South Africa: Shipping a Vehicle and Overlanding Sth Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland.
Shipping a Vehicle:
We chose Durban as our inbound port. Durban is 3 days less sailing from Australia, is also Southern Africa's largest and we had a contact there. Cape Town is the other option.
For the organisation on the Australia end we chose and have continued to choose Colless Young Pty Ltd, 3/7 Miller Street Murarrie Brisbane 4172.
Phone +61 7 3890 0800 http://www.collessyoung.com.au
Our most helpful contact is Allan Colless. E-mail allan@collessyoung.com.au
Sailing time Brisbane to Durban was 45 days.
Carnet de Passage:
South Africa, as does nearly all Africa requires a carnet and is rated at 100% duty.
The South African Union is made up of South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana and Namibia. So when I mention South Africa below it is the Union of Sth Africa.
The carnet is valid for 1 year and for South Africa it is allowable to have one extension, and this is done as follows:
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1.An application to SARS ( South African Revenue Service) for approval.
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2.This is done via the AASA ( The Automobile Association of South Africa) and includes a copy of the current carnet and passport copy.
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3.They ( the AASA) pass it on to SARS
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4.If approved a fee of R850 (A$85) is paid to AASA and they provide a copy of the SARS approval letter.
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5.From your issuing office of the original carnet ( in our case the Australian automobile association) a NEW carnet must be obtained. An extension is NOT acceptable.
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6.Once you have the new carnet and the approval letter, go to a customs office with the vehicle AND the old carnet and they should sign the old carnet off and the new carnet in. I say should because TIA is the favourite saying, meaning “This is Africa”
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7.We found issue because we asked the customs office ( in Windhoek ) to sign over the carnets 3 months before the expiry of the first carnet. They refused. One is not allowed to store the vehicle in the Sth African Union and leave the country BUT one is only allowed 3 months visa. However we and many others leave the vehicle as there is no alternative. We stored the vehicle with the Trans Kalahari Inn in Windhoek, Namibia and they also provide a service whereby they bring the customs officer to their storage facility and have the carnets signed over. (Cost N$65 / A$65). One can also go to a border crossing and achieve the same process.
A 2nd extension is not possible under the above arrangement without the payment of the duty, that is apparently refundable (!!??) That is not practical so before the end of our second year we will be out of the Union and will arrange for a 3rd carnet and sign it over at a border.
Further reading on this :
Sth Africa Carnet Substitution Info.pdf
Sth Africa Carnet extension Info from AASA.pdf
SARS Approval Letter 2016-08-19-133508.pdf
Our Contact at the AASA is:
Freight Clearance in Durban:
In Durban we used Turners Shipping
Clayton Bray
Sales Executive
Durban - Head Office
Tel: +27 (31) 368 8000
Cell: +27 (76) 628 4030
Fax: +27 (86) 604 8578
E-Mail: claytonb@turnersshipping.co.za
Web: http://www.turnersshipping.co.za
Turners were very good and as per our request organised that we could unload the container ourselves. This was done at SACD ( Sth Africa Container Depot).
For convenience we stayed at the Riveria Hotel, just down the road from Turners Shipping office. There was a lot of previous communication with Turners before our arrival including FedEx’ing our carnets directly to their office. Day 1 after our arrival the port was on strike, Day 2 we received a phone call to be at the port (SACD) at 9.30am for unloading and customs inspection. Taxi with our bags was Rand150.
It is a slow and somewhat disorganised process but 5 hours later we were driving out of the port.
The costs for Shipping to Durban South Africa - Dec 2015
The cost to ship one 40 foot High Cube container to Durban was:
A$ 2640.00 Sea Freight
A$ 640.00 Pick up, Pad Hire and Deliver back to wharf ( so we could load the vehicles ourselves )
A$ 1480.00 Wharf charges, export docs etc etc.
R16,116.00 ( Approx A$ 1500) were the clearance charges in Durban including moving the container so we could unload.
Thus total was A$ 6,260 / 2 vehicles = AUD$ 3,130 each truck to ship from Brisbane to Durban SA
3rd Party Insurance:
We telephoned SAAA, (South Africa Automobile Association) and learn that 3rd Party insurance is included in the petrol/diesel costs and could not be purchased separately. I think we will still drive with the utmost care.
Vehicle Related Stuff:
Vehicles over 3500Kg need to have yellow reflective tape down each side. We purchased the tape but never put it on the vehicle, 3 months later no problems.
Security:
You hear a lot of seriously bad stories about incidents in Sth Africa, and for many residents life has been painful with all too many murders of family members. Life is cheap to some.
It is now 3 months and we never had a problem, and were only met with smiles and waves.
However it is not to say that one should be cautious.
As in any big city, you are not driving late at night in the back streets.
We were advised to buy pepper spray (A$5-8.50), which we did, but in towns we were more than comfortable with the doors locked and sometimes the windows half up.
On major corners you will find street sellers and windscreen washers, a wave of the hand indicating no, and this was enough.
Always lock everything when away from the vehicle and hide valuables, cameras, GPS etc.
When parking in a car park, the guards will look after the car and pay them R5 (A$0.50) when you return.
Some advice that may sound over the top, but it is worth keeping in mind:
If the below happens do not STOP...
Do not stop for hitch-hikers
Do not stop for a broken down vehicle
Do not stop if it looks like an injured person on the road.
If an egg is thrown at the windscreen, DO NOT turn the wipers on as it will smug all the screen and you cannot see.
If you run over a black person go directly to the police !
Road Travel
The major roads are good, and the toll ways great to travel from A to B quickly. Vehicles regardless of the weight or a motorhome, if they have 17" wheels are classed as trucks and the toll is about twice the price of cars. As a truck we paid an average R100 (A$10), sometimes we got away with car price and if I did I saved the receipt to show at the next toll booth. 50% of the time this worked as the operator did not know the rule or did not want to get out of the cabin to check. Other times a supervisor was called to clarify and it was truck price.
In South Africa they drive on the left side.
I have to say South African drivers are the most courteous globally.
I love the way on any road they drive at the far left as possible, even left of the yellow line so that others can pass. When you do, the passing vehicle almost always flashes a "thank you" with the hazard lights. Nice!
You give way to vehicles on the round-a-bout, and at stop signs, the first to stop is the first to go. You have to be observant on the many 4 way stop signs; but it works well.
The pedestrian crossings are sometimes raised so can catch you out if not observant.
Parking.
Almost everywhere, including shopping centres and street parking, there are guys who will look after your vehicle whilst parked. Give them a nod to watch your vehicle and the accepted reward is a R5 (A$0.50) payment when you return. It is a good system.
Attractions:
Check the pensioner price also, if this applies. Officially this only applies to SA Nationals but only on the Gondola on Table Mountain was this enforced.
Camping: We love free camping, not because of the $$'s but the freedom of the place, this is not ideal in Africa, and something we had to accept.
Campgrounds and caravan parks are everywhere and again the app. PocketEarth proved invaluable.
General price was R100 to R150 in the country and R200 in the bigger cities.
Some private places and private tourist spots also allowed us to camp for a similar fee.
Often there is a senior/ pensioner price (60+) and a 20% discount.
Food: Very easy. Spar supermarkets carry a big range and Super Spar an impressive range with more upmarket items. Small towns have good vegetables and fruits at road side stalls.
Fuel: Seems a similar price all over the country. Diesel in March 2016 was average R11.35/Lt (Aust$1.13)
Sometimes both high and low Sulphur fuel ( Diesel ) was available High Sulphur 500PPM was cheaper. (R1.10/Lt)
Water: DO NOT TAKE WATER from Big City areas. The major towns recycle sewage for drinking water. Most camping areas have water available.
Internet/Phone: Prepaid package is available from Vodacom. The card is free but the phone connection & prepaid cost us R55 ( A$5.50) and data for internet from R59 ( A$5.90). There was a variety if plans available. 2GB for 30 days data was R249 ( A$24 ), 3GB R299
National Parks:
We purchased the Wild Card - for an international couple it was R3005 ( A$300 ).
This card gives free access into all the National Parks in Sth Africa and Swaziland. Without the card Kruger alone is R280 / day / Person (A$28) hence for 10 days+ it would be R5600 ( A$560) for the 2 of us. Most parks entry is R100/person ( A$10)
So well worth it & it lasts for 12 months.
We used it many times even for museums etc. GREAT SAVING
VISA:
Re South African Visa there are 2 scenarios.
Entry to South Africa and neighbouring countries on a tourist Visa is 90days
Within that 90 you travel in and out of South Africa to Neighbouring Countries
If at the end of the 90 days you are in South Africa you must depart no later than the 90th Day.
But if you are not in South Africa at the end of the 90 days but in a Neighbouring Country you can enter South Africa again for a maximum of 7 day only as an extension of the 90 days..
I do not normally put visa information on the DIY as it is always changing however the fact that can only stay in Sth Africa AND neighbouring countries for 90 days, is and has been a problem for overlanders. As for Sth Africa, Botswana and Namibia you need a long visit as they have so much to offer. Check with your booking agent etc.
Looking at staying longer, it is possible to apply for a 4 year ‘Retirement Visa’
Travel in Lesotho:
Security: We felt much safer being is a ‘country’ environment but still important to not to flash valuables.
Because previous travellers give sweets, food, money and other things the children and some adults approach the vehicle expecting the same from foreigners. They will remove rocks from or fill holes in the road and then expect payment, it has been reported that they then throw stones if payment is not made. DO NOT PAY ! This only encourages the system.
Camping: Most times we had to pay something, usually R100 for the two of us. In remote areas we did free camp but be prepared for passing visitors asking for food and sweets.
Food: Available in bigger towns are stores with bread etc. In small villages a flag outside the house indicates what is available. White means they sell sorghum beer, yellow maize beer, red is meat and green vegetables !
Fuel: Available in the larger towns. R8.30/Lt ( A$0.85)
Money: All accept SA Rand as payment but change is in local currency. The local currency is pegged to the Rand so the same value you just can not use the Lesotho currency outside Lesotho. Fuel stations we used did not accept credit card
Water: We found water available in some camping areas.
Internet: Not available with our South African Vodacom package, but I did see internet available.
Travel in Swaziland:
Security: Safer than Sth Africa and Lesotho.
Camping: We camped only in National Parks or Reserves. ( see note on the Wild Card in SA) Park entry is usually R50 to R100 /person then + camping around the same amount.
The 2 main National Parks are superb in quality - staff, amenities and wildlife = 5 STARS from me.
We did not free camp and have been told one should approach the local ‘chief’ for permission before free camping.
Food: In bigger towns are supermarkets etc, fruit and vegetables at roadside stalls.
Money: All accept SA Rand as payment but change is in local currency. The local currency is pegged to the Rand so the same value you just can not use the local currency outside Lesotho. Fuel stations we used did not accept credit cards.
Fuel: Available in the larger towns. Same price as Sth Africa R1.10/Lt for Diesel
Water: We found water available in camping grounds.
Internet: Not available with our South African Vodacom package, but I did see internet available.
Camp Sites and Track Notes:
The grey, orange and red are future notes
You can download then here for use in Pocket Earth.
[2016-05-16 07h21m34s]Sth Africa Tracks.pocketearth_archive
[2016-05-16 07h22m08s]Sth Africa Tracks.gpx
[2016-05-16 07h22m48s]Sth Africa Camp Sites.pocketearth_archive
[2016-05-16 07h23m13s]Sth Africa Camp Sites.gpx
For our actual Travel Diary through Sth Africa see: Sth African Travels
Return to: DIY Kit For Overland Travel