West Africa to South America?
 

Hello,

Would anyone have recent information about sea- (or air-) shipping of a motorcycle from Senegal or Ghana, to Argentina or Brazil?

Thanks for your help!
Cheers
Frederic

More information on this topic after some more research and phone calls to Africa. An attempt to break the “transportation wall” between West Africa and South America, required by any round-the-world overlander who would not do the Southern part of Africa.

DAKAR(Senegal) to BUENOS AIRES(Argentina)

> By Sea: Shipping companies like Somicoa (+221-839-0270 / Mustapha) and Saga (+221-849-3399 / Mr. Sakko) claim it is possible. Rate would be less than US$400, and the journey would take 8-10 days. Actual experience from travelers to confirm this would be most helpful!

> By Air: Air France Cargo (+221-820-0743 / Mr. Mihan? or Mr. M'Baye) gave me a quote for under US$1800 via Paris (for a 210kg bike – Actual cargo weight may be a bit higher based on the volume occupied by the bike, so price may be a bit higher too). They have flights everyday. They used to have a weekly Dakar-Buenos Aires direct, but it got canceled recently. It may reappear in 2004.


DAKAR (Senegal) to RIO or SAO PAOLO (Brazil)

> By Sea: Somicoa claims it is possible to Rio. Needs to be verified...

> By Air: Air France Cargo has a weekly flight, which should cost less than US$1000 (for a 210kg bike, same restrictions as above).


ACCRA (Ghana) to BUENOS AIRES (Argentina)

> By Sea: I could not find any reliable information on this. It seems impossible…

> By Air: I’ve got 2 quotes from Bax Global in Accra (+233-21-785332 / Linda Vasnani). South African Airways via Johannesburg would be US$2400 (for a 268kg bike, actual cargo weight based on the volume occupied by the bike in the cargo). British Airways via London would be much cheaper: US$1400 (for 268kg). I have the detailed quote available, let me know if you need them.

Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Frederic
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