Affordable and Reliable Car Shipping to South Africa from the UK
Ascope Shipping is a leading provider of car shipping to South Africa from the UK, offering both RoRo shipping and container shipping services. With over 15 years of experience in international shipping, we specialize in transporting cars, vans, 4x4s, trucks, and other vehicles to Durban, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth.
We also provide vehicle shipping from UK to South Africa as part of our comprehensive international logistics solutions. Our customers trust us because we combine affordable prices, reliable shipping schedules, and professional support with proven results. Backed by excellent reviews on Google My Business and Trustpilot, we are committed to making your car shipping UK to South Africa smooth, safe, and stress-free. Before you book, it’s worth knowing that South Africa restricts vehicle imports to specific eligible categories. Our car shipping guide to South Africa explains exactly who qualifies.
Our Shipping Options
RoRo Car Shipping to South Africa
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping is one of the more affordable ways to ship a vehicle. Your vehicle is loaded onto the vessel, securely secured in place, and shipped safely to its destination. This method is ideal for customers seeking door-to-port car shipping UK to South Africa, as well as standard port-to-port shipping.
RoRo shipping is perfect for transporting cars, vans, trucks, buses, and agricultural machinery. With weekly departures from Southampton, Sheerness, and Teesport, it ensures reliable delivery to Durban and Port Elizabeth.
This method is especially popular for customers seeking low-cost, secure vehicle shipping to Africa. Vehicles are charged based on the space they occupy on the vessel, making it an efficient and affordable option for vehicle shipping from UK to South Africa.
Container Car Shipping to South Africa
For added protection, container shipping is a great choice for your vehicle. Vehicles are loaded and lashed securely inside a 20ft or 40ft container. This method is perfect for valuable, classic cars or multiple vehicles, keeping them safe during transport.
We offer both door-to-port and standard port-to-port shipping, giving customers the flexibility they need. Weekly departures from major UK ports and professional loading ensure container shipping offers real peace of mind for vehicle owners. If you’re also sending household goods alongside your vehicle, our container shipping to South Africa page covers mixed shipments in full.
Whether you’re shipping to Durban, Cape Town, or Port Elizabeth, container shipping provides the highest level of security and reliability, and our car shipping guide to South Africa can help you understand the full process in detail.
Transparent Pricing for Car Shipping to South Africa
| Vehicle Type | RO/RO Prices / Costs | Container prices / Costs |
| Saloon Vehicle e.g VW Polo | £725 | Enquire (20ft cont) |
| 4×4 Vehicle e.g. Land Rover Discovery | Enquire | Enquire (20ft cont) |
| Vans e.g Vauxhall Combo | Enquire | Enquire (20ft cont) |
| 2 cars(saloon / 4×4) | Enquire | Enquire (40ft cont) |
Prices differ depending on the vehicle type, its size, and the shipping method used. Contact us for an exact quotation tailored to your needs. This transparent pricing structure ensures customers can plan their budget effectively for vehicle shipping from UK to South Africa.
How Long Does Car Shipping from UK to South Africa Take?
The journey depends on the port and shipping option:
- RoRo shipping: 18 to 28 days
- Container shipping: 21 to 30 days
We provide an updated sailing schedule so customers know exactly when their shipment is due. For international customers, we also handle collection service from the UK and delivery to the port.
Is Your Vehicle Eligible to Import to South Africa?
South Africa’s used vehicle import policy is tightly controlled, and only specific categories qualify for an ITAC import permit, including returning South African residents, immigrants with permanent residence, diplomats, inherited vehicles, and vintage or classic cars (30+ years old). Most of our customers are returning residents or classic car collectors. We work with a trusted South Africa-based agent who handles the ITAC and customs process on your behalf.
Customs & Import Requirements
Preparing the correct paperwork is essential for smooth customs clearance in South Africa.
Typical documents required to ship a car to South Africa include:
- Vehicle documents (V5 logbook)
- Passport copy and proof of ownership
- Import permit (IE462, from ITAC)
- Bill of Lading
- Payment of customs duties and VAT
Our South Africa-based agent guides you through every step, ensuring all documentation is completed correctly before your shipment departs.
Our South Africa-based agent will guide you through South Africa’s vehicle import regulations, per South African Revenue Service (SARS) requirements, making sure your shipment remains hassle-free and compliant. Whether you’re using RoRo or container shipping, we ensure every step meets legal and regulatory requirements.
Upcoming RoRo Shipments to Durban, South Africa
| Vessel: | Port: | Closing date: | Sailing date: | Arrival date: |
| Hoegh Trident | Southampton | 10.07.2026 | 13.07.2026 | 07.08.2026 |
| Hoegh Moonlight | Southampton | 21.07.2026 | 23.07.2026 | 14.08.2026 |
| Hoegh Target | Southampton | 31.07.2026 | 03.08.2026 | 28.08.2026 |
| Hoegh Trapper | Southampton | 05.08.2026 | 07.08.2026 | 29.08.2026 |
Marine Insurance for Car Shipping to South Africa
We recommend marine cargo insurance for every vehicle shipped to South Africa. Cover protects against damage, loss, or unforeseen risks during transit, and matters most for higher-value vehicles where repair or replacement costs would be significant if anything went wrong along the way.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping to South Africa
Proper preparation reduces the risk of delays during inspection and loading.
Before your vehicle departs the UK, make sure to:
- Clean the vehicle thoroughly, inside and out
- Remove all personal belongings
- Leave the fuel tank below a quarter full for safety during transit
- Check that the vehicle is in full working order, since a non-running car may require container shipping rather than RoRo
- Keep spare keys ready to hand over at collection
- Have your documentation organised and easily accessible for customs officials and port staff
Restricted Items for Car Shipping to South Africa
Certain items cannot be left inside the vehicle when arranging car shipping to South Africa.
Restricted items include:
- Flammable liquids
- Hazardous materials or chemicals
- Weapons or illegal items
- Undeclared household goods
Removing restricted items ensures compliance with international shipping safety regulations and smooth customs clearance in South Africa.
Why Choose Ascope Shipping?
At Ascope Shipping, we have built a strong reputation as one of the most trusted providers of car shipping to South Africa from the UK. With thousands of vehicles successfully shipped worldwide, our customers rely on us for our professionalism, reliability, and transparent service.
- Proven Experience: 15+ years of experience in international vehicle shipping
- Safe & Secure: Fully insured shipping with professional loading and lashing
- Transparent Pricing: Competitive costs with no hidden charges
- Customer Confidence: Highly rated on Trustpilot and Google My Business
- Global Reach: Weekly RoRo and container shipments from UK ports to Durban, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth
We also ship vehicles to other international destinations, including car shipping to Australia and car shipping to Nigeria, making us a trusted choice for international vehicle transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us for a Free Quotation
Start your car shipping from the UK to South Africa with confidence. Contact Ascope Shipping, the UK’s top-rated international car shipping company, for a free, no-obligation quotation. Our expert team will manage everything from booking and documentation to customs clearance, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely, on time, and at the best possible cost.
