Gas bottles in Southern and East Africa: the short answer
Take your European gas bottles out before you ship. Then buy a local bottle when you arrive. A local bottle comes with the right valve, fits local regulators and can be swapped or refilled anywhere in the country. This is usually cheaper and simpler than getting a gas-free certificate for your own bottles.
Take removable gas bottles out before shipping. Any bottle or fixed (built-in) tank that stays in the vehicle must be empty with a gas-free certificate before the vehicle is accepted.
We ship motorhomes and expedition vehicles to Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth in South Africa, Walvis Bay in Namibia, Mombasa in Kenya and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The vehicle travels in the enclosed hold.
Why European bottles are a problem here
European bottles use many different valves. African filling plants and regulators use their own. Most African cylinders are owned by the gas company, and the law expects only that company or its approved dealers to fill them. Filling a cylinder from another brand, or one from abroad, is often refused or done informally. Informal filling is a safety risk. In some countries it is also illegal.
South Africa
Common sizes are 9 kg and 19 kg for home and caravan use. Smaller 3 kg and 5 kg cylinders with a screw-on top (often called Cadac bottles) are popular for camping. Larger 48 kg cylinders are used for fixed installations at homes and businesses.
You can either:
- Swap. Pay a one-off deposit and exchange an empty cylinder for a full one. You only pay for the gas after that. Deposit fees for each cylinder size were standardised across the industry in late 2024.
- Refill. Some people buy their own cylinder and have it refilled by an authorised filler.
Gas companies say only they or their authorised dealers may fill their own cylinders. Afrox, for example, states that only Afrox or its authorised agents may fill Afrox cylinders. Look for an intact supplier seal when you buy.
The national code of practice for LPG installations is SANS 10087-1. It covers caravans and mobile homes as well as houses. Fixed installations should be fitted by a registered LPG installer.
Larger cylinders and Cadac-type small cylinders use different valves. Buy the regulator for the cylinder you choose at the same shop.
Namibia
Namibia uses the same cylinder system as South Africa. Cylinders bought in South Africa are generally accepted in Namibia, and the other way round. Travellers report that some filling stations in Namibia will fill fixed tanks fitted to foreign vehicles if you bring a suitable adapter (traveller reports, not official). This is useful once your fixed tank has been emptied for shipping and you need to refill it on arrival.
Botswana
Botswana also uses the Southern African cylinder system. Travellers report that Southern African cylinders and regulators work there (traveller reports). The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) regulates the LPG trade.
Kenya
The common household sizes are 6 kg and 13 kg. Larger 50 kg cylinders are used commercially. Many brands are sold, including Total, K-Gas and SupaGas. The small 6 kg cylinder is often sold with a burner that sits directly on top. The 13 kg cylinder takes a separate regulator.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) licenses the trade. Since 2019, brand owners should only accept their own cylinders for refilling. Retailers may only sell cylinders they have written consent from the brand owner to sell. EPRA regularly closes illegal refilling sites.
In practice, buy a branded cylinder with a seal from a licensed retailer or a fuel station. Keep your receipt. It must show the cylinder details.
Tanzania
Common sizes are 6 kg, 15 kg and 38 kg. Brands include Oryx, Taifa Gas, Lake Gas, Puma and Cam Gas.
The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) licenses the trade. Refilling must happen at authorised filling centres. Each filled cylinder must carry the filler’s seal and show its weights. Buy sealed cylinders from licensed dealers.
Practical tips
- Remove your European bottles before shipping. Leave them at home or sell them.
- Have any fixed tank emptied and certified gas-free before handover.
- Buy a local cylinder and matching regulator on arrival.
- Check for an intact seal, the supplier’s branding and no dents or rust.
- Keep cylinders upright and secured. Ventilate when cooking.
- Test joints with soapy water. Bubbles mean a leak.
- One cylinder system covers South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. In East Africa, buy a local cylinder again.
- When you ship home, the same rule applies: no bottles on board, fixed tanks empty with a gas-free certificate.
North and West Africa
We have not found reliable, current information for North and West Africa. Ask us before you plan a route there.
How we help
We are a UK freight forwarder and a member of BIFA and FIATA. We explain what is needed at handover and arrival. Customs is handled through our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own broker. Use the quote form for instant pricing.
Your questions answered
Can I ship my motorhome to Africa with gas bottles on board? Only if they are gas-free. Take removable bottles out before handover. Any bottle or fixed tank that stays in the vehicle must be empty with a gas-free certificate.
Can I refill my European gas bottle in South Africa? Usually not at an official filling point. Most fillers only fill their own brand’s cylinders, and valves differ. It is simpler to buy a local cylinder on arrival.
Which gas bottle should I buy in South Africa? A 9 kg cylinder on a swap deposit suits most motorhomes. Smaller 3 kg or 5 kg cylinders suit camping cookers. Buy the matching regulator at the same time.
Will a South African gas bottle work in Namibia and Botswana? Generally yes. All three countries use the same cylinder system. It will not be accepted for swap in Kenya or Tanzania.
What gas bottles are used in Kenya and Tanzania? Kenya mainly uses 6 kg and 13 kg cylinders. Tanzania mainly uses 6 kg, 15 kg and 38 kg cylinders. Buy a sealed, branded cylinder from a licensed dealer.
Can my fixed gas tank be refilled after arrival? Sometimes. Travellers report fixed tanks being filled in Namibia with an adapter. This is not guaranteed. Carry the adapter for your tank’s filling point.
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