Choosing between RoRo vs container car shipping to Mombasa affects your cost, timeline and the protection your car gets at sea. Most cars imported to Kenya travel by roll-on/roll-off (RoRo). However, container shipping is the better choice for some cars and some buyers. Therefore, understanding both helps you make the right decision.
This guide explains how each method works, typical transit times from the UK and Japan, shipping lines, shared containers, marine insurance and how to track your car. Furthermore, it explains how Elisa Motors chooses and books the right shipping method for every client.
What is RoRo shipping?
RoRo stands for roll-on/roll-off. The car is driven onto a specialised vessel, often called a car carrier, and secured on one of many decks. At Mombasa, it is driven off. RoRo ships carry thousands of vehicles at once.
RoRo is usually the cheapest method for a single car. Moreover, it is fast and frequent from major ports. However, the car is exposed inside the vessel and handled by port staff during loading and unloading.
What is container shipping?
In container shipping, the car is loaded into a steel container, usually 20 or 40 feet long, and secured. The container travels on a container ship. At Mombasa, it goes to a container yard or container freight station (CFS), where it is unloaded.
Containers protect cars from weather, theft and handling damage. In addition, you can ship personal items or parts alongside the car, subject to customs rules. However, containers usually cost more for a single car and involve more handling steps at the destination.
Shared containers
A 40-foot container can often hold several small cars. Sharing a container with other buyers splits the cost. As a result, container shipping becomes competitive with RoRo for small cars. However, you depend on the other cars being ready at the same time, which can cause delays.
Transit times to Mombasa
From Japan
RoRo ships from Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe and Osaka usually reach Mombasa in about four to six weeks. Container shipments can take similar time or slightly longer, depending on transhipment.
From the UK
RoRo ships from ports such as Southampton, Bristol and others usually take about five to seven weeks to Mombasa. Container shipments from ports such as Tilbury, Felixstowe or Southampton take similar time, sometimes with transhipment via other hubs.
From South Africa
Durban to Mombasa is the shortest route, usually about two to four weeks. Read our South Africa import page.
Shipping lines serving Mombasa
Several major RoRo operators carry vehicles to East Africa, and many global container lines call at Mombasa. Schedules and routes change, so the best line depends on timing and port of loading. Your importer should choose a reliable line with regular sailings. Moreover, they should track the vessel for you.
Costs: what affects the price?
Freight depends on the car's size or volume, the route, the season and fuel surcharges. Large SUVs cost more than small hatchbacks on RoRo, because RoRo charges by volume. Container costs depend on container size and how many cars share it.
In addition, both methods involve port handling charges at origin and destination. Container shipping often adds CFS charges at Mombasa. Therefore, always compare the total shipping cost, not just the ocean freight. We include everything in our landed quote.
Marine insurance
Marine insurance covers loss or damage during the voyage. Policies vary: some cover total loss only, while others cover partial damage. We recommend appropriate cover for every shipment, and include it in our quotes. Moreover, document the car's condition with photos before loading, which helps any claim.
Which cars suit RoRo?
Most everyday cars suit RoRo: the Aqua, Harrier, Prado and similar. RoRo is cost-effective, frequent and reliable. In fact, the vast majority of Kenyan imports travel this way.
Which cars suit containers?
High-value or collectable cars benefit from containers. Examples include the G-Class, a high-spec Range Rover Sport or a Porsche 911. Moreover, cars with special paint, low ground clearance or expensive wheels are safer in containers.
Arrival at Mombasa
RoRo cars are discharged at Kilindini Harbour and moved to a vehicle yard. Container cars go with their container to a yard or CFS for unloading. Then customs clearance, verification and release follow. Read our Mombasa clearing guide.
Tracking your vessel
Once your car sails, you can track the vessel using its name and online tracking tools. Your importer should share the vessel name, estimated arrival date and updates. We send WhatsApp updates at key milestones.
Our services: shipping handled for you
Elisa Motors ships cars for buyers in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret and beyond. Here is what we do.
1. Choosing the right method
We recommend RoRo or container based on your car's value, size and timing. As a result, you get the right balance of cost and protection.
We explain the trade-offs clearly.
2. Booking reliable sailings
We book space with reliable lines with regular sailings to Mombasa. Moreover, we plan timing around the 8-year rule. Read our 8-year rule guide.
No last-minute surprises.
3. Marine insurance
We arrange suitable marine insurance for every shipment. Similarly, we photograph the car before loading.
You are protected at sea.
4. Documentation
We prepare the bill of lading, export documents and inspection certificate. Read our UK export documents guide.
Correct paperwork avoids delays.
5. Vessel tracking
We track your vessel and send updates on WhatsApp. You always know where your car is.
Ask us anytime for the latest position.
6. Clearing at Mombasa
We clear the car through KRA and KPA, including CFS steps for containers. Moreover, we move quickly to limit storage charges.
Then we register it with NTSA.
7. Delivery inland
We deliver to Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Nyeri, Meru and other towns. Read our Mombasa to Nairobi transport guide.
You collect a ready-to-drive car.
Step by step: a RoRo shipment from Japan
Here is how a typical RoRo shipment works. First, the car is bought at auction and moved by truck to a port yard. Next, it passes the KEBS-appointed inspection. Then the exporter books space on the next suitable vessel. On loading day, port staff drive the car onto the ship and lash it to the deck.
During the voyage, the ship may call at other ports before Mombasa. Meanwhile, the shipping line issues the bill of lading. When the vessel berths at Kilindini Harbour, cars are driven off and parked in the port's vehicle area. Finally, clearing begins. Read our Japan import guide for the full process.
Step by step: a container shipment from the UK
For a container shipment, the car is delivered to a loading depot. Staff drive it into the container, secure it with straps and wheel chocks and seal the container. Then the container is trucked to the port and loaded onto a container ship. Some routes tranship via hubs in Europe, the Middle East or Asia.
At Mombasa, the container moves to a yard or container freight station (CFS). There, it is opened under customs supervision, and the car is unloaded for verification. As a result, containers involve a few more steps than RoRo. Read our UK import guide.
Preparing your car for shipping
For RoRo, cars should have little fuel, no loose items and working brakes. Remove valuables, personal belongings and aftermarket electronics that could be stolen. Moreover, note any existing scratches with dated photos.
For containers, the car should be clean for inspection and secured properly. Personal effects inside the car may need declaring and can affect customs clearance. Therefore, ask before packing anything extra.
Risks and how to reduce them
The main RoRo risks are minor scratches, missing small items and weather exposure. Container risks include poor lashing and longer handling at the CFS. However, both methods are generally safe when handled by reputable operators. In addition, marine insurance covers serious loss or damage.
To reduce risk, use established lines, insure the car and document its condition. Similarly, avoid leaving anything valuable inside. We follow all of these steps for every client.
Timing and the 8-year rule
Shipping time matters for cars near the age limit. A car first registered in 2019 must arrive and clear in 2026. Therefore, a slow container route late in the year could push it past the cut-off. We plan sailings so compliant cars arrive with time to spare.
Storage charges at Mombasa
After discharge, the port and CFS operators allow a short free period. After that, storage charges apply daily. Delays in documents or payment quickly add cost. Consequently, prepared importers clear cars fast. Read our Mombasa clearing guide.
Example: Range Rover Sport, a common container shipment
Here is how each Range Rover Sport version we import compares. All of them seat 5, and you can import them from UK or Japan.
Range Rover Sport HSE 3.0 SDV6. This version uses a 3.0-litre diesel engine with 306 hp, a 8-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. In addition, it returns about 13 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 9M – 11M.
Range Rover Sport HSE Dynamic P400. This version uses a 3.0-litre petrol engine with 400 hp, a 8-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. Moreover, it returns about 10 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 10M – 12M.
Range Rover Sport Autobiography D350 (L461). This version uses a 3.0-litre diesel engine with 350 hp, a 8-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. As a result, it returns about 12 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 17M – 21M.
Every Range Rover Sport we import includes these key features: terrain Response 2, air suspension, wade depth 850 mm, luxury interior, diesel and petrol & PHEV.
Example: Toyota Harrier, a typical RoRo shipment
Here is how each Toyota Harrier version we import compares. All of them seat 5, and you can import them from Japan.
Toyota Harrier Premium 2.0. This version uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 171 hp, a cvt automatic gearbox and two-wheel drive. In addition, it returns about 14 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 4.3M – 4.9M.
Toyota Harrier Z 2.0 Leather Package. This version uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 171 hp, a cvt automatic gearbox and two-wheel drive. Moreover, it returns about 14 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 4.8M – 5.4M.
Toyota Harrier Hybrid Z 2.5 E-Four. This version uses a 2.5-litre hybrid engine with 218 hp, a e-cvt automatic gearbox and AWD. As a result, it returns about 21 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 5.6M – 6.3M.
Every Toyota Harrier we import includes these key features: premium interior & ride, panoramic roof (selected units), JBL audio option, digital rear-view mirror and hybrid E-Four AWD option.
Cost-saving tips
For most cars, RoRo is the cheapest choice. For small cars, ask about shared containers. Moreover, avoid peak periods when space is tight. Finally, clear quickly at Mombasa to avoid storage. These steps often save more than haggling over freight rates.
Example: Toyota Prado shipping costs in the landed price
Here is how each Toyota Land Cruiser Prado version we import compares. All of them seat 7, and you can import them from Japan, UK or South Africa.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TX 2.7 Petrol (5-seat). This version uses a 2.7-litre petrol engine with 163 hp, a 6-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. In addition, it returns about 9 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 6.2M – 7M. Furthermore, compared with lower trims, it adds fabric seats, 5 seats, 17" alloys, rear diff lock, reverse camera.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TX 2.7 Petrol (7-seat). This version uses a 2.7-litre petrol engine with 163 hp, a 6-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. Moreover, it returns about 9 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 6.4M – 7.2M. Furthermore, compared with lower trims, it adds 7 seats, fabric, cruise control, Toyota Safety Sense.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TX-L 2.7 Petrol. This version uses a 2.7-litre petrol engine with 163 hp, a 6-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. As a result, it returns about 9 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 6.8M – 7.6M. Furthermore, compared with lower trims, it adds leather seats, power seats, sunroof option, 7 seats, 18" alloys.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TX 2.8 Diesel. This version uses a 2.8-litre diesel engine with 204 hp, a 6-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. Similarly, it returns about 11 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 7.3M – 8.2M. Furthermore, compared with lower trims, it adds 1GD turbo-diesel, 7 seats, fabric, rear diff lock.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TX-L 2.8 Diesel. This version uses a 2.8-litre diesel engine with 204 hp, a 6-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. Meanwhile, it returns about 11 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 7.8M – 8.8M. Furthermore, compared with lower trims, it adds leather, sunroof, power seats, 7 seats, LED headlights.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TZ-G 2.8 Diesel. This version uses a 2.8-litre diesel engine with 204 hp, a 6-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. Furthermore, it returns about 11 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 9M – 10.5M. Furthermore, compared with lower trims, it adds top spec: KDSS, adaptive suspension, multi-terrain monitor, heated/ventilated leather.
Every Toyota Land Cruiser Prado we import includes these key features: full-time 4WD with low range, rear diff lock & crawl control, 7 seats (most grades), KDSS & adaptive suspension (TZ-G) and outstanding resale value in Kenya.
Questions to ask about shipping
Ask your importer which line and route they will use. Ask how long the car will wait at the origin port. Moreover, ask what marine insurance covers and how claims work. In addition, ask how you will be updated. Clear answers show a professional operation. Similarly, ask what happens if the vessel is delayed.
Where we deliver
We serve buyers across Nairobi, including Westlands, Karen, Runda, Kilimani, Lavington, South C and Syokimau. We also serve Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Thika, Nyeri, Nanyuki, Machakos and Meru. At the coast, we serve Mombasa, Nyali, Kilifi and Malindi.
Start your import
Use the order form on this page, call +254 725 310 112 or WhatsApp +254 725 310 112. You can also read our UK import guide and Japan import guide.
