Who Was Hans Meyer? The First Ascent of Kilimanjaro | Kili Quests

In 1889, a German geographer named Hans Meyer became the first recorded person to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). His expedition marked the beginning of modern exploration on Africa’s highest mountain — and left behind a legacy still visible in the names of Kilimanjaro’s summit points.

In this article, Kili Quests explores who Hans Meyer was, the story of his historic climb, and how his journey shaped the way we understand Kilimanjaro today.

Who Was Hans Meyer?

Hans Meyer was a German geographer, mountaineer, and professor at the University of Leipzig. He had a passion for exploring uncharted mountains and became fascinated by Kilimanjaro — then one of the few unconquered peaks in the world.

His ambition led him to organize several expeditions to climb the mountain, each one gaining more ground until he finally succeeded in October 1889.

The First Successful Ascent

Meyer’s third expedition, which made it to the summit, included:

Ludwig Purtscheller, a skilled Austrian alpinist
Lauwo, a Chagga tribesman and local guide from Marangu
Several porters and support crew
On October 6, 1889, the team became the first recorded group to reach the summit of Kibo, the tallest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones.
This historic moment laid the foundation for Kilimanjaro’s future as one of the world’s most iconic trekking destinations.

What Made the Expedition Historic?

Meyer’s team spent weeks acclimatizing and exploring different routes
They were the first to document the mountain’s crater rim
The ascent helped map Kilimanjaro’s geography for future climbers
They reached the summit long before modern gear or support systems existed
Meyer’s expedition was not just a physical feat — it was a scientific and cultural milestone in East African exploration.

Naming the Summit Points

Many of Kilimanjaro’s key landmarks are named after people involved in or inspired by Meyer’s expeditions:

Gilman’s Point – named for Clement Gilman, a British cartographer
Stella Point – believed to be named after Meyer’s wife
Uhuru Peak – renamed in 1961 to honor Tanzania’s independence (originally called “Kaiser Wilhelm Spitze”)

While Meyer originally named the summit after the German emperor, it was later changed to reflect Tanzania’s national identity and independence.

Meyer’s Legacy on Kilimanjaro

He published several books and maps about Kilimanjaro
His story is taught in East African geography and climbing history
His pioneering climb paved the way for over 35,000 people a year to attempt the summit today
The role of Lauwo, his Chagga guide, is now also celebrated as a symbol of Tanzanian contribution to the mountain’s history

Final Thoughts

Hans Meyer’s first successful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro was more than just a mountaineering victory — it was the beginning of the mountain’s modern legacy. His journey combined science, endurance, and intercultural cooperation, with help from locals like Lauwo, whose name deserves equal recognition.

Every climber who follows in Meyer’s footsteps is walking a trail carved by history — one that continues to inspire adventurers from all over the world.

Plan Your Climb with Kili Quests

At Kili Quests, we honor Kilimanjaro’s history while helping trekkers write their own. Whether you choose the Marangu,Umbwe,Shira,Northern circuit, Machame, or Lemosho Route,Rongai route we guide you to the summit with expert care and deep respect for the mountain’s legacy.

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Who Was Hans Meyer? The First Ascent of Kilimanjaro | Kili Quests