First Person to Climb Kilimanjaro: The Full History

Every year, roughly 35,000 trekkers set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa's highest peak at 5,895 metres above sea level. They follow well-marked trails, sleep in established camps, and carry equipment that would have seemed miraculous to the earliest explorers. But who was the first person to stand on that summit? The answer is more complex, more human, and more politically layered than most climbers realise. In our experience guiding over 500 expeditions up Kilimanjaro, we find that understanding the mountain's history deepens every climber's connection to it. This is the full story of the first ascent — the European explorers who attempted it, the Chagga guide who made it possible, and the colonial context that shaped how the story was told.

Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller: The Successful 1889 Ascent

On 6 October 1889, German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller became the first people confirmed to have reached the summit of Kilimanjaro. They stood on the highest point of the Kibo crater rim — a spot Meyer named Kaiser Wilhelm Spitze in honour of the German emperor — and looked out across a landscape that no European had ever seen from that vantage point.

The expedition was meticulously planned. Meyer, a Leipzig-born academic and publisher who had already attempted Kilimanjaro twice before, assembled a large support team that included porters, local guides, and sufficient supplies for an extended campaign on the mountain. Purtscheller, a seasoned Alpine mountaineer and professor of gymnastics from Salzburg, brought the technical climbing expertise that Meyer lacked. Together, they formed a complementary partnership — Meyer supplied the funding, the logistics, and the geographical knowledge; Purtscheller supplied the mountaineering skill.

They approached the mountain from the southeast, following what would later become known as the Marangu corridor. The expedition established a series of camps at progressively higher elevations, and Meyer and Purtscheller made several forays toward the summit before their successful push. The final ascent required them to navigate the glacial ice that then covered much of the upper mountain — Kilimanjaro's glaciers were vastly more extensive in 1889 than they are today. Purtscheller used his Alpine experience to cut steps in the ice, and the pair roped together for safety on the steeper sections.

Upon reaching the crater rim, Meyer and Purtscheller found themselves on the edge of a vast, ice-filled caldera. The summit point — the highest point on the rim — lay to the south. They crossed the crater floor, navigated the inner ice cliffs, and reached the highest point at approximately midday. Meyer planted a small German flag and claimed the summit in the name of the German emperor. The altitude, the cold, and the physical exertion were extreme — both men reported severe headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing, symptoms we now recognise as acute mountain sickness. They spent only a brief time at the top before beginning their descent.

Meyer returned to Germany a national hero. He published a detailed account of the expedition, Across East African Glaciers, which included scientific observations about the mountain's geology, glaciology, and ecology that remain valuable to researchers today. He also brought back rock samples from the summit that confirmed the volcanic origin of Kibo's crater rim. Meyer would go on to make further expeditions to East Africa but never returned to Kilimanjaro's summit.

Yohani Kinyala Lauwo: The Guide Who Made It Possible

The standard colonial-era narrative of Kilimanjaro's first ascent focused almost exclusively on Meyer and Purtscheller. But there was a third man on the summit that day — a young Chagga guide named Yohani Kinyala Lauwo, whose contribution was systematically overlooked for nearly a century.

Lauwo was born in Marangu village on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, likely around 1871, though his exact birth date is uncertain. The Chagga people had lived on the mountain's fertile lower slopes for centuries, farming coffee, bananas, and other crops in the rich volcanic soil. They knew the mountain intimately — its trails, its weather patterns, its dangers, and its spiritual significance. When Meyer's expedition arrived seeking guides, Lauwo, then approximately 18 years old, was among those recruited.

Lauwo guided Meyer and Purtscheller through the mountain's lower and middle zones, navigated the route through the forest and moorland, and accompanied them to the summit. His knowledge of the mountain's terrain, weather, and hazards was indispensable — the Europeans had no maps of the upper mountain and limited understanding of the conditions they would face. Without Lauwo and the Chagga porters who carried equipment and supplies, the expedition could not have succeeded.

Despite this, Lauwo's name was omitted from Meyer's published accounts. The colonial narrative credited the summit to Meyer and Purtscheller alone — a pattern consistent with the broader European practice of erasing African contributions to exploration and discovery. It was not until the 1980s and 1990s, when Tanzanian historians and journalists began investigating the first ascent, that Lauwo's role was publicly recognised and documented.

Lauwo lived an extraordinarily long life. He remained in Marangu village, where he became a respected elder and continued to share his memories of the 1889 expedition with anyone who asked. In his later years, he received recognition from the Tanzanian government and was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) – an honour that acknowledged his role in one of the great mountaineering achievements of the 19th century, even if it came decades too late. Yohani Kinyala Lauwo died in 1996, reportedly at the age of approximately 125 years, though some scholars suggest he may have been somewhat younger. Regardless of the exact figure, his longevity was remarkable, and his life spanned the entire modern history of Kilimanjaro mountaineering — from the first ascent to the era of mass commercial trekking.

At Snow Africa Adventure, we consider Lauwo's story to be inseparable from the story of Kilimanjaro itself. Our lead guide, Emmanuel Moshi, who has over 200 summits to his name, often tells Lauwo's story at camp on the evening before summit night. The message is clear: every successful ascent of Kilimanjaro depends on the skill, knowledge, and dedication of the local guides and porters who make it possible. This was true in 1889, and it remains true today.

Failed Attempts Before 1889

Meyer and Purtscheller's success in 1889 was built on decades of failed attempts by European explorers who underestimated the mountain's altitude, weather, and technical challenges. Each failure contributed knowledge that the next expedition could build upon — a pattern that is common in the history of mountaineering.

Baron Karl Klaus von der Decken (1861 & 1862)

The German baron Karl Klaus von der Decken made two attempts on Kilimanjaro in 1861 and 1862. On his first attempt, accompanied by the British geologist Richard Thornton, von der Decken reached approximately 4,300 metres before being turned back by poor weather and difficult terrain. His second attempt, with the German chemist Otto Kersten, fared no better. Von der Decken's expeditions were the first serious European attempts to climb Kilimanjaro, and his reports of glaciers and snow near the equator were initially met with scepticism by the European scientific establishment. The very existence of snow on an equatorial mountain seemed impossible to those who had never seen it.

Charles New (1871)

British missionary Charles New became the first European confirmed to have reached Kilimanjaro's snow line, attaining an altitude of approximately 4,200 metres in 1871. New approached from the Marangu side and pushed higher than any previous European, entering the alpine desert zone where the first patches of permanent ice become visible. His account of standing in snow within three degrees of the equator helped to silence the sceptics who had doubted von der Decken's reports. New's achievement was significant, but the true summit — nearly 1,700 metres higher — remained far beyond reach.

Joseph Thomson (1883)

Scottish geologist and explorer Joseph Thomson passed near Kilimanjaro in 1883 during his famous expedition from Mombasa to Lake Victoria. Thomson did not make a serious summit attempt — he reached only approximately 2,700 metres on the mountain's lower slopes — but his observations and published accounts increased European awareness of Kilimanjaro and its potential as a mountaineering objective. Thomson's reports of the mountain's massive scale and the difficulty of approach through the surrounding bush country helped subsequent expeditions plan more effectively.

Count Samuel Teleki (1887)

Hungarian nobleman Count Samuel Teleki, accompanied by the Austrian naval officer Ludwig von Höhnel, made the most serious pre-Meyer attempt on Kilimanjaro in 1887. Teleki reached approximately 4,700 metres — higher than any previous European — before altitude sickness, exhaustion, and the technical challenge of the glacial ice forced him to retreat. Teleki's expedition demonstrated that reaching the summit would require not just determination but specific mountaineering equipment and expertise for the icy upper sections. This lesson was not lost on Hans Meyer.

Hans Meyer's First Attempt (1887)

Meyer's own first attempt on Kilimanjaro came in 1887, just weeks after Teleki's near-miss. Meyer reached the edge of the glacial ice at approximately 5,100 metres — tantalizingly close to the crater rim — but found himself unable to proceed. The ice was steep, hard, and unforgiving, and Meyer lacked the Alpine climbing expertise to navigate it safely. He retreated, deeply frustrated but also deeply motivated. It was this failure that led Meyer to recruit Ludwig Purtscheller — an experienced ice climber — for his successful 1889 expedition. Meyer also returned in 1888 for a second attempt but was thwarted by local unrest related to the Abushiri Revolt against German colonial rule and never reached the upper mountain.

The Colonial Context

The first ascent of Kilimanjaro cannot be understood outside its colonial context. In 1889, the mountain lay within German East Africa – a colonial territory that encompassed modern-day mainland Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. The European exploration of Kilimanjaro was not simply a sporting or scientific endeavour; it was deeply entangled with the imperial project of mapping, claiming, and exploiting African territory.

When Meyer planted a German flag on the summit and named the highest point Kaiser Wilhelm Spitze ("Kaiser Wilhelm Peak"), he was performing a deliberate act of colonial possession. The summit of Africa's highest mountain became, symbolically, German property. This naming reflected a broader pattern — European explorers across Africa renamed mountains, rivers, lakes, and regions after European monarchs and politicians, erasing the indigenous names that had been in use for centuries.

The Chagga people who lived on Kilimanjaro's slopes had their own names for the mountain and its features — names that predated European contact by centuries. The summit was known locally long before Meyer arrived, and the mountain held deep spiritual significance in Chagga culture. The colonial narrative that presented Meyer as the "discoverer" of the summit ignored the reality that indigenous peoples had been intimately familiar with the mountain for millennia, even if they may not have reached the very highest point.

When Tanganyika gained independence from Britain in 1961 (the territory had passed from German to British control after World War I), one of the new nation's first symbolic acts was to rename the summit. Kaiser Wilhelm Spitze became Uhuru Peak – "Uhuru" meaning "freedom" in Swahili. A torch was lit at the summit and carried down the mountain as a symbol of the new nation's independence. Today, every climber who reaches the summit stands at Uhuru Peak — a name that carries the weight of liberation and self-determination. Our guide Emmanuel Moshi, himself born and raised in the Kilimanjaro region, considers it a point of deep personal pride that the mountain's summit now bears a Swahili name.

First Woman to Summit Kilimanjaro

The history of women on Kilimanjaro is frustratingly incomplete. Colonial-era records focused almost exclusively on European male explorers, and the contributions of women — particularly African women — were rarely documented. No definitive record exists of the first woman to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Among documented early female ascents, several stand out. In the early to mid-20th century, as the Marangu route became established and rudimentary huts were built, women began appearing in expedition records with increasing frequency. By the 1920s and 1930s, European women were trekking to the crater rim, though summit records from this period are inconsistent and often incomplete.

What is clear is that by the post-independence era (1960s onward), women were climbing Kilimanjaro regularly. The mountain's non-technical nature — no ropes, crampons, or specialised climbing skills are required on the standard routes — made it accessible to anyone with sufficient fitness and determination, regardless of gender. Today, women make up an estimated 35–40% of all Kilimanjaro climbers, and female climbers hold several of the mountain's most impressive records for speed ascents and multiple summits.

It is also worth noting that Chagga women have worked on the mountain as porters and in support roles for decades, carrying loads and maintaining camps at extreme altitude. Their contributions, like Lauwo's, have been historically under-recognised. At Snow Africa Adventure, we are proud to employ female porters and guides and to support the growing participation of Tanzanian women in mountain guiding.

Other Notable Firsts and Records

Since Meyer, Purtscheller, and Lauwo stood on the summit in 1889, Kilimanjaro has accumulated a remarkable catalogue of records and notable ascents. Here are some of the most significant:

• Youngest person to summitRecords have been set and broken multiple times. Children as young as six and seven years old have reached Uhuru Peak, though the ethics and safety of such young ascents are debated. Kilimanjaro National Park currently requires climbers to be at least 10 years old.
• Oldest person to summitThe record has been pushed progressively higher. Anne Lorimor of the United States summited at age 89 in 2019, demonstrating that age is not an absolute barrier to
  climbing Kilimanjaro. Several climbers in their 80s have also reached the summit.
• Fastest ascentThe speed record for ascending and descending Kilimanjaro has been broken multiple times. Swiss-Ecuadorian mountain runner Karl Egloff set the current record of 6 hours 42 minutes in 2014, running from the gate to the summit and back. The women's speed record is held by Fernanda Maciel of Brazil. These records are extraordinary athletic feats performed by elite mountain runners under closely monitored conditions.
• Climbers with disabilitiesKilimanjaro has been summited by climbers who are blind, climbers who use wheelchairs (with extensive support teams), climbers with prosthetic limbs, and climbers with a wide range of other physical and cognitive disabilities. These ascents are among the most inspiring in the mountain's history and demonstrate Kilimanjaro's unique position as a high-altitude peak accessible to a broad range of abilities.
• Most summits by an individualSeveral Kilimanjaro guides have accumulated extraordinary summit totals. Some veteran guides have reached Uhuru Peak more than 500 times over careers spanning decades. Our own Emmanuel Moshi has over 200 summits — a number that grows with every climbing season.
• First solo ascentSolo ascents (without guides or companions) are not permitted under current park regulations, but historical solo ascents were made before these rules were established. Today, all climbers must be accompanied by a licensed guide — a regulation that exists for safety and that we fully support.

You can find a comprehensive overview of Kilimanjaro statistics and records on our dedicated pages.

The Legacy of the First Ascent

The 1889 first ascent opened Kilimanjaro to the world in a way that went far beyond mountaineering. Meyer's published accounts, scientific observations, and photographs introduced the mountain to a global audience. Over the following decades, Kilimanjaro became an object of fascination — a snow-capped equatorial volcano that defied expectations and captured imaginations. Ernest Hemingway immortalised the mountain in his 1936 short story The Snows of Kilimanjaro, cementing its place in popular culture.

The establishment of the Marangu route in the early 20th century, with its system of huts and established trails, made the mountain accessible to non-mountaineers for the first time. By the mid-20th century, Kilimanjaro was attracting hundreds of climbers per year. Today, that number exceeds 35,000 annually, generating significant revenue for the Tanzanian economy and providing employment for thousands of local guides, porters, cooks, and support staff.

The legacy of the first ascent is also a story about who tells the story. For a century, the narrative belonged to Meyer and Purtscheller — two Europeans who "conquered" an African mountain. The belated recognition of Yohani Kinyala Lauwo, the renaming of the summit to Uhuru Peak, and the growing prominence of Tanzanian guides and operators in the climbing industry represent a gradual but significant rebalancing. Today, the story of Kilimanjaro is increasingly told by the people who know it best — the Chagga communities who live on its slopes and the Tanzanian guides who lead others to its summit.

At Snow Africa Adventure, we see ourselves as part of this ongoing story. Our guides, led by Emmanuel Moshi with his 15+ years of experience and 200+ summits, are the direct successors of Yohani Kinyala Lauwo. When you climb Kilimanjaro with us, you are not just following a trail — you are walking in the footsteps of 137 years of mountain history, guided by people whose families have lived with this mountain for generations. Meet our guides and see the depth of local expertise that makes every Snow Africa expedition unique.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kilimanjaro's First Ascent

Who was the first person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

The first confirmed ascent of Kilimanjaro was on 6 October 1889, by German geographer Hans Meyer, Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller, and their Chagga guide Yohani Kinyala Lauwo. While Meyer and Purtscheller received the historical credit, Lauwo's essential role as guide and local expert has been increasingly recognised since the 1980s.

What route did the first climbers use?

Meyer and Purtscheller approached from the southeast via what would later become the Marangu corridor. They established camps at progressively higher elevations and navigated extensive glacial ice to reach the crater rim. The modern Marangu route follows a similar general line but with established huts and well-marked trails that did not exist in 1889.

How old was Yohani Kinyala Lauwo when he guided the first ascent?

Lauwo was approximately 18 years old at the time of the 1889 first ascent, though his exact birth date is not known with certainty. He went on to live an extraordinarily long life, dying in 1996 at a reported age of approximately 125 years. He remained in Marangu village throughout his life and was recognised with an MBE for his contribution to mountaineering history.

Why was the summit originally called Kaiser Wilhelm Spitze?

Hans Meyer named the summit Kaiser Wilhelm Spitze (Kaiser Wilhelm Peak) in honour of the German emperor, as Kilimanjaro lay within German East Africa at the time. This was a common colonial practice of renaming geographical features after European rulers. The summit was renamed Uhuru Peak ("Freedom Peak") when Tanganyika gained independence in 1961.

How many attempts failed before the first successful summit?

At least five significant European attempts preceded the successful 1889 ascent: Baron von der Decken (1861 & 1862, ~4,300m), Charles New (1871, ~4,200m), Joseph Thomson (1883, ~2,700m), Count Teleki (1887, ~4,700m), and Meyer's own first attempt (1887, ~5,100m). Each failure provided knowledge — about the terrain, the altitude, the ice, and the logistics — that contributed to the eventual success.

Did anyone climb Kilimanjaro before the Europeans?

There is no documented evidence of a pre-European summit of Kilimanjaro, but this does not mean it did not happen. The Chagga people had lived on the mountain's slopes for centuries and had intimate knowledge of its terrain. Oral histories suggest that Chagga hunters and honey collectors ventured to high altitudes. However, the extreme cold, altitude, and glacial conditions of the summit zone would have been formidable barriers without specialised equipment. The question of pre-European ascents remains open and is an active area of historical inquiry.

What happened to Kilimanjaro's glaciers since the first ascent?

In 1889, Kilimanjaro's glaciers were vastly more extensive than they are today. Meyer and Purtscheller had to navigate substantial ice fields and cut steps in glacier ice to reach the summit. Since then, the glaciers have retreated dramatically — scientific estimates suggest they have lost over 80% of their 1889 extent. Climate change, reduced precipitation, and deforestation on the mountain's lower slopes have all contributed. Current projections suggest the remaining glaciers may disappear entirely within the next few decades.

Who was the first woman to climb Kilimanjaro?

The first woman to summit Kilimanjaro is not definitively documented. Colonial-era records focused on European male explorers, and the contributions of women — particularly African women — were rarely recorded. By the 1920s and 1930s, European women were reaching the crater rim, and by the post-independence era, women were climbing regularly. Today, women make up approximately 35–40% of all Kilimanjaro climbers.

What is the fastest anyone has ever climbed Kilimanjaro?

The current speed record for ascending and descending Kilimanjaro is 6 hours and 42 minutes, set by Swiss-Ecuadorian mountain runner Karl Egloff in 2014. This is an elite athletic achievement performed under closely monitored conditions. For comparison, standard trekking routes take 5–9 days to complete — and we strongly recommend the longer itineraries for safety and enjoyment. Speed records are fascinating to read about but should never be used as benchmarks for planning your own climb.

Can I visit anything related to the first ascent today?

Yes. In Marangu village, there is a memorial to Yohani Kinyala Lauwo near the site of his home. The Marangu Gate — the starting point of the Marangu route — has a small exhibit on the mountain's history. The Kilimanjaro National Park headquarters in Marangu also maintains historical records and photographs. When you climb via the Marangu route, you are following essentially the same approach corridor that Meyer, Purtscheller, and Lauwo used in 1889 — one of the more tangible connections to mountaineering history available anywhere in the world.

Walk in the footsteps of Kilimanjaro's pioneers. Whether you choose the historic Marangu route or one of our recommended routes like the Lemosho or Northern Circuit, every summit attempt connects you to 137 years of mountain history. Check our upcoming group departure dates and climb with a team that carries on the tradition of Yohani Kinyala Lauwo — local guides who know this mountain like home. Emmanuel Moshi and the Snow Africa Adventure crew are ready to guide you to Uhuru Peak.