Image courtesy Marangu Hotel
Kilimanjaro 2027
Following Leonard Kephart, a century later
On August 30, 2027, I plan to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, one hundred years after Leonard Kephart’s historic ascent. I’ll follow the same route as Kephart, now known as the Marangu route, and document the trek through photography and writing.
The story behind the climb
Leonard Kephart, the son of writer and conservationist Horace Kephart, was in Africa conducting agricultural research when he became the first American to summit Kilimanjaro.
His expedition journal offers a vivid account of the experience. He and his companion wore coats and pith helmets, pulled wool socks over their hands, and spent a night in a cave near the summit. The final hours were exhausting.
Leonard wrote:
“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.”
His words and photographs are the starting point for my own journey.
Be part of the journey
I’m seeking partners who share an interest in outdoor adventure, photography, history, and storytelling to help bring this project to life.
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.