Learn to breathe with an ocean that is struggling to breathe itself.
Dates
10-03-2026 | 14-11-2026
Duration
12 days
Group Size
2 -12
Max Altitude
-
Difficulty
Accessible
Impact Partner
Coral reef restauration project
Payment Schedule
Deposit of €450,- to secure your spot
Zanzibar’s reefs are bleaching fast, yet some coral still holds on.
This mission takes you into that fragile world: diving with conservation teams, tending coral gardens.
Freediving lets you witness the reef in its rawest form.
And when feeling as one with the ocean, join us for some magical raw dives in the untouched underwater world around Pemba Island.
A mission for people who want to do more than watch.
This expedition wouldn’t exist without Braze — a small team doing quiet, essential work in the Himalaya.
They bridge climbers, guides, and local projects, proving that meaningful impact starts long before the first step on the trail.
of technical gear donated to climbers in Nepal
raised to support and train local guides
receiving new mountain equipment and education support
unused gear re-circulated through local partners
published after each expedition
Arrival in Zanzibar & Transfer to hotel
Arrive at Zanzibar International Airport and transfer to Stone Town. Check into your hotel, explore the historic alleys, and enjoy a quiet evening before the expedition begins.
Conservation dive 1 and 2
First two conservation dives, focused on reef awareness and responsible diving practices.
Conservation dive 3 + 4
Continuation of conservation diving. More time underwater, building confidence and understanding of the local marine ecosystem.
Resting day
A full rest day to relax, explore the area or enjoy the beach.
Freedive couse: day 1
Introduction to freediving: breathing techniques, safety, and basic depth work.
Freedive course: day 2
Progression in freediving skills, focusing on technique, relaxation and underwater awareness.
Freedive course: day 3
Final freediving day, consolidating skills and experiencing longer, calmer dives.
Rest day
Another rest day to recover, reflect and enjoy Zanzibar at a slower pace
Fly to Pemba Island + Dive 1 and 2
Transfer to Pemba Island. First two dives in one of East Africa’s most pristine and challenging dive environments.
Pemba island dive 3 + 4
Further exploration of Pemba’s reefs, known for strong currents, steep walls and rich marine life.
Relaxation day
Rest day on Pemba Island to recover from diving and enjoy the island environment.
Transfer back to zanzibar/mainland
Return to Stone Town and fly home, or continue your journey on the mainland.
Our storytelling is simple: we document the human side of this mission: the rangers, the moments, and the quiet reality of a reef in transition. You’re never required to be on camera, but you naturally become part of the atmosphere we capture along the way.
Expedition leader
Jordy built Cold Ember by scouting routes himself first, from Kilimanjaro to Everest Base Camp and now the Tien Shan. On this expedition, Jordy keeps the overview, makes the on-mountain decisions and ensures the group moves safely and steadily.
He also films the quiet moments that make this journey worth remembering.
See what's included in our price
Dates: 10 Mar 2026 & 14 Nov 2026
Dates: 25 Feb 2026 & 31 Oct 2026
Return flight Zanzibar ↔ Pemba Island
3 nights accommodation on Pemba (shared rooms)
4–5 nights accommodation on Zanzibar
Daily breakfast
All local transport (private cars & boats)
3 days of diving at Misali Marine Reserve (6 dives total)
Coral restoration activities with local marine teams
Marine park & conservation fees
3 days of freediving training with certified instructor
Mangrove planting day at Kisakasaka community
Cold Ember expedition coordination
Daily briefings and safety support
Professional photos & candid expedition footage
Impact contribution to local conservation projects
International flights to/from Zanzibar
Lunches & dinners (we keep this flexible to support local restaurants)
Diving equipment rental
(BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins — available on-site)
Personal travel insurance (mandatory, with diving coverage)
Optional activities (kitesurf lessons, snorkel add-ons, massages, etc.)
Alcoholic drinks
Visa on arrival (if applicable)
Tips for local staff (optional but appreciated)
To confirm your spot, a deposit is required (€650,-)
The next €900 is due four months before departure, and the remaining €1950 two months before departure
Once everything is checked and ready, the adventure begins.
All payments are made directly to Cold Ember in euros.
You’ll receive a digital invoice and confirmation after each payment.
A full refund is available within 48 hours of booking.
After this period, your spot is confirmed and non-refundable, as we begin securing permits, staff, and logistics.
Travel insurance with high-altitude coverage (up to 6,000 m) is mandatory.
Your policy must include emergency evacuation and medical treatment.
If the expedition is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances on our side, you receive a full refund or the option to move to a new date.
Booking is simple.
Choose your desired period, add extra add-ons if desired, fill in your details and secure your spot with the deposit after checkout.
You’ll then receive:
a confirmation email
the pre-expedition information pack
your 8-week preparation guide
access to the participant WhatsApp group
We’re here to help at every step, if you have questions before booking, just reach out.
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.
We choose to carry a significant load (around 20–25 kg) to better understand the reality of porters. It’s not about replacing their jobs—it’s about empathy, respect, and authentic storytelling.
You have the option to carry part of the load yourself, and many participants choose to do so to better understand the porters’ reality. But you should never feel obliged to push beyond your safety. Our professional porters are always there to take over if the weight becomes too heavy, ensuring the experience stays safe and respectful.
The expedition price covers all on-the-ground logistics: guides, porters, accommodation on the mountain, meals, permits, and our impact contribution. International flights and personal gear are not included. A clear cost breakdown is provided before booking.
Beyond Kilimanjaro, we plan to offer additional adventure + impact packages, such as hikes combined with Zanzibar activities (kite surfing, diving, cultural immersion). These will follow the same philosophy: experience + storytelling + local impact.
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.
Neither in the traditional sense. We’re a hybrid: an expedition & storytelling platform. That means every trip is designed to be both a transformative adventure and a film/documentary project, with a clear local impact.
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