Carsten Möhle: Paul Graetz’s Motorboat Expedition Across Africa – 1911 to 1912 and Today

Across Africa by Motorboat – 1911 to 1912 and Today - Multimedia Presentation

In February 2025, Carsten Möhle already spoke at the PS.SPEICHER about Paul Graetz’s adventurous crossing of Africa by automobile – a venture that contemporaries considered completely mad. Now comes the sequel: the motorboat expedition of 1911 to 1912, which took the adventure even further and was, in many ways, even more unconventional.

With the two custom-built boats “Sarotti” and “Hygiama”, Graetz set out to cross the continent via rivers and lakes. What may sound like an exotic dream became an almost unimaginable test of endurance: the boats had to be pulled overland on vehicle wheels for more than 240 kilometres, at times by 60 helpers.

The journey was full of dramatic events. French cameraman Octave Fieres lost his life during a buffalo encounter. Graetz himself survived a serious injury with a shattered jaw, which he temporarily stabilised with a belt. In the end, both boats sank – and yet Graetz achieved his goal: crossing Africa by motorboat.

In his multimedia presentation, Carsten Möhle shows historical original slides, excerpts from the rediscovered expedition film and his own images from research trips on site, including the legendary Stevenson Road. His own personal adventures also form part of the presentation – such as travelling on the Congo in a self-built floating “wall unit” – creating a link between past and present.

Background: Paul Graetz (1875–1968) was one of Germany’s notable adventurers and is regarded as a pioneer of motorised mobility in Africa. More information: www.paulgraetz.de

Carsten Möhle is an Africa travel specialist and founder of Bwana Tucke-Tucke. “Bwana” means “sir” or “master” in Swahili. More information: www.bwana.de

An evening full of history, adventure and expedition stories – and the exciting continuation of a topic that already captivated audiences at the PS.SPEICHER last year.

Admission to the lecture is €10. FörderFreunde enjoy free admission. Spontaneous guests are welcome, but unfortunately a guaranteed seat cannot be offered without prior booking.