Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Oct 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 3
Question Best method to drive Egypt to South Africa?

Hi All,

Basically I'm wondering what the best method is to get a car to drive from Egypt to South Africa. We've been looking at many options, the easiest of which is to buy a car in the UK, drive it to Palermo, Ferry to Tunis, Drive across Libya to Egypt then down though Sudan etc. The chances of returning the car to the UK are very small, so we would look to either:
1. Sell it to someone in SA and pay the import tax ourselves on their behalf (did this in Mongolia previously) - meaning I've fulfilled the Carnet requirements and will get my deposit returned.
2. Have the car 'stolen' - I'm sure leaving the keys in the door overnight in Cape Town it wouldn't last too long and report to police...again Carnet fulfilled.
3. Sell to a someone who is happy to take on the carnet and extend it with RAC if necessary, then it becomes their problem upon expiry.
4. Freighting the car back to the UK from Cape Town or Johannesburg...the only problem with that is I'm an Aussie and don't intend to go back to the UK after the trip.

Now the problems here are:
1. Crossing into Libya and from Libya to Egypt - although someone just broke the record driving from London to Cape Town the same way it must be doable.
2. The hassle of the Carnet.

I looked at possibly buying a car in South Africa and driving up to Egypt instead, but it looks like it might even be more difficult to get into Egypt and looks like I would 'really' have to return the vehicle to South Africa if I did that.

It's a 4+ month trip, so renting is out.

We're talking 3-4 cheap vehicles (most likely early 2000 Subaru Outbacks or Foresters likely) - drove to Mongolia from London in a Smart Car (across Kazakhstan among other places), so like a challenge!!!

Anyhow, any suggestions or alternatives I haven't thought of would be appreciated, or if I'm on the money with the easiest way to go let me know!!

Cheers
Will
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Oct 2013
Globetrotter's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 112
Importing to SA

Hi Will

I think you can already skip point 1 from your list. Importing cars to SA is not easy. Cars are not allowed to be older than 5 years and have to be right hand driver (ok for UK car). And from what I learned it's not an easy task to do if you are not a car dealer...

Greets

Claudio
__________________
-Challenge your Limits-
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Oct 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 3
Hi Claudio,

Do you have a URL to the information about the 5 year limitation? I'm aware of the RHD limitation, but my understanding that the taxes and duties for car importation were:

* Customs duty = 36% (motor cars more than 20 years old are subject to 20% customs duty)
* Ad valorem customs duty (based on a sliding scale depending on the value of the vehicle, with a minimum of 0.75% and a maximum of 20%)
* Value-added tax (VAT) = 14%

This would suggest that even cars older than 20 years can be imported? The forms are always going to be a bit tricky, but we're only looking at buying a 1500-2000 pound vehicles, so even if we had to fork out 70% of that again, and then got our Carnet deposit back it would be well worth it.

Cheers
Will
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Oct 2013
Globetrotter's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 112
Hi Will

reading through following articles it is clear to me that you can forget importing a used car to SA:

Used motor vehicles

...:: International Trade Administration Commission Of South Africa ::...

Greets

Claudio
__________________
-Challenge your Limits-
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Oct 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 3
Wow thanks Claudio. Okay, so that one is definitely out. I have to say it's bizarre that even with what is essentially a 70% tariff they don't allow importation of cars...oh well.

Looks like the best way to get rid of it is to destroy it officially:
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsP...yType=document

Bit of mucking around but I'm sure it can't take more than a week or so!!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Oct 2013
Globetrotter's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 112
I don't think it's bizarre. The point is that they have a huge car industry in South Africa which wants to be protected. Secondly they don't want to see all the rubbish from Europe and other countries flooding their roads like in other African countries.
It's the same in Switzerland, even tough we don't have a car industry.
And travelers like you and me are just a very small number, so who wants to change something cause of that?

Greets

Claudio
__________________
-Challenge your Limits-
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Iceland
Posts: 131
its possable to enter zim on a TIP....you might find that intreasting
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
I've moved this thread to sub-Sahara on the Hubb because much of the discussion was turning out to be about SA and imports. Do feel free to fire up the topic on the Saharan Forum for issues relating to Libya and Egypt....
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 24 Oct 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 45
Hi Willk

When are you thinking of traveling??
I am doing a trip from South Africa around April/May 2014 traveling up towards Egypt/Algiers/Morocco with a Europe crossing in mind.

In the planning stages at the moment and thinking about which vehicle to use.
I have a 2006 Nissan Hardbody 2.4 and a 1996 Landrover Defender. Right now it seems like the Landrover is the better option although I do plan to take some music equipment along as well(earning while on the road).

Please feel free to give me a shout if you feel like its worth discussing something regards a vehicle swap...could work in both our favours.
Obviously I will do the groundwork here to make sure it's all ligit etc.

Happy Travels.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 24 Oct 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Nomadic
Posts: 50
Talking Do you want to drive my Defender back to South Africa?

Hey Wiilk.

I wouldn't normally suggest this, but with the Smart Car on your CV, you're the perfect candidate.

I have a South African Registered 1996 300Tdi Defender, fully kitted out with everything you need, including clothing, if you're about 6ft and size 36 waist!

The car has a name: NAIJA, because I bought it in Nigeria from the South African Embassy being bullet proof, with 107,000 km on the clock!

It's a very long story and I'm currently writing a book about it, the cover and my 'missions' are attached, but in a nutshell:

2008/9: I rode my '83 Tenere from Cape Town to Lagos.
2010: I purchased Naija and drove it and the Tenere back to Cape Town.
2010/11: I drove to Morocco, rolling Naija in Benin.
2011/12: I drove around West Africa for 9 months then made it to France.
2013: I drove to Ukraine.

It's currently in Bucharest, ROMANIA in an underground car park with about 180,000 km on the clock.

There's no Carnet, so you would have to pay a massive deposit in Egypt, but you'd get it back upon exit.

You mention 3 - 4 vehicles, how many of you are confirmed for this 4+ month adventure?

If it helps, I did get 12 people into Naija for a night out on the town in Bucharest a few months ago, and one of them was the tallest bloke I've ever laid my eyes on - 6'11"

A possible route would be through Bulgaria, Turkey, then ferry to Haifa from Iskenderun. Another would be through Serbia, the Balkans, ferry to Italy then ferry to Tunisia/Libya...

Let me know if you're keen, I might want to join you for part of the way...

Dave




Quote:
Originally Posted by willk View Post

We're talking 3-4 cheap vehicles (most likely early 2000 Subaru Outbacks or Foresters likely) - drove to Mongolia from London in a Smart Car (across Kazakhstan among other places), so like a challenge!!!

Anyhow, any suggestions or alternatives I haven't thought of would be appreciated, or if I'm on the money with the easiest way to go let me know!!

Cheers
Will
Attached Files
File Type: pdf mmm 0 cover.pdf (657.3 KB, 302 views)
File Type: pdf mmm 2 adventures-missions.pdf (581.8 KB, 233 views)
Reply With Quote
Reply


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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Africa - Best and Worst Awards rupertu Ride Tales 7 20 Jul 2016 10:53
UK to Thailand March 2014 daveandles Travellers Seeking Travellers 34 16 Jun 2013 22:20
Africa - East Coast - Travelling South Egypt, Sudan, Etc mid to end of Nov'12 Cello Travellers Seeking Travellers 10 30 Oct 2012 20:17
Kenya to South Africa: teaming up with another rider to get around import issues. davidsuk sub-Saharan Africa 11 9 Aug 2012 16:26
Landrover Defender Td5 110 - South Africa registered - 1999 Bundubasher Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 13 Feb 2012 20:18

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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!

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 01:26.