From Dakar, Senegal to Le Havre, France - July, 2005

Looked extensively at air freight out of Dakar but it was going to cost in the region of 1000 euros (Air France) to get to Paris. Air Brussels will ship to Belgium for 1/2 price of regular shipping fee if you fly with them. Go to their office which is entered by the door at the far right of the terminal building with your back to the carpark. Ignore transitors at this point, but you may need one later. You'll have to leave ID with the guard at the bottom of the stairs. At the Air Brussels office speak to the man in charge of air freight, a very urbane Senegalese who speaks excellent English and French. He can explain the details to you. I was shipping KLR 650, with no luggage.
Took a long time, (3 weeks)but I didn't need the bike in a hurry. Amadou will give you a contact name and number in France. If you're coming from the UK I think there is a ferry from Le Havre to Dover. Rode away from Le Havre and the boys at the pick-up point gave me a push start no problem. In Dakar all I did was disconnect battery and left it there in their care. I wouldn't leave luggage on as it is stored in their wharehouse until next available shipping. I had no damage (but the bike had already taken a beating).
Stayed at Campement on Yoff beachfront, 15 mins walk to airport. Can't remember the full name of the campement but it's right on the sand at the end of a short road off the main airport road. Opposite local soccer field and half constructed market place, which the local lads use as a workshop for making new fishing boats. Cheap clean and Yoff is very safe, your bike will be safe in their 'off-ish'the road parking. Old guy associated with the hostel slept next to bike.
Hussan was running the place and he helped me to find the shipper down at the port. Go there and stay with him. If you want to fly out he knows the score as he came with me to help get a good price and he used to work down at the port! Speaks English, French, Wolof and God knows what else. Top bloke never asked for a cent, but I tipped him well as he saved me 100's of euros.