At UK RoadRunner, we’ve built a reputation for reliability, efficiency, and affordability in UK to Kenya car shipping and wider East African logistics. Building on this proven success, we are now expanding our services to meet the fast-growing demand for UK to Southern Africa car shipping, including Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, and Mozambique.
Our expertise in vehicle importation, logistics, and customs clearance means that if you want to ship a car, we can provide you with a trusted solution.
This guide explains why Southern Africa is such an exciting market right now, how shipping routes work, and what buyers in Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Mozambique, and neighbouring countries need to know to import cars smoothly from the UK.
Why Southern Africa? Why Now?
The economic landscape in Southern Africa is transforming rapidly. A growing middle class with rising purchasing power is driving higher demand for reliable vehicles and imported goods. Massive infrastructure investments in ports, roads, and railways are reshaping logistics, while governments are actively supporting international trade.
For businesses and individuals alike, this is the perfect moment to leverage the benefits of UK to Africa shipping. Whether you’re importing cars to Malawi, expanding your car dealership business into Zambia, Botswana, or to Mozambique, the opportunities have never been greater.
Understanding Shipping Routes from the UK to Southern Africa
When shipping from the UK to Southern Africa, there are two main maritime route options:
1. Mediterranean-Suez Route – Vessels pass through the Mediterranean Sea, the Suez Canal, and the Red Sea before moving down the East African coastline.
2. Cape of Good Hope Route – Ships circle West Africa, rounding the Cape, often used for Southern Africa, depending on port schedules and vessel availability.Key hub ports that support Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, and Mozambique car imports include:
3.Durban (South Africa) – Africa’s busiest port and a key gateway for landlocked neighbours like Botswana and Malawi.
4. Beira and Maputo (Mozambique) – Efficient entry points serving Southern Africa with road and rail connections inland.
5. Walvis Bay (Namibia) – Strategic for regional distribution, including Zambia and Botswana.
6. Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) – Sometimes used for Malawi via rail links.
Country-Specific Shipping Insights
Zambia: The Heart of Southern Africa’s Import Network
As a landlocked country, Zambia relies on several efficient port routes through Durban (South Africa), Beira (Mozambique), and Walvis Bay (Namibia). These ports are well-connected by road and rail, making them ideal for car and cargo shipments.
Transit Times: 25–35 days by sea from UK ports, plus 2–6 days by road or rail depending on the port of entry.
Import Duties: Calculated based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value. Import duty rates range from 15–25% for vehicles, with VAT at 16%.
Requirements: Importers must hold a valid TPIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) and ensure vehicles meet Zambia’s roadworthiness and emission standards.
At UK Road Runner, we coordinate customs documentation, pre-shipment inspection, and inland delivery directly to Lusaka and other major towns.
Malawi:
As a landlocked country, Malawi depends on neighboring ports for international trade. The most common routes are via Beira Port in Mozambique, Durban in South Africa, or Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
Transit Times: 25–35 days by sea freight from UK ports, plus 2–5 days for road transport inland.
Import Duties: Based on CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) values. Import duties range from 0–25%, with VAT at 16.5%.
Requirements: Pre-shipment inspections may be required, along with permits for certain goods.
For buyers importing vehicles to Malawi, UK RoadRunner ensures all documentation and compliance steps are handled to avoid unnecessary delays.
Botswana: Gateway to Southern Africa
Botswana’s political stability, strong economy, and access to South African ports make it a strategic hub for car imports.
Logistics: Primary access via Durban and Cape Town ports, with onward transport by road or rail.
Transit Times: 20–30 days by sea from the UK, plus 1–3 days by road.
Customs: Duties are paid using the SAD 500 bill of entry, and importers must register with the Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS).
For UK to Botswana car imports, we provide full guidance on customs compliance and arrange road haulage directly from South African ports.
Mozambique: East Africa’s Rising Star
Mozambique is emerging as one of Africa’s strongest logistics hubs, thanks to its modern port infrastructure.
Major Ports: Maputo (closest to Johannesburg), Beira (central hub), and Nacala (deep-water port).
Transit Times: 18–25 days by sea, with customs clearance averaging 3–10 days.
Import Rules: Importers must be licensed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Pre-shipment inspections are mandatory, and documentation is often required in Portuguese.
With our UK to Mozambique shipping services, we make sure your goods are fully compliant before departure to avoid clearance issues at arrival.
Comprehensive Shipping Options
We provide multiple freight solutions to meet every customer’s needs:
1. RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) – The most cost-effective way to ship vehicles, perfect for Malawi and Botswana buyers.
2. Container Shipping (FCL/LCL) – Offers maximum protection for cars and goods. LCL (Less Than Container Load) is ideal for smaller shipments.
3. Air Freight – Express delivery within 3–7 days for urgent or high-value cargo.
This flexibility ensures that whether you are importing a single car, we can offer the right balance of speed, cost, and security.
Documentation and Compliance
Successful UK to Africa car shipping requires careful attention to documentation. Commonly needed paperwork includes:
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of Lading
- Pre-shipment Inspection Certificates (if required)
- Import Permits or Licenses (country-specific)
Our team works with buyers across Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, and Mozambique to prepare accurate documentation and avoid delays in customs clearance.
Calculating the True Cost of Shipping
When budgeting for a car import, it’s essential to look beyond just the freight price. Your total landed cost includes:
- Freight charges (sea or air transport)
- Port handling fees
- Import duty and VAT (varies by country)
- Customs clearance fees
- Inland delivery charges
- Insurance premiums
At UK Road Runner, we provide transparent CIF pricing so you know the full cost upfront and avoid hidden fees. Here is a blog with what the cost analysis entails.
Why Work with UK Road Runner?
With years of proven expertise in UK to Kenya car shipping, we’ve built the partnerships, knowledge, and trust needed to expand confidently into Southern Africa. Our clients in Malawi, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zambia benefit from:
- Established African logistics networks and port partnerships
- Expertise in RoRo and container shipping for vehicles
- Knowledge of customs requirements in multiple countries
- Shipping solutions with full tracking
- Local agents to assist with customs and final delivery
From sourcing your vehicle in the UK to handing it over in Africa, we handle everything.
Final Thoughts
The demand for UK to Southern Africa car imports is growing fast, and Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, and Mozambique are at the heart of this exciting market. With the right partner, importing a vehicle or shipping goods from the UK is simple, secure, and cost-effective.
At UK Road Runner, we combine proven success in East Africa with a strong expansion into Southern Africa to give buyers the confidence to trade and ship internationally.
Ready to import a car to Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, or Mozambique? Contact UK Road Runner today for a free consultation and shipping quote.