Uganda
RoRo to Mombasa, then by road to Kampala and other Ugandan cities. Our Kampala office supports consignees on arrival.
Via MombasaRoad
Shipping to Uganda →RoRo Shipping to Africa from Dubai, port to port
Regular roll-on/roll-off sailings from Dubai to 25 African ports, from Mombasa, Dar es Salaam and Durban to Luanda, Lagos, Tema, Abidjan and Dakar, for cars, SUVs, trucks, buses and wheeled machinery, booked and loaded by a team with 40+ years of experience.
RoRo services
RoRo shipping services from Dubai to Africa
Roll-on/roll-off is the simplest way to move anything with wheels across the ocean. We book the sailing, prepare the unit and handle export formalities in Dubai, whatever you are shipping.
01 · Cars
Passenger vehicles
RoRo Car Shipping
Sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs and 4x4s are driven aboard a car carrier in Dubai and driven off at the African port.
Typical units: Cars, SUVs, pickups & vans
How RoRo works
02 · Commercial
High and heavy
Trucks & Buses by RoRo
Tippers, tractor heads, buses and coaches travel on the vessel’s heavy-vehicle decks, with height and weight declared at booking.
Typical units: Trucks, buses, tankers & trailers
See what can go by RoRo
03 · Machinery
Project cargo
Heavy Machinery RoRo
Wheeled machines drive aboard; tracked or static units are loaded on roll trailers, so cranes are rarely needed.
Typical units: Excavators, loaders, graders & cranes
Explore machinery RoRo
04 · Fleets
Dealers & exporters
Fleet & Dealer RoRo
Multiple units booked on the same sailing, with collection, storage at our Dubai yard and loading coordinated in one plan.
Typical units: Dealer stock, project fleets & NGO vehicles
Ask about fleet rates
05 · Alternatives
When RoRo is not suitable
Container & Flat Rack
Non-running, luxury or oversized units can travel in a container or on a flat rack instead. We advise on the best option for each shipment.
Typical units: Non-runners, luxury cars & out-of-gauge units
Compare methods
DXBDubai, UAE
AFRICARoRo port
What is RoRo?
How RoRo shipping to Africa works
RoRo stands for roll-on/roll-off. Instead of being lifted by crane or packed into a container, your vehicle is driven up the stern ramp of a purpose-built car carrier, parked on one of its vehicle decks and secured with lashings. At the African port it is simply driven off again.
Because there is no container to pay for and very little handling, RoRo is usually the most economical way to ship running vehicles from Dubai to Africa. It also suits units that are too big for a container, such as buses, trucks and wheeled machinery.
Loading portDubai, UAE
African portsEast, West, Southern & North Africa
RequirementUnit must be able to roll aboard
Handled by usBooking, export clearance, port delivery
- Choose the sailing that matches your destination port and timeline.
- Prepare the vehicle using our RoRo checklist below.
- Deliver to our Dubai yard or let us collect it from you.
- Export clearance and gate-in at the RoRo terminal.
- Drive on, lash and sail, then drive off at the destination port.
Step by step
Your RoRo shipment from booking to discharge
RoRo sailings run to fixed schedules, so good planning is what gets your vehicle on the right vessel. This is how we handle each RoRo shipment to Africa.
Pick the port and sailing
Tell us the vehicle and the African destination. We match it to the RoRo line and sailing that serve that port and confirm the cut-off date for delivery.
Confirm the RoRo rate
RoRo is charged by the vehicle’s size, so we confirm length, width, height and weight to give a firm freight rate with port charges explained.
Prepare the vehicle
The vehicle should be clean, empty of personal belongings, with a charged battery and a low fuel level. Our checklist covers everything the terminal will inspect.
Delivery and export clearance
You deliver to our Ras Al Khor yard or we collect. We complete UAE export clearance and deliver the vehicle to the RoRo terminal before the cut-off.
Loading and sailing
At the terminal the vehicle is driven aboard, parked and lashed on deck. Once the vessel sails we release the bill of lading.
Discharge in Africa
The vehicle is driven off at the destination port. Your clearing agent collects it using the original bill of lading, or we connect you with ours.
RoRo ports
25 African RoRo ports we ship to from Dubai
Mega Speed Cargo runs regular RoRo sailings from Dubai to East, Southern, Central, West and North Africa. These are the ports we book vehicles, trucks and machinery to. For landlocked countries, we combine RoRo with onward road transport.
East Africa & Horn · 4 ports
Main gateways for Kenya, Tanzania and the landlocked countries of East and Central Africa, plus Djibouti for Ethiopia.
Mombasa · KenyaDar es Salaam · TanzaniaZanzibar · TanzaniaDjibouti
Southern Africa · 2 ports
For South Africa, Mozambique and onward road transit to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana.
Durban · South AfricaMaputo · Mozambique
Central Africa · 5 ports
Regular RoRo calls on the Atlantic coast of Central Africa, including Angola and the Congo basin.
Luanda · AngolaPointe-Noire · CongoLibreville · GabonBata · Equatorial GuineaDouala · Cameroon
West Africa · 12 ports
From Nigeria to Mauritania, West Africa is covered by a dedicated RoRo route from Dubai.
Lagos (Tin Can) · NigeriaCotonou · BeninLomé · TogoTema · GhanaTakoradi · GhanaAbidjan · Côte d’IvoireConakry · GuineaFreetown · Sierra LeoneMonrovia · LiberiaBanjul · GambiaDakar · SenegalNouakchott · Mauritania
North Africa · 2 ports
Djen Djen in Algeria is served by RoRo with transhipment via Jeddah, Yanbu or Aqaba. Casablanca is reached on the West Africa route.
Djen Djen · AlgeriaCasablanca · Morocco
Two regular RoRo routes
Route 1 covers East, Southern and Central Africa. Route 2 covers West Africa. Ask us for the next sailing date and cut-off on your route.
Route 1 · East, South & CentralRoute 2 · West Africa
Approximate RoRo transit times from Dubai
| Destination | Port | Method | Approx. transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Mombasa | RoRo | 7–10 days |
| Tanzania | Dar es Salaam | RoRo | 8–12 days |
| Nigeria | Lagos / Tin Can Island | RoRo | 14–18 days |
| Ghana | Tema | RoRo | 16–20 days |
| South Africa | Durban | RoRo | 14–21 days |
Approximate sea transit only. RoRo vessels often call at several ports, so actual transit depends on the rotation, port congestion and weather. We confirm the schedule for your sailing when you book.
Landlocked countries
RoRo to landlocked African countries
Many of our customers are in countries without a seaport. Their vehicles travel by RoRo to the nearest coastal port and continue by road, with our local offices helping on arrival.
Rwanda and Burundi
RoRo to Mombasa or Dar es Salaam, then by road to Kigali or Bujumbura, with our offices in both cities.
Via Mombasa / DarRoad
Shipping to Rwanda →Zambia
RoRo to Dar es Salaam or Durban, then by road to Lusaka and the Copperbelt, supported by our Lusaka office.
Via Dar / DurbanRoad
Shipping to Zambia →DR Congo
RoRo to Dar es Salaam or Mombasa for eastern DRC (Goma, Bukavu), to Dar es Salaam or Durban for Lubumbashi, or via the Atlantic ports for Kinshasa. Our Kinshasa and Lubumbashi offices support consignees.
Via Dar / DurbanRoad
Shipping to DR Congo →Malawi
RoRo to Dar es Salaam or Durban, then by road to Lilongwe or Blantyre.
Via Dar / DurbanRoad
Shipping to Malawi →Zimbabwe and Botswana
RoRo to Durban, then by road to Harare, Bulawayo or Gaborone.
Via DurbanRoad
Shipping to Zimbabwe →South Sudan
RoRo to Mombasa, then by road through Uganda to Juba.
Via MombasaRoad
Shipping to South Sudan →Ethiopia
RoRo from Dubai to Djibouti, then by road to Addis Ababa. Ask us about current sailings and import rules for Ethiopia.
Via DjiboutiRoad
Shipping to Ethiopia →Need another route?
From Dubai we also ship to Europe, the Americas and Asia. See our sister site for automobile shipping worldwide.
Worldwide
autoshippingdubai.com →
Our offices in Africa
Kampala, UgandaKigali, RwandaBujumbura, BurundiKinshasa & Lubumbashi, DR CongoLusaka, ZambiaLuanda, Angola
What can travel by RoRo
Vehicles we ship by RoRo from Dubai to Africa
RoRo vessels carry anything that can be driven or towed up the ramp. Here is how we handle the most common units on African routes, and when we recommend another method instead.
Cars & SUVsRoRo deck
Cars, SUVs and 4x4s
The most common RoRo cargo to Africa. Sedans, hatchbacks, Land Cruisers, Prados and other SUVs are driven aboard and secured on the car deck.
- Used and new vehicles
- Single units or several cars
- Collection anywhere in the UAE
Pickups & vansRoRo deck
Pickups, vans and minibuses
Hilux, Land Cruiser pickups, Hiace vans and minibuses travel on the same decks as cars, with pricing based on their length and height.
- Single and double cab pickups
- Panel vans and minibuses
- Empty load beds required
Trucks & tippersHigh & heavy deck
Trucks, tippers and tractor heads
Rigid trucks, tippers, water tankers and tractor heads go on the reinforced high and heavy decks. Rates are based on cubic metres and weight.
- Dimensions and weight needed
- Running condition checked
- Bodies and cranes included
Buses & coachesHigh & heavy deck
Buses and coaches
City buses, school buses and long-distance coaches are driven aboard under their own power. Popular for transport operators in East and West Africa.
- Coaster and Rosa minibuses
- Full-size coaches
- Fleet bookings on one sailing
MachinerySelf-driven or roll trailer
Wheeled and tracked machinery
Loaders, graders and tractors drive on. Excavators, dozers and other tracked units are loaded on roll trailers (mafi) so they can still travel RoRo.
- Excavators and dozers
- Graders, rollers and loaders
- Agricultural tractors
Non-runnersContainer or flat rack
Non-running and damaged units
RoRo needs a vehicle that starts, steers and brakes. Non-runners, accident cars and units without keys are shipped in a container or on a flat rack instead.
- Photos reviewed first
- Forklift or crane loading
- Mixed cargo allowed in containers
AmbulancesFire trucksForkliftsTrailers & semi-trailersBoats on trailersGenerators on wheelsFleet shipments
High & heavy RoRo
RoRo shipping for heavy machinery and project cargo to Africa
For mining, construction and agriculture projects across Africa, RoRo is often the simplest way to move large equipment: no crane lifts at either port and no container size limits.
Up to the vessel's deck limits
We take the dimensions, weight and photos of each unit, confirm deck space with the carrier, then arrange transport to the port, lashing and export clearance in Dubai. Units that are too tall or cannot roll go on a flat rack instead.
Equipment we ship by RoRo
- Excavators
- Wheel loaders
- Motor graders
- Bulldozers
- Road rollers
- Cranes on wheels
- Mining trucks
- Farm tractors
Two ways to roll it aboard
Self-drivenWheeled units that run
Roll trailerTracked or static units
Before you book
RoRo shipping to Africa: what to check first
Most delays on African RoRo routes come from a vehicle that does not meet the import rules or is not ready for loading. Check these points before you buy or book.
Age limits at destination
Several African countries cap the age of imported vehicles or charge higher duty on older ones. Kenya, for example, applies an age limit on used cars. Check the rule for your country before buying.
Left or right-hand drive
Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa drive on the left, while Nigeria, Ghana and most of West Africa drive on the right. Some countries restrict the steering side that can be registered.
Vehicle must be driveable
RoRo stevedores drive the vehicle on and off the ship. It must start, steer and brake. If it cannot, we move it to a container or flat rack.
Empty vehicle policy
Carriers generally do not accept personal effects or loose cargo inside RoRo vehicles. Goods left in the cabin can be removed or cause the unit to be rejected.
Inspection requirements
Some destinations require a pre-shipment inspection or roadworthiness certificate before the vehicle sails. We tell you if one applies and help arrange it in Dubai.
Duties are paid at arrival
Import duty, VAT and local port charges are paid by the consignee at the African port. Ask a local clearing agent for an estimate before you ship.
RoRo compared with other shipping methods
| Method | How it ships | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoRo | Driven on and off the vessel | Scheduled RoRo sailings | Running cars, pickups, trucks, buses and wheeled machinery |
| Shared container | Several cars in one 40ft container | Weekly container services | Single cars needing enclosed protection at a lower cost |
| Dedicated container | Your own 20ft or 40ft container | Weekly container services | Luxury cars, non-runners and cars with spare parts |
| Flat rack | Open container lifted by crane | Container services | Over-height machinery and units that cannot roll |
| Air freight | Loaded on a cargo aircraft | Days, not weeks | Urgent, high-value or exotic vehicles |
At the African port
What happens when your RoRo vehicle arrives in Africa
The voyage ends at discharge, but the shipment is only finished when the vehicle leaves the port. Here is what to prepare at the destination side.
Original bill of lading
We send the bill of lading and shipping documents before the vessel arrives, so the consignee or clearing agent can lodge the customs entry early.
Clearing agent
A licensed clearing agent at the port handles the customs declaration, duty assessment and port release on behalf of the consignee.
Duties and port charges
Import duty, VAT, port handling and storage are paid locally. Collecting quickly after discharge keeps storage charges down.
Collection or onward transit
Drive away from the port or arrange transit trucking to inland countries. Our offices in East and Central Africa can help with onward movement.
Need a contact for clearance at Mombasa, Dar es Salaam or another port? Ask our team on WhatsApp.
Why ship RoRo with us
A Dubai RoRo forwarder that knows Africa
40+
Years of experience
Decades of shipping vehicles and machinery from Dubai to African ports.
6
African offices
Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Zambia and Angola, close to your consignee.
5
Dubai locations
Including our own vehicle loading and storage yard in Ras Al Khor.
1
Coordinator per shipment
One person to call from collection in Dubai to discharge in Africa.
RoRo, container or flat rack, advised honestly
We are not tied to one method. If a container or flat rack works out better for your vehicle or route, we tell you before you book.
Inland Africa covered
Many of our customers are in Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia and DR Congo. We plan the sea leg and the transit leg together.
Yard and pre-checks in Dubai
Vehicles are received at our yard, inspected, photographed and prepared for RoRo before delivery to the port.
WhatsApp updates
Booking details, documents and sailing updates are shared on WhatsApp, so you always know where your vehicle is.
RoRo guide
RoRo shipping to Africa: a practical guide
Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping means vehicles are driven straight onto a purpose-built car carrier, parked on internal decks and driven off at the destination port. From Dubai it is the most widely used way to send running vehicles to East, West and Southern Africa.
1. Why RoRo is usually cheaper
There is no container to rent, stuff or lash, and no crane lift at either end. You pay for the space your vehicle takes on deck, which makes RoRo the economical choice for most single cars, trucks and buses.
2. How RoRo rates are calculated
Cars are often priced per unit. Larger vehicles and machinery are priced by volume (length × width × height in cubic metres) and sometimes by weight. Port charges at both ends, collection in the UAE and any special handling are added on top.
3. What affects your RoRo cost
The destination port, the size and weight of the vehicle, the season and space on the next sailing all play a part. Send us the make, model, year and destination, and we will quote the current rate.
4. Sailing schedules
RoRo carriers run scheduled services from the UAE to Africa, but they sail less often than container ships. Booking early secures space and lets us deliver your vehicle to the port in time for the cut-off.
5. When RoRo is not the right fit
For non-running vehicles, cars with personal items inside, or ports without regular RoRo calls, a shared or dedicated container is the better option. We check this for every booking.
Free RoRo quote
Get a RoRo shipping quote to Africa
Tell us what you are shipping and to which port. Our RoRo desk will reply on WhatsApp with the rate and the next available sailing.
RoRo shipping FAQs
What is RoRo shipping?
RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) shipping is a method where vehicles are driven onto a specialised vessel, secured on its internal decks and driven off at the destination port. It is used for cars, trucks, buses and wheeled or trailer-mounted machinery.
Which African ports do you ship to by RoRo from Dubai?
We ship RoRo from Dubai to 25 African ports. East and Southern Africa: Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Djibouti, Durban and Maputo. Central Africa: Luanda, Pointe-Noire, Libreville, Bata and Douala. West Africa: Lagos (Tin Can), Cotonou, Lomé, Tema, Takoradi, Abidjan, Conakry, Freetown, Monrovia, Banjul, Dakar and Nouakchott. North Africa: Djen Djen (Algeria) and Casablanca (Morocco).
Do you have regular RoRo sailings to West Africa?
Yes. We run two regular RoRo routes from Dubai: Route 1 to East, Southern and Central Africa, and Route 2 to West Africa, calling at ports such as Lagos, Cotonou, Lomé, Tema, Abidjan, Conakry, Freetown and Dakar. Each sailing has a cut-off date for vehicle delivery, so ask us for the next schedule.
How long does RoRo shipping from Dubai to Africa take?
Transit times vary by carrier and route. As a guide, Mombasa takes around 7 to 10 days and Dar es Salaam 8 to 12 days at sea, while West and Southern African ports usually take two to three weeks. Waiting time for the next sailing comes on top.
How much does RoRo shipping to Africa cost?
The rate depends on the destination port, the vehicle size and weight, the sailing and any collection or special handling. Cars are often quoted per unit and larger vehicles by cubic metre. Send us the vehicle details on WhatsApp for a current quote.
Is RoRo cheaper than container shipping?
For a single running vehicle, RoRo is usually the more economical option because there is no container to rent and no crane lift. A shared container can be competitive when several cars travel together, and it offers enclosed protection.
Can I put personal items inside my car for RoRo?
Generally no. RoRo carriers expect vehicles to be empty apart from standard tools and the spare wheel. If you need to send goods with the car, a container is the right option.
Can you ship a non-running vehicle by RoRo?
RoRo needs a vehicle that starts, steers and brakes, because it is driven on and off the ship. Non-running or damaged vehicles are shipped in a container or on a flat rack instead.
Do you ship trucks, buses and machinery by RoRo?
Yes. Trucks, tippers, buses and wheeled machinery travel on the high and heavy decks. Tracked machinery such as excavators and dozers can be loaded on roll trailers. We need the dimensions, weight and photos to confirm space.
Can you ship to Uganda, Rwanda or Zambia by RoRo?
Landlocked countries are served through coastal ports. Vehicles for Uganda and Rwanda usually discharge at Mombasa or Dar es Salaam, Zambia and Malawi through Dar es Salaam or Durban, then continue by road. Our offices in the region support the transit.
What documents do I need for RoRo shipping?
Typically the purchase invoice, the UAE export certificate or registration card, a copy of the consignee's ID and the chassis number. Some destinations also need inspection certificates or import permits.
Who pays duties and port charges in Africa?
Import duty, VAT and destination port charges are paid by the consignee at arrival, normally through a licensed clearing agent. We share the shipping documents in advance so clearance can start early.
Can you collect my vehicle in Dubai?
Yes. We collect vehicles from showrooms, auctions and private sellers across the UAE, bring them to our yard in Ras Al Khor and deliver them to the port for loading.
How do I prepare my vehicle for RoRo?
Make sure it runs, the battery is charged, fuel is about a quarter tank or less, alarms are switched off, there are no leaks and the cabin is empty. Hand over the keys with the documents.
How do I book RoRo shipping to Africa?
Send the vehicle make, model, year and destination on WhatsApp or use the quote form on this page. We confirm the rate and the next sailing, then arrange collection, export clearance and loading.
Request your RoRo quote
Fill in the details and continue on WhatsApp.