Climbing Kilimanjaro for a Cause: Elke Stap Doet Rijzen

Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is an achievement you'll remember for the rest of your life. But what if every step towards the Roof of Africa could also help create opportunities for others?

In February 2027, Genes Adventures will have the privilege of guiding a very special Kilimanjaro expedition: Elke Stap Doet Rijzen, a Dutch fundraising initiative by GIST Foundation.

This climb isn't just about reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres. It's about using one extraordinary personal challenge to help make a lasting difference in Tanzania.

From Kilimanjaro to a Bakery in Arusha

The goal behind Elke Stap Doet Rijzen is both practical and inspiring.

Funds raised through the initiative will contribute towards a new bakery project in Arusha, where vulnerable mothers will have the opportunity to learn professional baking skills and work towards a more independent future.

The bakery will also help provide fresh bread for street children supported through a local food programme.

Before starting their Kilimanjaro climb, participants will visit the Mama Kevina Hope Centre in Same, where GIST Foundation has previously supported the establishment of a bakery and training centre.

Here, young people and adults with physical or mental disabilities are given the opportunity to learn the baking profession and develop skills for their future.

It means participants won't just hear about the impact their efforts could have — they'll first have the opportunity to see what a similar project has already achieved.

Taking on Kilimanjaro Together

After visiting Same, the group will take on their own challenge: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route.

Over six days, they will make their way through rainforest, moorland and alpine desert before attempting to reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.

Genes Adventures will organise and guide the complete mountain expedition in Tanzania.

Our experienced local guides and mountain crew will accompany the group every step of the way, providing the professional support, knowledge and encouragement needed throughout the climb.

And on Kilimanjaro, there's one phrase participants will hear again and again:

Pole pole — slowly, slowly.

One step at a time towards the summit.

For this particular expedition, those words couldn't be more appropriate.

More Than Just a Kilimanjaro Climb

For Genes Adventures, climbing Kilimanjaro for a cause is about much more than reaching the summit. Being involved in Elke Stap Doet Rijzen is something we're especially proud of.

We believe tourism should do more than create unforgettable experiences for travellers. Wherever possible, it should also contribute positively to the people and communities that make Tanzania such an extraordinary destination.

This expedition brings those two worlds together.

It gives participants the opportunity to experience one of Tanzania's greatest adventures while supporting an initiative designed to create skills, employment and opportunities within Tanzania.

The summit may be the destination — but the impact is meant to continue long after the climb is over.

Would You Climb Kilimanjaro for a Good Cause?

Perhaps you've dreamed about climbing Kilimanjaro for years but have always needed that final reason to actually do it.

This could be it.

Elke Stap Doet Rijzen brings together adventure, personal challenge and social impact in one very special journey.

In February 2027, a small group will travel from the Netherlands to Tanzania to take on the mountain together.

Could you be one of them?

Join Our Kilimanjaro Information Session

Curious to find out whether Elke Stap Doet Rijzen could be your Kilimanjaro challenge?

An information session will be held on Saturday, 29 August 2026 at 16:00 at Golfbaan Spierdijk in the Netherlands.

You'll learn more about the fundraising initiative, the Kilimanjaro expedition, the preparation involved and what you can expect from this special journey.

Interested in joining or simply want to find out more?

Visit the official Elke Stap Doet Rijzen website for more information and registration details:

Elke Stap Doet Rijzen

We hope to welcome some of you to Tanzania in 2027 — and perhaps even stand together at Uhuru Peak, 5,895 metres above sea level.

Van de berg, naar de bakkerij, naar de tafel.

From the mountain, to the bakery, to the table.

Elke Stap Doet Rijzen is an initiative of GIST Foundation. The Mount Kilimanjaro expedition in Tanzania is organised and guided by Genes Adventures.