Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Transport
Bike shipping to and from Cape Town Bike shipping to and from Cape Town
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Transport Shipping the vehicle and yourself.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Warrington UK
Posts: 703
Bike shipping to and from Cape Town
Hello all,

I have a long holiday planned for the end of this year. Starting December 01.
The destination could be Cape Town for 6 weeks.
I was thinking as it's nice summer weather there, that time of the year, is buying my brothers 750cc Africa Twin, and shipping a , is that a crazy idea?

I was thinking to ship it, by boat, from UK some time middle of October, so it's there when I arrive.
I could then use it for 6 weeks, then ship it back to UK.

What is the economical way to ship to Cape Town, time wise is of no importance, as I won't be riding from about end of September any way.

When the bike arrives in Cape Town, can I ride it for 6 weeks without needing any temporary import or stuff?

'vette
Last edited by uk_vette; 22 Mar 2011 at 06:47.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
When the distance is long, sending by sea may be the cheapest option.... BUT you may find that the costs at the receiving end pile up, in seafreight they are often hard to know exactly beforehand. In the end the difference to airfreight might not be so big afterall. So it pays to do your homework well, and ask quotes (by ship and by air) from as many forwarders as you can find.

But I think you´re gonna need a carnet to temp import a bike to South Africa. And freighting there and back will cost you money, no matter how you do it. Plus it´s more or less always a pain in the *ss, even when everything works quite smoothly! So for 6 weeks, I´d also seriously consider renting.

edit. I rented two times in Johannesburg in 2001 and 2002, rode a total of about 12 weeks there, was a lot cheaper than in Europe, but I dont know about the prices nowadays. Was even able to get authorisation to cross borders with the rental bike in southern Africa (that could be hard, not sure if it would be possible at all any more), and went to 8 countries in the region.
Last edited by pecha72; 19 Mar 2011 at 15:30.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
I've just got my bike out of customs here in Cape Town. It cost nearly $1000 to get it out of customs and although I was shipping from Central America Idon't think that makes any difference.

I assume you would still need a carnet.

Might be just as cheap to fly the bike.

By the way that was just $1000 for the Cape Town side. I had to pay $2000 to actaully ship it.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Mar 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
I just shipping my bike from CT to Tilbury, England

Cost £650 with a British based shipping company which includes all customs clearances at both ends. They said all I have to do is collect my bike from their offices in Tilbury and ride it home.. Simple ! We shall see though.

No crate required as it rolls into a container. You just drop your bike off at their secure offices and they do all the rest. As much luggage as you like and you dont need to drain fuel, disconnect battery etc.

Company are called "Britannia Movers" and have offices in CT and UK..
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Warrington UK
Posts: 703
Thanks to all who took time to reply.

Ted,
Thanks for the name of the movers.
I am really not sure a carnet is required for South Africa, I may be wrong.

I like the idea of just into a container, however £650 does sound expensive I feel.
Is that a return price?
2 friends of mine took a car each from Southampton to Port Elizabeth, which is about 7 hours from Cape Tow,
I think they paid £900 for each car, this was just a 1 way.
No container though, just driven onto the vessel.

vette
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 Mar 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
Quote:
Originally Posted by uk_vette View Post
Thanks to all who took time to reply.

Ted,
Thanks for the name of the movers.
I am really not sure a carnet is required for South Africa, I may be wrong.

I like the idea of just into a container, however £650 does sound expensive I feel.
Is that a return price?
2 friends of mine took a car each from Southampton to Port Elizabeth, which is about 7 hours from Cape Tow,
I think they paid £900 for each car, this was just a 1 way.
No container though, just driven onto the vessel.

vette
I think thats a good price compared to what many people pay.. Half the cost of flying it etc.. And yes, thats just one way and included all customs work and clearance. I got cheaper quotes from dodgy back street offices but I just didnt like their approach. Britannia were very friendly, helpful and knew exactly what they were doing with bikes and carnets.. Also, they didnt want a crate which saves £200 or more.

As for Carnet, you DO NOT need one for South Africa but it is accepted. You get a "T.I.P" (temporary import). You don't need a carnet until you get to Sudan really.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Sep 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 10
Shipping infromation: Copenhagen/Hamburf-Cape Town
Hi guys

In case anyone is thinking about the option of shipping a bike from Europe to Cape Town I wanted to pass on some information I have gathered.

I so far found 2 companies shipping a bike from a European location other than the UK.

The first one is econotrans, I contacted a guy called Aidrian and he has been amazing (adrian@econotrans.co.za). The suggested prices are as follows (Ocean):

- ZAR 11000 to ZAR13000 from Hamburg to Cape Town, everything includet, besides crating.

-ZAR R15500, from Copenhagen, excludet a crating.

The second one was James cargo, contacted a lovely lady called Amy: The prices she gave were:

- Air to Cape Town: £1195 (Transit time of approximately 7 days), aditional cost of 350£ for transport from Copenhagen to Heathrow

- Ocean to Cape Town: £695 (Transit time of approximately 5 weeks), aditional cost of 350£ for transport from Copenhagen to Heathrow.

This includes packing, freight, fuel surcharges, documentation, handling and export clearance. You will then need to pay any import and local charges on arrival in Cape Town.
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
shipping bike to cape town thecanoeguy sub-Saharan Africa 4 2 May 2009 06:01
Shipping from Oz to Cape Town dualpurpose Trip Transport 6 16 Aug 2008 13:03
Shipping or Flying/Sailing with Bike from Cape Town to South America jolaglabek Trip Transport 1 19 Nov 2007 22:12
Shipping from Cape Town Norman Rahman Trip Transport 2 26 Nov 2006 09:09
Shipping bike from Cape Town to London vonnymc Trip Transport 4 23 Aug 2005 17:09

 
 

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
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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 00:27.

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