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Shipping to South Africa

Qube Cargo deliver anything to anywhere. From the next town to the other side of the globe, we deliver efficiently and reliably. We make it a priority to ensure your items are delivered on-time.

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UK to South Africa freight

Freight to South Africa by sea and air

South Africa is the UK’s largest trading partner in Africa and a gateway to southern Africa. Qube Cargo ships to Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and across South Africa by sea and air. We use container services into Durban, Cape Town and Gqeberha, with onward road delivery to Gauteng and the interior.

For urgent cargo, we arrange air freight into Johannesburg O.R. Tambo. From South Africa, we can plan onward delivery to Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.

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Shipping to South Africa


    South Africa at a glance

    Main seaportsDurban · Cape Town · Gqeberha
    Cargo airportsJohannesburg O.R. Tambo · Cape Town
    Sea transit20–28 days
    Air transit1–2 days
    Import tax15% VAT
    DutyReduced or 0% on many UK goods*

    Watch out for: port congestion, especially at Durban, can add days to sea freight, so build some slack into delivery dates. *With valid proof of UK origin; import tax still applies.

    South Africa Freight Forwarders

    At Qube Cargo, we can help you with all your freight forwarding to and from South Africa. Many people use our cost-effective freight services to South Africa to take advantage of our years of experience and unrivalled local knowledge.

    We have a huge global network, and you can trust us to get your delivery where it needs to go quickly and safely.

    We offer a completely bespoke service for individuals and businesses. Whatever you need to send to South Africa, from a small parcel to a large item of machinery, we’ve got you covered by land, sea and air.

    Make Qube your logistics partner for all your deliveries to and from South Africa.

    Aircraft flying over lorries at a container port with cranes and cargo ships at dusk

    Did you know...

    • Durban Harbour is Africa’s busiest and largest container port, handling millions of tonnes of cargo annually. Its strategic location on the Indian Ocean makes it a key gateway for goods entering and leaving southern Africa.
    • South Africa boasts one of the most extensive road networks in Africa, connecting major cities like Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. This infrastructure supports the efficient movement of goods across the country and into neighbouring nations.
    • The Cape of Good Hope, located near South Africa, has historically been a significant shipping route, connecting Europe, Asia, North and South America. Despite its treacherous waters, it remains vital for global trade.
    • South Africa’s ports, including Saldanha Bay, specialise in bulk cargo, such as iron ore and oil. Saldanha Bay is one of the deepest natural harbours in the world and plays a key role in exporting minerals.

    Trust Qube with Your South Africa Freight

    Need to send something to South Africa? Nestled at the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is often referred to as the “Rainbow Nation” due to its multicultural tapestry, reflecting a long history of indigenous cultures, European colonialism, and a more recent legacy of apartheid. It is a nation of remarkable diversity, natural beauty, and a complex history. South Africa’s journey to democracy and reconciliation in the 20th century has left an indelible mark on its identity.

    The country’s geography is equally diverse, offering everything from the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town to the vast savannahs of Kruger National Park, home to the renowned “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceroses. South Africa’s rich cultural heritage is a testament to the coexistence of numerous ethnic groups, languages, and traditions, creating a unique fusion of music, art, and cuisine. Its cities, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, are dynamic urban centres offering a blend of modernity and history. Despite the challenges it has faced, South Africa stands as a nation of resilience, hope, and ongoing transformation.

    We will carry out your haulage to South Africa or back to the UK quickly and securely. We will provide guidance on paperwork and clearing customs, so you won’t have to worry about a thing.

    We Never Say No

    The thing you have to know about Qube is that we never say no. Our vast experience, years of knowledge and extensive skills means we can take on anything. We work closely with our network in South Africa to ensure your item gets to its destination safely. Do you need a small package delivered by hand to a remote South African village? We can do that.

    We are always happy to take on the challenge. We think outside the Qube, so if you need more than the standard shipping providers can offer, you’re in the right place. Qube go above and beyond by offering an efficient, safe service, and our friendly team is always here to help.

    Shipping to South Africa FAQs

    Typically 20–28 days port to port. Air freight takes 1–2 days.

    Many UK goods pay reduced or no duty under the UK–SACUM trade agreement, if they meet the rules of origin. 15% VAT still applies.

    Yes. Most sea freight lands at Durban and travels by road or rail to Johannesburg and Gauteng.