The origin of the name Kilimanjaro is not known, but several theories exist. European explorers had adopted the name by

1860 and reported that Kilimanjaro was the Kiswahili name for the mountain. The name of the mountain is also recorded

in the 1907 edition of The Nuttall Encyclopedia.Johann Ludwig Kraff wrote in 1860 that the Swahilis along the coast

are called Mount Kilimanjaro. Although he offered no support, he claimed that Kilimanjaro meant either a

mountain of greatness or a mountain of caravans. Under the latter meaning, Kilima meant mountain and Jaro meant

caravan. Jim Thompson again claimed without support in 1885 that the term Kilima-Njaro "generally" is understood to

mean the mountain (Kilima) of greatness (Njaro). He also suggested "although it is not improbable that this could

mean" the White Mountains.Najaro is an ancient Kiswahili word for shining. Similarly, Kraff wrote that a chief of the Wakamba people,

whom he visited in 1849, "went to Jagga and saw Kima Jajeu, the mountain of whiteness, the name given by the Wakamba. Kilimanjaro..." more

correct In the Kikamba language in the manner it would be keima kyu, and this possible etymology has been popular with many investigators.