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The Hardest Journeys Make the Most Powerful Stories.

For those who seek challenge, and choose to leave something meaningful behind.
Cold Ember brings together adventurers, filmmakers and changemakers on tough and beautiful expeditions where challenge meets purpose, and the untold stories become visible. This isn’t for everyone. But if it speaks to you, you’re probably already part of it.
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Who we are

We bring stories to life through powerful visual storytelling and expeditions

We organize expeditions where physical challenge meets responsibility. We travel to places under pressure, unseen communities, untold narratives. And don’t just witness. We carry. We give. We document.
And we invite you: adventurers, brands, and filmmakers, to become part of a growing movement that leaves something behind.
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Our Mission

#1 Adventure Means Responsibility

We take on extreme expeditions. We give back. We capture real stories.

#1 Adventure Means Responsibility
#2 Carry First. Then Act.

Wij geloven niet in afstandelijke liefdadigheid. Ons impactwerk is persoonlijk, respectvol en altijd in samenwerking met lokale stemmen.

#2 Carry First. Then Act.
#3 Stories That Travel Further Than We Do

Each expedition is documented by our in-house creators. Through film and photography, we amplify untold stories. Stories of strength, solidarity, and survival.

#3 Stories That Travel Further Than We Do
#4 Built for the Brave, built to stay

This isn’t for everyone, and it’s not meant to be. But if it’s for you, you already know. You feel the pull to go further, give more, and make it count.

#4 Built for the Brave, built to stay
Kilimanjaro: The Tribute Ascent – Feb 2026

We will carry weight. 25 kilos, split between what we need, and what we give. We will carry stories. From those whose voices are overlooked, yet whose strength defines the journey. We will carry responsibility. To give back, to tell the truth, and to leave something meaningful behind. And we will run. A lot. A trailrun of 21km at an altitude of 3500 m. Less than 48 hours after descending. Are you ready for this adventure?

Kilimanjaro: The Tribute Ascent – Feb 2026

Join US

The Adventurer's Spirit
The Adventurer's Spirit

You’re an explorer ready to push your physical and mental limits on one of the most meaningful journeys you’ll ever take.

 Be part of real impact — with your own hands.
Be part of real impact — with your own hands.

You don’t just donate. You carry gear yourself, connect directly with those who need it, and leave something tangible behind for them.

Join a collective that values depth, not ego.
Join a collective that values depth, not ego.

Train, travel, and grow alongside a team of filmmakers, athletes and adventurers who care as much as they love to explore.

Walk away with more than memories.
Walk away with more than memories.

Your journey is captured in powerful visuals and stories that live on - in a documentary, in your life, and in the lives you’ve touched.

Kilimanjaro: The Tribute Ascent

February, 2026

Our mission drives us. Every single day. Ready to face a challenge so real, it just might become your greatest memory?

Event Schedule

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Reserve Your Spot

25 september, 2025

  • Step 1
    Team kick-off & prep shoot

    Meet your expedition crew, get inspired by the mission, and capture the first visuals to set the tone for the journey.

  • Step 2
    Training & strength

    Join a full-day group training to prepare physically and mentally while documenting your effort and growth on camera. You will also receive a trainings program for the upcoming months.

  • Step 3
    Gear & Bonding

    We’ll start by fitting your sponsor gear and making sure everything’s ready for the mountain. Then, we’ll spend the weekend deepening trust and connection with your teammates through laughter, reflection, and a shared overnight experience.

  • Step 4
    Final prep & briefing, and interviews

    Gather for a final check-in, go through all gear and logistics, and record personal reflections before takeoff.

  • Day 1
    Arrival & acclimatization

    Fly to Moshi, Tanzania. Take time to settle in, rest, and begin adjusting to the altitude and rhythm of the expedition.

  • Day 2
    Briefing & final gear check

    Get to know the local guides and porters, go through the full route and mission briefing, and complete final preparations.

  • Day 3 – Day 9
    The Tribute Ascent

    Climb Kilimanjaro in porter style, 25 kg on your back. One pack for yourself, one filled with donated gear. It’s not just a climb, it’s a symbol.

  • Day 10
    Recovery & reflection

    A full rest day with great food to process the experience, reconnect with yourself, and prepare for the next challenge.

  • Day 11
    The Altitude Run

    A 21 km trail run at 3,500 meters above sea level. Not for records, but as a tribute to those who carry every day without recognition.

  • Day 12 – Day 15
    Safari, Connection & Celebration

    Celebrate the path you've walked. On the trail, in your heart, and with those who walked it with you. In the presence of nature and community, this final day is for honoring all that you carried, and all that you’re leaving behind.

Our team

Jordy
Jordy

The founder of Cold Ember. Jordy is building a movement where extreme expeditions fuel real-world impact. He turns raw experiences into honest stories that inspire others to carry more than just a backpack.

Annette
Annette

With over 24 Hyrox competitions under her belt and World Championship qualifications to her name, Annette knows what it means to push limits. In the Cold Ember team, she leads by example: setting the physical pace, supporting others through the hardest moments, and carrying far more than just her own weight.

Thomas
Thomas

Thomas is a filmmaker, adventurer, and creative force: a true jack of all cinematic trades. From concept to camera to final cut, he shapes the raw into the remarkable, giving soul to every frame.

Mees
Mees

As the founder of a growing run club, he brings people together through movement, mindset, and shared struggle. Driven, grounded, and always in motion, Mees runs with heart, and leads with connection.

Belin
Belin

Belin knows what it means to rebuild, and to keep moving, no matter what. With relentless drive and quiet strength, she turns adversity into endurance. She's the kind of fighter who lifts the whole team without saying a word.

Time to pack backpacks Join US Join OUR ADVENTURE TODAY
Only 20 spots available – reserve yours today!
Reserve Your Spot
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Kilimanjaro: The Tribute Ascent

February, 2026

Our mission drives us. Every single day. Ready to face a challenge so real, it just might become your greatest memory?

FAQ

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Have a Question?

Not finding the answer you need? We're here to help!

Aren’t you taking away jobs from the porters by carrying your own weight?
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Absolutely not. We climb with a full local support team, just like any other expedition. The difference is that our porters carry less, and we carry more. We’ve chosen to shoulder extra weight ourselves, but not at the expense of anyone’s job. Everyone on this mountain still gets paid, supported, and respected, as they should be.
What are the costs of the expedition?
carret
The price starts from €2900 (without flight, Machame 7 days route, 11 days) Each expedition has a participant fee that covers your flights (if booked with us), some gear, local logistics, guides, permits, accommodations, and part of the content production.
What packages do you offer?
carret
Base Expedition | from €2.800 | 11 days | Full expedition, guidance, local logistics. You book your own flight. Extended Expedition | €3.250 | 15 days | Includes base trip + post-expedition days (Serengeti, reflection days). Flight not included. All-In Package | from €5000 - €6.000 | 15 days | Includes everything: flight, extended program, airport pickup & return. Just show up.
Do I need to be an elite athlete to join?
carret
It is not neccessary, as long as you have resilience. Our expeditions are physically intense, yet achievable. We help you train, and mental strength matters just as much as physical.
Is this a charity project or a travel company?
carret
Neither. Cold Ember is a purpose-driven expedition platform. We combine immersive experiences with direct action, and create space for stories that deserve to be seen.
Why do you carry gear for others?
carret
Many porters work in poor gear and clothing, often under harsh conditions. We carry quality clothing in our own backpacks to donate, as a tangible act of respect and solidarity.
How is this documented?
carret
Every expedition includes professional filmmakers and photographers who capture the journey with integrity from both our team and the local perspective.
Can I partner with Cold Ember as a brand or supporter?
carret
Yes. We work with mission-aligned brands, creators and partners who want to help carry this story further visually, ethically, and sustainably. You are more than welcome to collaborate with us.
What happens with the stories you film?
carret
We turn these moments into short documentaries, visual stories, and brand collaborations to amplify the voices that rarely get heard, and to give you a timeless, cinematic memory of the journey you carried.
What do I need to pack?
carret
We’ll provide a full gear list, and some equipment will be supplied through our partners. You’ll carry two bags: one personal, one for donation.
How do you fund the gear you donate to porters and locals?
carret
Two ways: one way is by collaborating with outdoor brands and sponsorship partnerships. The second way is by raising funds for the gear we donate, but we make it easy, personal and supported. You won’t do it alone, and you'll be surprised how many people want to help once they hear the story.
Do I need to arrange my own insurance?
carret
Yes, all participants are required to have valid travel and medical insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and physical activity.
Join us
Become a part of our team and help bring bold ideas to life. Join us to grow, create, and make an impact together!