Shipping 1: Germany to South Africa
I dropped Rafiki at the Hamburg Ferry Terminal, in Germany, on the 25th of March 2022. The cargo ship left the harbour on the 5th of April to finally arrive in Cape Town, South Africa, on the 7th of May. I could collect Rafiki on the 10th. We finally got reunited after 48 days apart, and the adventure started. (Cost: $4,ooo)
Departure: Hamburg, Germany, 25/03/2022
1/ At The Ferry Terminal
I had to be at the terminal early morning but I waited hours before I could put Rafiki in the 20ft container. In the meantime, they asked me to unplug the aux. battery and to take the carnet de passage with me.
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2/ Secured in the Container
I drove Rafiki inside the container myself. I put its windshield protection while the guys were securing the car to the container with strap stowing. I had to leave a set of keys with Rafiki. I took many pictures of each part of the car.
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3/ Ready To Be Sealed
Rafiki's secured and it's time to close the container. I asked to seal it myself and I took a picture of the unique number of the seal (which I'm keeping with me as a souvenir today). The vessel will depart in 10 days from that day (25/03/2022).
Arrival: Cape Town, South Africa, 07/05/2022
4/ At The Warehouse
Rafiki arrived on the 7th of May and it's been dropped at the warehouse in Cape Town 3 days later. After 48 days separated, we were finally reunited. The seal has remained the same and the container was looking fine.
5/ Rafiki Being Released
The team at the warehouse was very dedicated and kind. We opened the container all together and Rafiki was still clean, not damaged and nothing has been stolen. The straps haven't moved at all so I could drive it outside its box. And the engine started the first time!
6/ Customs Supervision
All the process has been supervised by the customs team. They asked me to open the hood so they could verify the engine unique number. In less than one hour later I was already driving through Cape Town. My Carnet de Passage has been stamped. All good!
Shipping 2: South Africa to the UAE
After 18 months overlanding across Southern and Eastern Africa, I drove back to South Africa for the fourth time of the adventure. I brought Rafiki to the Ferry Terminal of Durban on the 8th of September 2023. The cargo ship left on the 17th and arrived on the 4th of October in Jebel Ali port, Dubai (UAE). (Cost: $3,000)
Departure: Durban, South Africa, 08/09/2023
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1/ At The Ferry Terminal
My friend Stan from Raw 4x4 Africa joined me at the warehouse of Durban. I had to fill up some documents and to make sure Rafiki is insured. I made sure the batteries were unplugged and that I had the Carnet de Passage en Douane with me.
2/ Secured in the Container
I insisted to drive Rafiki inside the 20ft. container myself and put the windshield glass protection straight away. The guys strapped the Hilux from the chassis and I left a set of keys inside the rooftop tent. I took many pictures of the process as well as all sides of Rafiki.
3/ Ready To Be Sealed
Rafiki's properly strapped to the container and I also wanted to seal it myself, again. I took a few picture of the number written on the seal. Then the guys lifted the container to put it on another one because the cargo left the harbour only 9 days later!
Arrival: Dubai, the UAE, 04/10/2023
4/ At The Warehouse
Rafiki arrived in the UAE on the 4th of October 2023, 27 days later. The last days were extremely stressful as I the shipping company told me I have to get a local insurance to release the car, on the same day Rafiki arrived. Very disappointing (and this didn't happen with the first shipping since everything has been organised ahead).
5/ Rafiki Being Released
I tried my best to find a local insurance although I didn't know anything. After beggng the guy from the shipping company, they accepted to find me one. The day after, my friend Ant drop me to Jebel Ali where I've been very well received by the local team. Rafiki was still very well strapped, and looking all good! The engine started first time.
6/ Customs Supervision
I couldn't attend the checking process by the custom officers. But everything apparently went very well. Although I had to pay another high fee to make it happen. But no choice if I wanted my Rafiki with me to overland the Middle East!