Kilimanjaro 2027
Commemorating the First American Ascent · 1927–2027
“The next five hours were simply a continued effort to keep going ahead. Progress was extremely slow but at 12:50 on that afternoon of August 30 we scrambled through a notch in the glacier at the top of Kibo and stood at the top of Africa.”
On August 30, 1927, Leonard Kephart became the first American to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. The son of writer and conservationist Horace Kephart, Leonard was in Africa conducting agricultural research when he made the climb.
One hundred years later, I plan to follow his route, with the goal of reaching the summit on August 30, 2027.
I recently visited the archives at Western Carolina University to read Leonard’s African journals and study photographs from his expedition. His account brings the experience to life: wool socks pulled over cold hands, a night spent in a cave, and the exhausting effort to keep moving toward the summit.
Be part of the journey
I’m seeking partners for the Kilimanjaro centennial project who share an interest in outdoor adventure, photography, history, and storytelling.
Support can include funding, equipment, travel, or services. Depending on the partnership, we can develop:
A collection of photographs for use in your communications.
Stories and field updates featuring your contribution to the journey.
An illustrated presentation for your team, customers, or community.
Recognition across the project’s website, updates, and presentations.
I’d welcome a conversation about what we could create together.
Image courtesy Marangu Hotel
I’ll follow what is now known as the Marangu route and tell the story through photography and writing. Where locations can be identified, I hope to pair Leonard’s photographs and journal passages with contemporary views of the mountain.
Along the way, I want to learn from the Tanzanian guides and porters whose knowledge and work make these journeys possible. Their stories will be part of my account of the mountain today.
The project will bring together historical research, outdoor adventure, and a new photographic record to share through essays, presentations, and partnerships.