Democratic Republic of the Congo
Matadi travel guide
Matadi is a city in Democratic Republic of the Congo, home to about 306,000 people.
- Best months
- June to October
- Nearest airport
- SSY98 km · Mbanza Congo Airport
- Currency
- CDFCongolese franc
- Time zone
- Africa/Kinshasa
- Language
- French
About
About Matadi
Matadi is the chief sea port of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the capital of the Kongo Central province, adjacent to the border with Angola. It had a population of 245,862 (2004).
Founded in 1879 by Sir Henry Morton Stanley, Matadi has a strategic position along the Congo river as it's the last navigable port before the impassable Livingstone Falls. It's the gateway to the world for Democratic Republic of Congo and the country's largest port.
Wikipedia and Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Things to do
What to see and do in Matadi
See
- Cathedral of Matadi
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
When to go
The best time to visit Matadi
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Matadi are June to October. March is the warmest month, with average highs of 31 °C; April is the wettest, with about 206 mm of rain.
Comfortable means average daytime high between 18 °C and 29 °C and under 80 mm of rain in the month. Averages for 1991–2020 over the surrounding area, a grid square about 50 km across, so a coast or a nearby mountain can make the town itself warmer or cooler. Data: CRU TS v4.10, Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia (Open Database License).
Getting there
Getting to Matadi: airports and arrival
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Mbanza Congo Airport (SSY), about 98 km from the city centre in a straight line; Soyo Airport (SZA, 128 km) and Cabinda Airport (CAB, 145 km) are also within reach.
Getting in
There's no scheduled flights to Matadi, but the small, unpaved, Matadi Tshimpi Airport can handle small charter flights. Travelling by road is possible as national road N1 between Kinshasa and the Atlantic port of Banana passes through Matadi. The road is generally in acceptable condition with many paved sections, however there are rough parts which requires a 4x4 vehicle. It's recommended to make inquirers before travelling. Matadi is also the site of the only bridge across Congo river proper. Matadi is next to the border with Angola and it's possible to travel by road from Northern Angola.
Getting around
There are many possibilities like the usage of boda-boda, taxi, bus, and as well railway transport which cross the city.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
SSY · Mbanza Congo Airport
SZA · Soyo Airport
CAB · Cabinda Airport
Questions
Matadi: questions travellers ask
When is the best time to visit Matadi?
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Matadi are June to October. March is the warmest month, with average highs of 31 °C; April is the wettest, with about 206 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Matadi?
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Mbanza Congo Airport (SSY), about 98 km from the city centre in a straight line; Soyo Airport (SZA, 128 km) and Cabinda Airport (CAB, 145 km) are also within reach.
What currency is used in Matadi?
Congolese franc (CDF).
Nearby
Destinations near Matadi
Sources: city facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia; airports from OurAirports; climate from CRU TS v4.10 (University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit), 1991–2020 monthly means, 0.5° grid; places to stay, guest scores and amenities from each operator's own public pages. How this guide is made.