The vehicle called "matatu" in Swahili was traditionally a Peugeot 404 pick-up with a cover. It has been tremendously ppopular both in former French colonies a the "taxi-brousse" and in various east African countries. They were produced in Kenya long after the model was discontinued in France. It's successor, the Peugeot 504 was by far not as popular and not as sturdy as the 404. In Madagascar, one can still find the 404's pre-decessor, the 403. Japanese pick-ups have now taken over this market.

Shown are an old 304 and a newer 504 in Mahajanga, Madagascar, where they are used as city buses. A Peugeot 404 can be seen waiting at the ferry harbor in Mayotte, a minuscule island off the East African coast. It belongs to the Comoros Archipelago, but instead of gaining independence in 1975 with the other 3 islands it choose to remain with France. Other Peugeot 404's are shown in Addis Ababa and Nairobi town centers. In Addis Ababa they are still used as city buses, but in Nairobi they were replaced with larger vehicles in the 1980's.

Chassis Manufacturer:

(various)

Photo Location:

Kenya, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Comoros Islands

Photo Date:

December, 1991

Photo Provided By:

John Veerkamp

Originally published on WBX:

       15-June-2001