Hans Tappenbeck (born 14 January 1861, Wolsier (today part of Havelaue), Western Havelland, Kingdom of Prussia; died 26 July 1889 in Douala, Cameroon) was a German officer and explorer of Africa.

In a second expedition together with Kund he founded in the territory of the Ewondo the station "Jaunde", from that the present capital of Cameroon Yaoundé emerged.

The station was used primarily for scientific research, exploration of the flora and fauna in terms of economic exploitation, and as a base for further geographical expeditions.

E.g., from this base Tappenbeck advanced as first Europeaon to the residence of Ngrang Gomtsé in Ndumba, the at that time most influential reign of the Vutes.

With the foundation of Junda, that he – contrary to the instructions he had received from the Foreign Office – made significantly nearer to central Cameroon than planned, he quasi prepared an effective occupation of the back-country.