DECKEN, KARL KLAUS VON DER Ger man explorer, was born on Aug. 8, 1833, at Kotzen. He left the military service of Hanover in 186o to explore East Africa. He reached the volcanic mountain, Kilima-Njaro, which he ascended to the height of 15,000f t., and then explored the East African coast. In 1865 he attempted to navigate the Juba river, but with three others was murdered in Bardera by the Somali, the rest of the party escaping to Zanzibar.
See O. Kersten, K.K. v. der Deckens Reisen in Ostafrika (4 vols., 1869-79)•