{"id":99926,"date":"2026-10-23T11:27:45","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T11:27:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/cargo-ship-to-west-africa"},"modified":"2026-10-23T11:27:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T11:27:48","slug":"cargo-ship-to-west-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/cargo-ship-to-west-africa","title":{"rendered":"Cargo Ship to West Africa: Freighter Voyages to Senegal, Ghana and Nigeria"},"content":{"rendered":"<head><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@graph\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n            \"headline\": \"Cargo Ship to West Africa: Freighter Voyages to Senegal, Ghana and Nigeria\",\n            \"description\": \"Travel by cargo ship to West Africa: ro-ro voyages from Northern Europe to Dakar, Tema, Lom&eacute;, Cotonou and Lagos, voyage times, costs, visas and health tips.\",\n            \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/cargo-ship-to-west-africa\",\n            \"image\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/cargo-ship-to-west-africa-cargoholidays-1024x576.jpg\",\n            \"datePublished\": \"2026-10-23\",\n            \"dateModified\": \"2026-10-23\",\n            \"inLanguage\": \"en-GB\",\n            \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\"\n            },\n            \"publisher\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\",\n                \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n            \"mainEntity\": [\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can I travel to West Africa by cargo ship?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Yes. Some ro-ro and container ships from Northern Europe to West Africa carry a few passengers.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How long is a cargo ship voyage to West Africa?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"About 7&ndash;10 days to Dakar, and 2&ndash;3 weeks to Ghana or Nigeria. Round trips often take 5&ndash;7 weeks.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Several West African countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How much does a freighter to West Africa cost?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Roughly &euro;1,200&ndash;&euro;3,000 one way, or &euro;4,000&ndash;&euro;7,000 for a round trip.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can I go ashore in West African ports?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Sometimes, depending on the port, the schedule, visas and local rules.\"\n                    }\n                }\n            ]\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>\n<\/head><div class=\"ch-post\"><p class=\"ch-updated\">Ultimo aggiornamento: 23 ottobre 2026<\/p><p><strong>A voyage to West Africa is one of the most unusual freighter trips you can take.<\/strong> Ro-ro ships (which carry cars, trucks and machinery) and some container ships link Northern Europe with ports in Senegal, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria, and a few take passengers. Here&rsquo;s what to expect.<\/p>How voyages to West Africa work<p>West Africa voyages are often on <strong>ro-ro or con-ro ships<\/strong>, which carry vehicles and containers. They typically sail from Northern European ports such as <strong>Antwerp, Hamburg or Tilbury<\/strong> and call at a series of West African ports before returning.<\/p><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Typical port<\/th><th>Country<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Dakar<\/td><td>Senegal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Banjul<\/td><td>The Gambia<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Conakry<\/td><td>Guinea<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Abidjan<\/td><td>C&ocirc;te d&rsquo;Ivoire<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tema<\/td><td>Ghana<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lom&eacute;<\/td><td>Togo<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cotonou<\/td><td>Benin<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lagos (Tin Can Island or Apapa)<\/td><td>Nigeria<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p><em>Port calls vary by service and voyage.<\/em><\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AdobeStock_306854990-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"Cars loading onto a ro-ro ship\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Cars loading onto a ro-ro ship\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">Ro-ro ships carry cars, trucks and machinery to West African ports.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Quanto tempo ci vuole?<\/h2><ul><li><strong>Europe to Dakar:<\/strong> roughly 7&ndash;10 days<\/li><li><strong>Europe to Ghana, Togo or Nigeria:<\/strong> roughly 2&ndash;3 weeks<\/li><li><strong>Full round trip:<\/strong> often 5&ndash;7 weeks<\/li><\/ul><p>Port stays in West Africa can be long, as cargo operations take time, which is a great chance to see working ports up close.<\/p><h2>Quanto costa?<\/h2><p>Con una spesa di circa 90\u2013150 euro a persona al giorno, un viaggio di sola andata costa in genere <strong>&euro;1,200&ndash;&euro;3,000<\/strong>, and a round trip <strong>&euro;4,000&ndash;&euro;7,000<\/strong>. Vedi <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/costo-del-viaggio-su-una-nave-da-carico\/\">quanto costa un viaggio su una nave da carico<\/a>.<\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AdobeStock_310398717-1024x358.jpeg\" alt=\"Aerial view of the sea at sunset\" width=\"1024\" height=\"358\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Aerial view of the sea at sunset\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">Sailing south brings warm weather and long sunsets.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Visas and health<\/h2><ul><li><strong>Visas:<\/strong> most West African countries require a visa, sometimes even for going ashore. Apply well in advance.<\/li><li><strong>Yellow fever vaccination:<\/strong> required by several West African countries. Carry your certificate.<\/li><li><strong>Malaria:<\/strong> take medical advice on antimalarial tablets.<\/li><li><strong>Other vaccines:<\/strong> check with a travel clinic or the NHS Fit for Travel website.<\/li><li><strong>Assicurazione:<\/strong> make sure your medical and deviation insurance covers Africa. See <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/cargo-ship-travel-insurance\/\">assicurazione di viaggio per navi da carico<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h2>Going ashore<\/h2><p>Shore leave depends on the port, the ship&rsquo;s schedule and local rules. Some ports are busy, and security procedures can be strict. Follow the captain&rsquo;s and the port agent&rsquo;s advice.<\/p><h2>Shipping a car to Africa?<\/h2><p>Ro-ro ships on this route also carry vehicles. Read <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/shipping-a-car-to-africa-from-uk\/\">shipping a car to Africa from the UK<\/a> e <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/what-is-a-ro-ro-ship\/\">what is a ro-ro ship?<\/a>.<\/p><h2>Consigli<\/h2><ol><li><strong>Book 6&ndash;9 months ahead<\/strong>, as cabins are limited.<\/li><li><strong>Pack for heat:<\/strong> light clothing, sun protection and insect repellent.<\/li><li><strong>Bring cash<\/strong> in euros or dollars for port days.<\/li><li><strong>Expect schedule changes<\/strong>, as port congestion is common.<\/li><\/ol><p>More voyages: <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/cargo-ship-to-south-africa\/\">cargo ship to South Africa<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/cargo-ship-to-south-america\/\">cargo ship to South America<\/a> e <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/shipping-lines-that-take-passengers\/\">shipping lines that take passengers<\/a>.<\/p><h2>Domande frequenti<\/h2><div class=\"ch-faq\"><h3>Can I travel to West Africa by cargo ship?<\/h3><p>Yes. Some ro-ro and container ships from Northern Europe to West Africa carry a few passengers.<\/p><h3>How long is a cargo ship voyage to West Africa?<\/h3><p>About 7&ndash;10 days to Dakar, and 2&ndash;3 weeks to Ghana or Nigeria. Round trips often take 5&ndash;7 weeks.<\/p><h3>Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?<\/h3><p>Several West African countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination.<\/p><h3>How much does a freighter to West Africa cost?<\/h3><p>Roughly &euro;1,200&ndash;&euro;3,000 one way, or &euro;4,000&ndash;&euro;7,000 for a round trip.<\/p><h3>Can I go ashore in West African ports?<\/h3><p>Sometimes, depending on the port, the schedule, visas and local rules.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ch-cta\"><strong>Sail to West Africa<\/strong><p>Ask us about passenger cabins on ro-ro ships to West Africa.<\/p><a class=\"ch-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/enquire-for-a-cargo-cruise\/\">Richiedi un preventivo per il viaggio \u2192<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<style>\n.ch-post{font-family:inherit;line-height:1.7;color:#1f2937;max-width:820px;margin:0 auto}\n.ch-post h2{font-size:1.6em;margin:1.8em 0 .6em;color:#0b2545;border-bottom:3px solid #f5a623;padding-bottom:.25em}\n.ch-post h3{font-size:1.15em;margin:1.4em 0 .3em;color:#0b2545}\n.ch-post p{margin:0 0 1em}\n.ch-post ul,.ch-post ol{margin:0 0 1.2em 1.3em}\n.ch-post li{margin:.35em 0}\n.ch-post .ch-updated{font-size:.9em;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.2em}\n.ch-post .ch-table{overflow-x:auto;margin:1.2em 0 1.6em}\n.ch-post table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;font-size:.95em}\n.ch-post th{background:#0b2545;color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:.65em .8em}\n.ch-post td{padding:.6em .8em;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;vertical-align:top}\n.ch-post tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#f6f8fb}\n.ch-post .ch-faq{background:#f6f8fb;border-radius:12px;padding:1em 1.4em;margin:1em 0 2em}\n.ch-post .ch-faq h3{margin-top:1em}\n.ch-post .ch-cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0b2545,#13315c);color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:1.6em 1.8em;margin:2.2em 0;text-align:center}\n.ch-post .ch-cta strong{display:block;font-size:1.35em;margin-bottom:.4em;color:#fff}\n.ch-post .ch-cta p{color:#dbe4f0;margin:.2em 0 1.1em}\n.ch-post .ch-btn{display:inline-block;background:#f5a623;color:#0b2545 !important;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;padding:.8em 1.6em;border-radius:999px}\n.ch-post .ch-btn:hover{background:#ffbb45}\n.ch-post em{color:#4b5563}\n<\/style>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Travel by cargo ship to West Africa: ro-ro voyages from Northern Europe to Dakar, Tema, Lom\u00e9, Cotonou and Lagos, voyage times, costs, visas and health tips.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":99925,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single3.php","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1020,356,357],"tags":[1730,361,1155,1729,1728],"yst_prominent_words":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99926"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99926"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99927,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99926\/revisions\/99927"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99925"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99926"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=99926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}