa. Love the videos! 💪
Appreciate the offer, could you reach out on Instagram?
@@SabbaticalTommy sent!
Taking the Zambia border was a mistake. Its much smoother thru Rwanda-DRC border. Things are more organized due to one-stop-shop immigration procedure and because Rwanda is well organized
I will be avoiding the DRC like the plague on my trip after seeing all this
Which African countries are you visiting?
@@westmax8491 Morocco 🇲🇦 Mauritania 🇲🇷 Senegal 🇸🇳 Gambia 🇬🇲 Guinea-Bissau Guinea 🇬🇳 Ivory Coast Nigeria 🇳🇬 and I'm aiming to get threw central Africa to Uganda 🇺🇬
Congo is a destabilized nation by neighboring countries
CAR, hmmm well Uganda should be fun @@Badlander87X
Uganda and Rwanda for sure
I'm becoming a bigger and bigger fan of your work. You are the only travel vlogger that I'm willing to watch. Greetings, from an American in China.
No wonder Itchy Boots just gave the DRC a swerve! Jesus!
🤣🤣🤣🤣 imagine being on a bike and all these happen to you. She would be bribing at every checkpoint.
I wonder if she really travels alone. I somewhat doubt it.
It is a country at war. Why don't you tell the power that be stop exploiting that country? Thank you.
@@youme1414 is tshikedi not a congolese?
i know lol its worrisome@@dncviorel
Everyone will tell you crossing over from Zambia to DRC via the Kasumbalesa border is one of the worst experiences one can possibly experience, I've had first hand experience of it as well. And as a Congolese living in the Diaspora I can empathise with you, although if it's any comfort to you everyone has the same experience.
Found myself getting second hand embarrassment watching this video, but I believe there is hope for DRC...our country will rise.
Also as a side note, I expect you would have had a better experience flying into DRC...the border crossing is the worst.
You haven’t crossed Kazakhstan - Uzbekistan border. Kazahs were assholes and very trying to get money from me for absolutely legally crossing it.
I also tried to make that crossing, but they demanded $200 and told me my visa wasn't valid, so I just turned around and never went back.
Tommy, that is not only crazy but dangerous. I am glad you got out of there.
Yup that looked dodgy as hell, real Heart Of Darkness stuff
DUDE, TOMMY.
FIRSTLY, AWESOME VIDEO. yes, Congo is complex. i wish you had a reliable group you could have gotten around the country with. But it was still nice to see Lubumbashi. SECONDLY, your closing interaction from 32:00 on, you held it down brother. Much respect for telling them what they needed to hear.
Tommy, in case noone has told you. Your single handedly showing the state of our world
Sadly most cities should be gone and restarted
Tommy, you need to start using hidden cameras. There is a lot of technology these days that will be very difficult to detect.
If you like to be robbed and extorted, you will love Congo.
Might as well advertise themselves as a tourist destination for people into Findom
Terrible, but it's easier to die in a shootout or by a racist cop in the USA, haha, and supposedly there is the definition of democracy. Imagine being the most powerful and ''developed'' country and having the 31% of mass shootings in the world, being #1 at that. That's a shame, at least everyone knows Congo is extremely poor.
For real. That place can go straight to hell.
Americans saying this is funny
There are Black places in America he might have been beaten. I was threatened with a machete. I live in a good city.
Crime and punishment is the only answer.
Good Video! It's known to be quite dangerous there, in the DRC, even itchy boots wouldn't go!
Tommy I really admire you and you show the importance of learning the local language because what surprises me most about you is that your aesthetic is so so so gringo that it makes you attract a lot of attention but your great experience in traveling plus managing the local languages means that you always get your way. Mucho cariño desde Argentina! Y si volvés tendrías q ir al norte, Salta, Jujuy, Tucuman, etc ("la verdadera Argentina"). Abrazo de oso hermano.
For whatever reason I never had the desire or curiosity to see Congo. Thanks for validating my feelings, what a ghastly experience for you.
At one point, my son and I converted money he spent into Canadian funds. Equaled over $6000. Not to mention all the other money they got out of Tommy. We noticed the worry on Tommy's face! Glad you made it out of there safely. ❤ Truly a stressful episode to watch!
I love your mentality, personality, and courage. Your videos are very illuminating. Keep up the great work and please be safe!
You doing gods work people need to know to stay as far as possible from this country
How many languages does this guy speak? I know hes not very fluent in any of them but its still wildly impressive
The corruption in DRC is not surprising given the political and economic conditions. What is surprising is the amount of money they ask for. The reason, I guess, is that most of the foreigners they see are rich businessmen dealing with minerals.
After watching many of your videos and this one , I think you're a very underrated vloger
Dude you’re much more patient than me; I would have turned around and went back to Zambia. I’m coming to “your “ country and you want me to pay you several bribes! NOOOO!!! Thanks for this video; it’s very helpful to know those things. Keep up the good work.
For a foreigner, you need to get in contact with the right people because people only come to Congo to take from and not bring anything so having someone who understands the system will help you. Also most of the time they don't care about the tourists because that is not their main source of income so showing you care at the border and trying something will help you much more than denying it. So have a few dollars to spend after clearing and it doesn't have to be much.
bribe us to get robbed.
Exactly, if I have to pay so much to get in then how much more do I have to pay once I'm inside? Let alone to get out...
Anything for views sooon 🤡
You are a brave young man. May God bless you and deliver you from harm.
Sad that you had to go through that! I kept hoping that you would travel to Kinshasa to experience it, despite your setbacks in Lubum. The border corruption is pretty typical. Not as harsh as the airport experience.
I agree with your Airbnb host that you should have a tour guide with you, for anyone thinking of visiting the DRC as a tourist.
Thank you for validating and confirming why I would never go to a place like that!
Never say never.
Never.
and nobody wants you there anyways ...just watch the video
@@tianabee9944 that's exactly why I do NOT want to be there. I watched the video. Absolutely no way unless they nuked the place would I go to a country so hostile and derived you'd think you were in the USA.
@@tianabee9944 it is shame you are living a country like this. 😂
My own exposure to the DR Congo since my research and outreach from Kisangani started in 2004, had also been traumatic, because the country oozes trauma, brutality, exploitation, corruption and desperate survival. Extortion, bribery, corruption, confrontation and robbery is the culture and the language. It will require many years after peace is achieved (?), before any forms of normalcy would ever manifest in the (eastern) DRC. The churches and statistics of 92% Christian population bear NO fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS, peace and joy!
Does it in your place?
Being religious generally makes people less civilised
Are things any better in Kisangani? It doesn't get mentioned much.
If Tommy throws in the towel you know that things are f***ed up 😂
Sometimes he shows that stereotypes are not true.
Sometimes reality is that they are
Hey brother, as a fellow New Yorker and frequent traveler to the continent, you did incredibly well in this dire situation. The few times I went to Kinshasa were even worse experiences. It's the unfortunate reality.
How much worse? What happened to you out there?
@@QuadDamage-tt7sj Arrested on false pretenses, and had to buy myself out of custody.
@@victorcreed3 I am sorry for that sir. Watching this vlog about Congo I've realized there is nothing for me to do over there. Those people embarrass themselves!
@@QuadDamage-tt7sj Thank you brother. it is what is it.
You are amazing, man. Seriously, bravo for all your hard work and great videos I thank you
many poor places i been too are lovely, that place will never change, they reap what they sow
Welcome to my city Lubumbashi I've been watching your videos for years and I'm sorry for what happened to you here. In that part of town where you were walking, I don't feel safe taking out my phone, even myself.
I don't know how you plan your trips, but it might be a good idea to have a tour guide so they can show you which part of town is safe.
Hey there. I was really shocked watching the vlog of Tommy about Congo. As you are living there I would like to ask you: What is the reason that the DRC is so strange and unsafe? Can you explain the background of it?
In my opinion, government institutions and politicians aren't working properly, which leaves plenty of room for corruption. Not only are government workers corrupt (some don't even know it), but so is the population. If I want to get a government document, stamp, approval or anything else from the government, I know that to get it quickly I'll have to pay a bribe, and that's what most people do.
Government workers aren't well paid, so they've found a shortcut: bribery.
Another factor is that there's no tourism here in Lubumbashi, so when people see a white person, they assume they've come here to do business, especially mining or even other business.
Another factor is the value of money here. A $100 is a lot of money for most people around the world and even in my town, but for the businesses, elites and government workers, it's not worth much, because there is lots of money from the mining and minerals.
The cheapest 5-star hotel for a single person costs 120 dollars a night, but when I cross the border into Zambia, the night costs only 30 to 60 dollars. The reason for this high cost of living is that most foreigners, especially whites, come here to do business in the mining sector and, as a result, the dollar has depreciated and is no longer worth much.
Myself and the people around me can see that $100 isn't a lot of money. But to get it, it's almost impossible because there are no jobs available for most people.
The Chinese and Indians have understood how things work in the Congo and have taken advantage of it.
When you're a newcomer, especially if you're white, people want to take advantage of you. So it's sometimes a good idea to say no to most requests, and I recommend that you find a tour guide and even a security company for your stay.
In my opinion, government institutions and politicians aren't working properly, which leaves plenty of room for corruption. Not only are government workers corrupt (some don't even know it), but so is the population. If I want to get a government document, stamp, approval or anything else from the government, I know that to get it quickly I'll have to pay a bribe, and that's what most people do.
Government workers aren't well paid, so they've found a shortcut: bribery.
Another factor is that there's no tourism here in Lubumbashi, so when people see a white person, they assume they've come here to do business, especially mining or even other business.
Another factor is the value of money here. A $100 is a lot of money for most people around the world and even in my town, but for the businesses, elites and government workers, it's not worth much, because there is lots of money from the mining and minerals.
The cheapest 5-star hotel for a single person costs 120 dollars a night, but when I cross the border into Zambia, the night costs only 30 to 60 dollars. The reason for this high cost of living is that most foreigners, especially whites, come here to do business in the mining sector and, as a result, the dollar has depreciated and is no longer worth much.
Myself and the people around me can see that $100 isn't a lot of money. But to get it, it's almost impossible because there are no jobs available for most people.
The Chinese and Indians have understood how things work in the Congo and have taken advantage of it.
When you're a newcomer, especially if you're white, people want to take advantage of you. So it's sometimes a good idea to say no to most requests, and I recommend that you find a tour guide and even a security company for your stay.
In my opinion, government institutions and politicians aren't working properly, which leaves plenty of room for corruption. Not only are government workers corrupt (some don't even know it), but so is the population. If I want to get a government document, stamp, approval or anything else from the government, I know that to get it quickly I'll have to pay a bribe, and that's what most people do.
Government workers aren't well paid, so they've found a shortcut: bribery.
Another factor is that there's no tourism here in Lubumbashi, so when people see a white person, they assume they've come here to do business, especially mining or even other business.
Another factor is the value of money here. A $100 is a lot of money for most people around the world and even in my town, but for the businesses, elites and government workers, it's not worth much, because there is lots of money from the mining and minerals.
The cheapest 5-star hotel for a single person costs 120 dollars a night, but when I cross the border into Zambia, the night costs only 30 to 60 dollars. The reason for this high cost of living is that most foreigners, especially whites, come here to do business in the mining sector and, as a result, the dollar has depreciated and is no longer worth much.
Myself and the people around me can see that $100 isn't a lot of money. But to get it, it's almost impossible because there are no jobs available for most people.
When you're a newcomer, especially if you're white, people want to take advantage of you. So it's sometimes a good idea to say no to most requests, and I recommend that you find a tour guide and even a security company for your stay.
So many reasons, but UA-cam keeps not showing my comment. Lol
I'm Congolese from Lubumbashi living in the USA, but I really feel sorry for you and, at the same time, very ashamed of myself!!! What a hell you went through!!!! Your face can tell the whole story. I don't know when this will change in that country. Corruption, robbery, extortion at their fine best!! Wow!!! unbelievable!!!!!
Some parts in the USA are not much better
What do you mean? We are talking about corruption, extortion here. And do you want to compare the USA to the Congo DR? Ni bazimu inakubamba ao nini? @@douggreen8211
@@douggreen8211yes but the problem with my country Congo is the total ignorance of what tourism means. I am a Congolese and a few years ago I was walking along the ocean early in the morning in Muanda. Some plainclothes officer appeared out of nowhere and began to interrogate me. I burst out laughing and calmly explained that I came from the capital Kinshasa and needed some rest. And I am black. I have been insulted in Mbandaka for taking pictures along the river. We are at another universe compared to Kenya or Tanzania We must improve our ways
@@douggreen8211 Then move to Congo.
No reason to be ashamed of yourself when you are not doing those things
@kalmbizi300. Your empathy tells a story of someone that wishes the best for another human being.
I have been watching you on your travels for quite a while now, and i have to say this one scared the shit out of me, i was really worried for your safety, be careful mate, we need you to show us many more, hopefully safer, places. Please be careful.
They call congo thr heart of darkness for a reason
JUST WOW!!! ...Congo will never get better this way. You must've felt very much unsafe there!!! Tourists, bring money. If we feel unsafe to go, we won't go.
Hey Tommy
I like your ease with which you usually relate to new places. I didn’t like how uncomfortable you were in Congo. It's interesting to me how Zambia is more free than Congo. I also felt uncomfortable. I hope you get a chance to rest and hydrate enough before your next video. I really like your content. It's always amazing.
Zambia and DRC were not founded the same. The Congo kingdom was much bigger with a diverse people with different ethnic groups. Majority of the Zambian descended from the Congo Kingdom and our population is small, less diverse and our 4 major tribes in Zambia is less complicated and somehow we manage to live in harmony. Plus Zambia did not have a history or war pre and after colonization. With DRC it was the opposite.
@berthekabwe871 I am sorry for what the DRC people are going through. It's crazy how colonialism changes people and to some in a very bad way. But I also felt the distress he went through and he wasn't his normal self, he was really annoyed. Thank you for the info though
I’m ashamed & It sadness me to see the state of my home country, we need to look ourselves in the mirror & take accountability for it. We keep blaming the “outsiders” for everything while we act like this, its unacceptable. Tommy I sincerely apologize on behalf of my ppl, you shouldn’t have gone through this. I was hoping you’d have a good time & excited for the video but looks like I was wrong, we’re never changing I’m losing hope. I hoped to visit the southern part sometimes this year too, I think I’m good on that, I got a big brother who had a similar experience on the Zambia/congo border too. I’ll be in the east again. DAMN! Look at other countries man smh
My apologies again.
Def not your fault but appreciate it. Hope this video makes some small difference
@@SabbaticalTommythis video won’t make any difference, the Congolese are a stubborn people and we like the way we are. Just don’t return as you’re not wanted.
@@mukongo-p9c speak for yourself buddy
@@Darny-xb4gc true, nonetheless once they know you’re from abroad you’re cooked. brother of mine had a similar experience there. But being black helps u, u can blend in for sure
@@mukongo-p9cYour ignorant and illogical comments are the real things that are not wanted, so continue to live in your dump and enjoy! You won't be seeing any of us there so no problems!
This was very stressful to watch. It reminds me of Egypt. Places I will not visit. Thanks for sharing this.
Itchy Boots just took the ferry around Congo from Cabinda because it´s so unsafe there, a few hours ride on a motorbike and you go there willingly :) Absolutly nuts.
It's a no no no no, Tommy they are100, or so years from any type of civility that is recognisable, definitely definitely not on a must visit, you got out of there alive by luck not design , a brave video to complete.
Diversity is our strength. I don’t see a tourism boom anytime in Congo. Maybe in about 150 years.
It’s good as we can preserve the natural beauty of the Congo