Last updated: 22 October 2026
The UK is one of the biggest sources of used cars for Africa. Every week, ro-ro ships and container vessels leave Tilbury, Southampton, Portbury and Liverpool carrying cars to West, East and Southern Africa. Whether you are sending a car to family, relocating, or exporting a vehicle to sell, this guide explains how shipping a car from the UK to Africa works.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ro-ro | Usually cheapest; frequent sailings | The car must run and be empty; more handling |
| Shared container | Better protection; can be cheaper than sole use | Must wait for other cars to fill the box |
| Sole-use container | Maximum security; personal effects can go too (declared) | Highest price |
| Destination | Main port | Typical sea time | Indicative ro-ro cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghana | Tema | 2–3 weeks | £900–£1,500 |
| Nigeria | Lagos (Tin Can / Apapa) | 2–4 weeks | £1,000–£1,800 |
| Kenya | Mombasa | 4–6 weeks | £1,300–£2,200 |
| South Africa | Durban / Cape Town | 3–5 weeks | £1,200–£2,000 |
| Tanzania | Dar es Salaam | 4–6 weeks | £1,300–£2,200 |
| Zimbabwe | via Durban or Beira | 5–7 weeks plus road | £1,500–£2,500 plus inland |
Prices depend on vehicle size, season and port charges. Destination duties and clearing fees are extra and can be higher than the shipping cost.
Every country has its own rules, and they change. Common rules include:
Some ro-ro and container lines that sail to West Africa have historically carried a small number of passengers. Availability changes, and these voyages suit experienced, flexible travellers. Read our guide to shipping lines that take passengers and our cargo ship travel guide.
Ro-ro usually costs about £900–£1,500, depending on vehicle size. Ghana port charges, duties and penalties are extra.
Usually 2–4 weeks at sea, plus port clearance time in Lagos.
Both drive on the right. Ghana restricts right-hand-drive imports, so check current rules before you ship.
Generally under eight years from the year of first registration, with a pre-shipment inspection.
Not on ro-ro. In a container, personal effects are allowed if they are declared.
Tell us your destination and we’ll check cargo ships with passenger cabins.
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