Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
Shipping 4x4 from West Africa to South Africa? Shipping 4x4 from West Africa to South Africa?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Jul 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10
Shipping 4x4 from West Africa to South Africa?
Intimidated by the London Sudan Embassy's flat assertion that the border with Chad is shut, and somewhat by Chris' opinion of a Range Rover Tdi's dune-cresting abilities , We're wondering about skirting the edge of West Africa, then turning off at say Ghana/Nigeria/Cameroon and shipping the vehicle to South Africa. Then we can drive back up the east side.

Any experience/suggestions will be hugely appreciated.

------------------
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Jul 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
Depending on your route, I'm not sure where you would actually expect to meet big dunes which you "have" to cross. YOu can travel through alot of West and Central Africa and not come across any big dunes. There are quite a few small dunes but you don't even need to go over these. People take battered old 2 wheel drive cars and get through so a Rangie would have no problems. Whilst one can get into discussiones on whether its better or worse than other 4x4s, it shouldn't have any problems in terms of capability.

Also there seems to be suggestions that the Sudanese border with Chad will open again. The European Embassies often seem to give out more negative information than what is actually happening there. Keep an eye of the other posts.

If you do want to ship, probably going out of Ghana, Togo or Benin are probably your best bets. I've heard of others shipping from there. Also heard of others shipping from Gabon and Nigeria but they seemed to have more problems. I haven't shipped from there, we drove through in a 110 TDI Defender, so just going on what I heard other travellers say.

[This message has been edited by Toby2 (edited 16 July 2003).]
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Jul 2003
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
Ref London's Sudan embassy: IMHO I haven't come across a more lame excuse for a methane generating operation on this planet. It would be more useful to get your advise on anything Sudan-related anywhere (incl. McD in High St Kenn, a crystal ball etc.) than their diplomatic 'mission' in London.
Good luck
ChrisB
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Jul 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10
I have some useful this-minute details, for anyone interested. Thanks to Vicky Tubb for her input:

. Several shipping lines connect West Africa to Southern Africa, including OT Africa Line.
. There's apparently a Roll On -Roll Off service operated by Nile Dutch - 00 31 10 281 8283
. Maersk Sealand ship from Ghana (Benin or Togo) to Walvis Bay, Namibia.Transit time is 24 days from ghana, 27 days from benin. Cost is $1800/3250 per 20'/40' dry container bunker, adjustment factor $50/100 per 20'/40' dry container. They do not have provision for passengers on board.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 Jul 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Berne,Switzerland
Posts: 11
Hello
in April 2004 we shipped our Land Cruiser from Tema Ghana to Durban with Supermaritime Ghana. No problems. Cost: USD 1000 plus harbour fees of USD 400 in Durban with Access Freight.
Beat
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Jul 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 93
As stated above, by the time you get to Cameroon you've already done most if not all of your dune driving. As for Sudan visa, check out my posting elsewhere on the hub. I have details of a very friendly gentleman in Khartoum who arranged for our Sudan visas coming from Chad last Dec. Sudanese embassy in Holland had declined our request for the same reasons.

In short: I don't think you should spend all that money on shipping for the reasons you're quoting.

Cheers,
Camiel

www.amsterdam2capetown.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 31 Jul 2003
Ian Ian is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 443
I believe the folks at http://www.tifua.com/ shipped their bikes with a car from Cameroun to Kenya, so I guess from there to Cape Town would be possible.

Also heard of overlanders shipping from Banjul to Cape Town. Camping Sukuta would be a good place to start asking.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Aug 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: huddersfield,yorkshire,england
Posts: 10
we shipped from banjul and cost was $1000 to durban in a 20' container. check out gambia shipping in banjul. helpful and reliable. we shared the container with 2 motor cycles so this cost was better for all concerened. the cost of clearance in south africa was a bit of a shock about another $400.
we have met a couple who did the similar from ghana and costs were $800 for the container and about the same for the clearance. for us the roll on roll off was a possibility but we could not travel on the ship and we felt the security of the vehicle was a problem. if you do ship then you also should consider the cost of flying. from gambia you can fly to amsterdam for 280 euros and then get a cheap flight to S.A from ghana your flights may cost you $1000 to SA.
hope some of this is of help...jack.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:14.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top