Matadi, Democratic Republic of the Congo: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Matadi, Democratic Republic of the Congo? If you're planning to go to Matadi, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Matadi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Based on the climate and weather in Matadi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Matadi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Matadi, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Matadi, Democratic Republic of the Congo by month

January

If you go to Matadi in January, you will notice that it is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Matadi may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Take care to find the right kind. Most adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

February

If you vacation in Matadi during February, you may see that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Matadi may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Be sure to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

March

If you go to Matadi in March, you will notice that it is a scorcher and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Matadi may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. It's important that you find the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

April

If you go to Matadi in April, you will notice that it can be blisteringly hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Matadi may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Be careful to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

May

If you visit Matadi during May, you might notice that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Matadi may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Take care to pick the right type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

June

If you vacation in Matadi during June, you might find that it is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Matadi may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Be careful to get the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you visit Matadi during July, you might find that it is pretty consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Matadi may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

August in this region is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Matadi may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. It's important that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

September

If you vacation in Matadi during September, you might see that it is really hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Matadi may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Make sure to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

October here is really hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Matadi may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Be sure to find the right type. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

If you go to Matadi in November, you will notice that it is constantly hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Matadi may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Be sure to get the right kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

December

In December, Matadi is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Matadi, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Matadi may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Be sure to pick the correct type. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

What to do in Matadi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Matadi, located in the Bas-Congo province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a city that is jam-packed with tourist attractions. From natural beauty to historical significance, this city has something for everyone. Here are the top tourist attractions in Matadi.

1. The Zongo Falls: The Zongo Falls, located just outside the city, is one of the natural gems of Matadi. These cascading waterfalls are breathtakingly beautiful and offer a refreshing retreat from the hustle-bustle of the city. There is also a hiking trail that leads to the falls, making it a great destination for adventure seekers.

2. The Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer du Congo (SNCC) Train Station: The SNCC Train Station is one of Matadi's most significant historical sites. It was built in the early 20th century and served as a transport hub for raw materials like copper and diamonds. Today, it is a striking red and white building and is the starting point for the Congo-Ocean Railway, a must-see attraction in the city.

3. Congo-Ocean Railway: The Congo-Ocean Railway was once called the most difficult railway project in the world. It was built to connect the city of Matadi to the Pointe-Noire Port in Brazzaville, using a narrow gauge track. The railway is nearly 500 miles long and travels through pristine rainforests, mountains, and over 50 bridges. The journey is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and train enthusiasts alike.

4. The Monument of the Explorer Henry Morton Stanley: Henry Morton Stanley was the first explorer to reach Matadi in 1879. You can find his statue erected on a small hill overlooking the city of Matadi. The monument is a tribute to his incredible journey and his contributions to the city.

5. The Selous' Rapids: The Selous' Rapids, located on the Congo River, is another natural wonder in Matadi. The rapids are named after the British explorer Frederick Selous, who was the first European to navigate the Congo River. The rapids offer stunning views of the Congo River and are accessible by boat.

6. The St. Francis Xavier Cathedral: The St. Francis Xavier Cathedral is a beautiful Roman Catholic church in the heart of Matadi. It was built in 1884 and is a significant symbol of colonial architecture in the city. The church has been restored and renovated several times over the years, and today is a must-see attraction in Matadi.

In conclusion, Matadi has a lot to offer its visitors. The city is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for an authentic African experience. Whether you're interested in exploring natural wonders, historical sites, or culture, Matadi has something for everyone.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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