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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 Meyerwas, the story of his historic climb, and how his journey shaped the way we understand Kilimanjaro today.
 
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Portrait of Hans Meyer and the memorial plaque at Marangu Gate commemorating his 1889 first ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Hans Meyer was the first European to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro in 1889. This historical plaque at the Marangu Gate Information Center honors his achievement and marks his contribution to the mountain’s climbing history.

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.
 
Ever wondered what ‘Kilimanjaro’ actually means? Discover the theories and history behind the name in our Kilimanjaro origin article.
Portrait of Hans Meyer, German geographer and first European to summit Mount Kilimanjaro in 1889 | Kili Quests
Hans Meyer, a German geographer, became the first documented person to reach Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro in 1889, accompanied by Austrian climber Ludwig Purtscheller and a Chagga guide named Lauwo.
Portrait of Ludwig Purtscheller, Austrian climber who summited Mount Kilimanjaro in 1889 with Hans Meyer | Kili Quests
Ludwig Purtscheller, an experienced Austrian mountaineer, reached the summit of Kilimanjaro with Hans Meyer and local guide Lauwo in 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.

Discover the untold story of Lauwo, the barefoot teenager who helped lead the first successful Kilimanjaro expedition.

Vintage map of Mount Kilimanjaro showing routes, landmarks, and geography as seen in the 1990s | Kili Quests
A look back in time — this 1990s Kilimanjaro map reflects how the mountain was explored, traveled, and understood decades ago.

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.
Glacial snow and ice covering the crater rim of Mount Kilimanjaro during dry season ascent | Kili Quests
Kilimanjaro’s crater rim wrapped in snow and ancient ice — a glimpse into the mountain’s glacial past.
Dry, snowless crater rim of Mount Kilimanjaro showing volcanic rock and summit trail | Kili Quests
The exposed crater rim reveals Kilimanjaro’s raw volcanic structure — dramatic, vast, and wind-carved by time.

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.
 
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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
1889 exploration map of Mount Kilimanjaro drawn by Hans Meyer, highlighting the early summit path and crater area | Kili Quests
A legacy etched in ink — Hans Meyer’s 1889 map captured Kilimanjaro’s summit long before modern routes existed.

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.
Interpretive sign at Kilimanjaro National Park showing historical profiles of Yohani Kinyala Lauwo, the first local guide of Mount Kilimanjaro, and Hans Meyer, the first recorded European to summit Kilimanjaro in 1889.
Informational sign at Kilimanjaro National Park honoring Yohani Kinyala Lauwo, the first local Kilimanjaro guide, and Hans Meyer, the first European summiteer in 1889. Their partnership marked the beginning of Kilimanjaro’s climbing history.

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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