The history of women conquering Mount Kilimanjaro is a testament to courage, resilience, and pioneering spirit. From the early days of exploration to modern record-breaking feats, female climbers have defied expectations and paved the way for future generations. Join Kilisherpas Travel as we recount the inspiring journeys of these trailblazing women, celebrating their bravery and the legacy they left on Africa’s highest peak.
Who Was the First Woman to Climb Kilimanjaro?
The record of the first woman to summit Kilimanjaro’s highest point, Uhuru Peak, belongs to Sheila MacDonald. On September 30, 1927, she became the very first female climber to reach this iconic summit, inspiring countless women to follow in her footsteps.
Was Sheila MacDonald the First Female Climber on Kilimanjaro?
While Sheila’s successful ascent is widely celebrated, several other pioneering women had already made notable high-altitude climbs on Kilimanjaro before her. Names like Gertrude Benham, Clara Ruckteschell-Truëb, and Estella Latham are often mentioned in historical accounts, sometimes leading to confusion about who truly was the first woman to ascend the mountain’s main peak.
Early Female Explorers and Their Remarkable Feats
Gertrude Benham: The Trailblazer
Birth: London, England
Notable Achievements:
Born into a family with a passion for exploration, Gertrude Benham became a seasoned mountaineer by age 20, with over 130 ascents including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
She was an intrepid traveler, walking from Valparaíso, Chile, to Buenos Aires, and trekking nearly the entire length of Africa.
In 1916, she became a member of the Royal Geographical Society.
Kilimanjaro Ascent:
In 1909, Gertrude traveled across Africa, arriving in Moshi, Tanzania, and prepared for her climb of Kilimanjaro with a team of five porters, guides, and a cook.
She reached an altitude of 4,880 meters (16,010 feet) but did not summit. Her journey was marked by dramatic encounters with local legends and the mountain’s challenging terrain, including discovering the skeletons of previous explorers and facing local superstitions.
She is believed to have reached the edge of the Kibo Crater, although she did not ascend the main summit, making her one of the earliest women to attempt Kilimanjaro’s heights.
Clara Ruckteschell-Truëb: The Artist and Explorer
Birth: Basel, Switzerland
Achievements:
Studied at the Debschitz School and was a talented ceramist and sculptor.
In 1914, she and her husband Walter von Ruckteschell ascended Kilimanjaro, reaching Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, making her one of the first women to reach that milestone.
Her journey was part of an exploratory expedition that contributed to early mapping efforts of Kilimanjaro’s features.
Estella Latham: The Explorer Who Named Stella Point
Birth: Youghal, Ireland (1901)
Journey:
Moved to South Africa and married Kingsley Latham, a civil servant and mountain climber.
In July 1925, she joined her husband on an ascent via the steeper Maua route—now called the Kilema route—to avoid a smallpox outbreak.
Stella documented her challenging climb in her diary, describing the freezing cold, navigational difficulties, and her eventual partial ascent near the crater rim.
She reached Stella Point (elevation: 5,756 meters/18,885 feet), which is named in her honor. Her courage and determination made her a legendary figure in Kilimanjaro’s history.
Sheila MacDonald: The First Woman to Reach Uhuru Peak
At just 22 years old, Sheila MacDonald’s name is etched into Kilimanjaro history. On September 30, 1927, she successfully summited Uhuru Peak, the mountain’s highest point at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
Her Journey:
Background:
Born in Australia, daughter of Claude MacDonald, Vice-President of the Alpine Club.
An experienced mountaineer, she had previously climbed Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
She was an accomplished sportswoman, excelling in rowing and horseback riding.
How She Climbed:
Sheila met William West on a ship bound for Africa, who was planning to climb Kilimanjaro. She eagerly joined his expedition, despite lacking specialized climbing gear.
She braved the harsh conditions, sleeping in caves and enduring cold, exhaustion, and altitude sickness.
Her resilience culminated in her reaching the summit, where she famously celebrated with champagne—although the altitude caused the bottle to explode!
Her Impact
Sheila’s ascent proved that women could conquer Kilimanjaro’s formidable heights, breaking gender barriers and inspiring future generations of female explorers.
Records and Remarkable Feats by Women on Kilimanjaro
The Oldest Female Climber
Anne Lorimor:
Reached Uhuru Peak at 89 years old in 2019, setting a record for the oldest woman to climb Kilimanjaro.
Angela Vorobyova:
Climbed at 86 years old in 2015, showcasing that age is just a number.
The Fastest Female Climber
Kristina Schou Madsen:
In 2018, she set the record by ascending from the base to the summit in 6 hours, 52 minutes, and 54 seconds—a feat that remains unbeaten.
The Youngest Female Climber
Ashleen Mandrik:
From Brighton, England, she climbed Kilimanjaro at 6 years old in September 2019.
Despite her impressive feat, experts advise against children attempting such climbs due to safety concerns. The recommended minimum age is around 10 years old for safety reasons.
The Legacy of Women Climbers on Kilimanjaro
Women like Gertrude Benham, Clara Ruckteschell-Truëb, Estella Latham, and Sheila MacDonald have left an indelible mark on Kilimanjaro’s history. Their courage challenged societal norms, advanced exploration, and inspired countless others to pursue their dreams of reaching Africa’s roof.
Tips for Future Female Climbers
Build physical endurance through training and acclimatisation.
Choose well-established routes like Lemosho or Machame for safety and scenic beauty.
Prepare for high-altitude challenges with proper gear and mental resilience.
Consider the minimum age guidelines for children and teenagers to ensure safety.
Conclusion
The stories of the pioneering women of Kilimanjaro embody determination, adventure, and breaking barriers. From early explorers to record-breaking athletes, their journeys continue to inspire adventurers worldwide. Are you ready to follow in their footsteps and conquer Africa’s highest peak? Kilisherpas Travel offers expert-guided climbs that honour these inspiring legacies.
