The First Person to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
The First Person to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
The first recorded successful ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro was made on 6 October 1889 by:
- Hans Meyer
- Ludwig Purtscheller
They were assisted by a local Chagga guide named Yohani Kinyala Lauwo, who played a crucial role in helping them reach the summit.
Who Was Hans Meyer?
Hans Meyer was a German geographer and explorer. After several failed attempts due to harsh weather and logistical challenges, he finally succeeded in reaching the highest point of Kilimanjaro in 1889.
At that time, Kilimanjaro was part of German East Africa (now Tanzania), and European explorers were eager to conquer Africa’s highest peaks.
The Historic 1889 Expedition
Meyer had previously attempted the climb in 1887 and 1888 but was unsuccessful. On his third attempt in 1889, together with Austrian climber Ludwig Purtscheller and local support, he reached the summit of Kibo.
Meyer named the highest point Kaiser-Wilhelm-Spitze in honor of the German emperor at the time. After Tanzania gained independence, the summit was renamed Uhuru Peak, meaning “Freedom Peak” in Swahili.
The Role of Local Guides
Although Meyer and Purtscheller are officially credited as the first climbers, local guides and porters were essential to the success of the expedition. Yohani Kinyala Lauwo, from the Chagga tribe, is often recognized in Tanzanian history for his contribution to the climb.
Today, local guides and porters remain the backbone of every Kilimanjaro expedition.
Final Note
The first successful ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro in 1889 marked an important moment in mountaineering history. Since then, thousands of climbers from around the world have followed in their footsteps, making Kilimanjaro one of the most popular trekking destinations on Earth.
