Cape to Cairo in 150 days: 
Experiences of an Engineer

Mike Schlaich

Winner of the ICONIC AWARD 2025

Twelve countries in 150 days: Civil engineer Mike Schlaich, partner at the engineering consultancy schlaich bergermann partner and professor at the Technische Universität Berlin, embarked on a journey across Africa, following the legendary Cape to Cairo route. His goal: to experience the continent’s roads, railways, and bridges firsthand and to learn about the civil engineering culture through visits to local universities.

In this book, he recounts his experiences through diary entries, allowing readers to share in them directly – thanks in part to numerous photographs. His account is enriched by contributions from African colleagues. Schlaich’s observations culminate in seven essays that consider the current state and future of civil engineering in Africa. Thoroughly researched and supported by well-presented data, these essays encourage deeper engagement with a continent that, if only because of its population growth, will become increasingly important in the years ahead.

210 × 230 mm
240 pages
330 images
Hardcover