Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
W Africa to Europe by sea? W Africa to Europe by sea?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree3Likes
  • 2 Post By priffe
  • 1 Post By Chris Scott

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Nov 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Bethnal Green, London
Posts: 122
W Africa to Europe by sea?
Hi all,

M'lady and I are currently in St Louis, Senegal, heading south; Mali, Côte d'Ivoire.

We're considering return journey options.

Is it possible to take a boat (freight, passenger) from the west coast, Abidjan, Lagos, Dakar, wherever, bike and two riders, north to, say, Casablanca, Spain, France, Italy?

I've contacted shippers listed on this site, but wondered if anyone had personal experience and advice.

Cheers!

Simon
bigtrip19.blogspot.com
visalog.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Nov 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: hants uk
Posts: 184
Change in plans, or just assessing options?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Nov 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Bethnal Green, London
Posts: 122
The latter. Although we're definitely not going all the way to Cape Town now.

If getting out of our comfort zone is what this is about, it's been successful. The whole trip was too.much, it is now clear, to do without making is a trial. That's no problem, improvisation was always an option.

Any ideas about sailing from Abidjan, Lagos, wherever?

What you up to now?

Good to hear from you.

S.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Nov 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: hants uk
Posts: 184
Now back in UK since Wednesday.

From Sudan took ferry to Saudi then through Israel and ship to Greece. Bike now ar Motocamp Bulgaria.

Afraid don’t know shipping options from West Africa but worth looking at Grimaldi lines website for their routes.

Good luck!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Nov 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Bethnal Green, London
Posts: 122
**** me! You've more stamina than I have. Good on you.

Thanks for suggestion, we're waiting for a reply from Grimaldi right now.

S.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Nov 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: hants uk
Posts: 184
Bear in mind I have done this solo, not two up, and have broken it into 4 stages.

Have you considered parking your bike securely (as I did) and returning later? Of course, may not suit your particular circumstances I appreciate.

Best wishes for your choices.

Simon


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Nov 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Bethnal Green, London
Posts: 122
The two-up issue is significant, for sure.

As well as the obvious handling a heavier bike (extra luggage/rider), I'm very aware of how riding with a passenger inhibits my ability to unilaterally decide to go balls out on a given day when I want to get through a particular stretch. And that has an effect on morale because being able to schlep it is one definite way of dealing with big distance.

On the other hand, and this is a personal thing, I'm not designed for being solitary, so improbably wouldn't fancy a year alone (although I know that's proably not exactly how it would pan out).

Life, eh?

Parking up and returning to the bike is an interesting idea, but, I'm afraid, given the role played by flying in global warming, I'm reluctant to fly again for simply indulgent reasons. (No dig intended, it's my own response to our plight and I'm not trying to foist it in anyone else.)

I admire what you've done - but you don't need praise, the trip is it's own reward. Well done.

S.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 Nov 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Quote:
Originally Posted by simon dippenhall View Post
Now back in UK since Wednesday.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
You sure took the long route to avoid Rosso
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 Nov 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Bethnal Green, London
Posts: 122
The answer to my own question...
In case anyone else sees this and would like to know, these chaps; https://www.cargoshipvoyages.com/ can sort you out if anyone can.

Lagos, Cotonou, Tema back to north Europe. But they don't have a passenger plus vehicle arrangement. The bike would have to be booked as a separate deal.

Looking into that now.
Last edited by zenbiker; 18 Nov 2019 at 21:28. Reason: Grammar!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 19 Nov 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
When I was in the region many years ago I went back to the Gambia to arrange shipping- mainly because it was easier to do the negotiations there in English rather than in French in Dakar. I then came back on a holiday charter flight. The bike arrived back in Southampton a couple of months later (I wasn't in a rush) - the delay being because the shipping co needed to fill a container before it went.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 20 Nov 2019
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
Interesting link but I think adding a containered bike in the hold would add a whole level of complication, depending on what type of cargo ship it is.
It's not like winching a bike onto the deck of the Stahlratte out of Panama, sadly.
Check out Grimaldi. They do have a RoRo and pax service from NL to South America. It's no cheaper and much longer than flying the bike and yourself.
May be a similar service for West Af. I know the South America ship stops in a couple of West African ports, don't know if in both directions.
Last edited by Chris Scott; 22 Jan 2020 at 14:04.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
South Africa - Europe, early 2018 mrg2k8 Travellers Seeking Travellers 14 8 Mar 2018 01:16
Expenditure & preparation costs 2012-today (Africa, Europe, America) thepinproject TRAVEL Hints and Tips 5 10 Jun 2017 16:27
shipping from east Africa [Kenya/Ethiopia] to Europe - any Advise? rombo Trip Transport 1 20 Aug 2014 22:33
Africa Call, a solo trip around Africa and Europe isaac.feliu Ride Tales 26 31 Jan 2014 01:11
Terra Australis -Enjoy the advantages of Europe with the adventure of Africa fellow-traveller Ride Tales 4 12 Dec 2011 17:41

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 18:57.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top