Testimonials | 2010
Chris H. | September 2010
"It was a fantastic experience. There is absolutely no other group you should use to climb the mountain. Because of SENE, we were the envy of every climber on the mountain. Simon, Felix and the rest of the team provided a truly premium experience in terms of professionalism, hospitality, food, logistics, and safety. Furthermore, the singing reception we received every day from the porters when we reached camp was truly inspirational, not to mention the coffee they brought us each morning in our tents! I attribute our summit success to the great team at SENE. I also used them for a post climb safari. Once again the logistics, hospitality, and guides were top notch. Everything was organized and ran like clock work. The lodges they chose were fantastic and the knowledge they provided each day during our safari drives was compelling and complete. Do yourself a favor and book with SENE and just enjoy the experience!"
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Maria V. | September 2010
"I would highly recommend SENE to anyone….their level of service, and concern for health and safety on the climb were exceptional. Their attention to the details sets them apart from other groups….every detail from transportation to accommodations to meals was taken care of so I could concentrate on enjoying myself and my vacation."
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TJ | September 2010
"The whole trip was one big highlight. From the moment I stepped off of the plane it was an experience I will never forget. SENE helped create one of those special experiences I hope to share with my grandkids one day."
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Ken C. | September 2010
"You are in Good hands with SENE, an amazing experience in every detail."
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Janet S. | September 2010
"Certainly the experience of meeting Simon and staying at his home was inspiring far beyond our expectations. Everything about it, the warmth of hospitality, meeting Simon’s parents, witnessing the marvelous use of land and resources and willingness to share all with others was a learning and spiritually moving experience. I am truly grateful and will surely share that gift of hospitality I received with others I am working with in mission."
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George A. | August 2010
"Hello Simon and Tim,
Wow, I had such a wonderful experience in Tanzania. And the key to my great experience was SENE. I can't say enough about the service that SENE provided. You truly exceeded my expectations. Having the residential compound on the mountain is a huge advantage over the other companies. Everyone connected with SENE was great and I felt very safe and cared for. Plus, you got me to the top of the mountain. Thanks so much!"
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Kelly M. | August 2010
"Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was an experience like no other. To have people constantly on your side and looking out for your well being helped me feel comfortable with my decision to chose Summit Expeditions and Nomadic Experiences as a tour company. I enjoyed the people (their energy and spirit) and I loved the food (delicious, flavorful, and inspiring). The crew really did provide a superior service! I will definitely choose SENE for a Safari the next time I visit Tanzania!"
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Summer S. | July 2010
"From start to finish, the ENTIRE trip was an incredibly positive experience. My best friend climbed Kili a few years ago and had a miserable experience - and therefore tried to talk me out of this trip! In addition, I read a lot of books/stories so I was prepared for the "worse case scenario." Instead, I got the BEST case scenario. I cannot say enough good things about Felix and SENE. Above all else, I appreciate his suggestion to change the itinerary so that we went to Moir Camp (rather than spend 2 days at the Lava Tower). I loved the fact that our camp grounds were never crowded and I always felt like we were a bit off the beaten path, and therefore having a more personal experience. The crew was fantastic and the food was terrific and all of the accommodations were outstanding. I have NO complaints!
If you're interested in climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, you are guaranteed to have a phenomenal experience with SENE."
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Lindsley G. | July 2010
"Love him, love him, love him! Gerald
made our trip. He was fun, very
knowledgeable, kind, patient and did I
mention knowledgeable. Every day with
Gerald was filled with once in a lifetime
moments. He was amazing at sighting animals and predicting their behavior. I
could write on and on about the amazing
moments he created for us! We loved
spending time with him. He also taught us
so much about the different cultures
throughout Tanzania, including information
about his own family and experiences.
Gerald is a walking encyclopedia when it
comes to animal behavior. His
interactions with everyone we came in
contact was positive and fun-loving.
Everyone knew him and he could get even
strangers laughing within one
conversation. Gerald made our trip over
the top- we feel so fortunate to have
gotten to spend time with someone as
wonderful as him!
Paschal was a wonderful person to spend
the day with. He was kind and patient not
only with us but all the people we met and
spoke with. Whenever Paschal stopped
and spoke with people, you could tell that
they enjoyed seeing him and he would
share with us what they were discussing.
His laughter and happy nature was
wonderful to be around. Paschal was very
humble about his english fluency. His
vocabulary was amazing. We also felt
very safe in his company. He had a
wonderful attitude and gave the
impression that he really enjoyed walking
around with us in the village. We learned
so much about the area, culturally and
physically. We loved sitting and talking
with him at dinner and breakfast. He was
entertaining and very knowledgeable about
Tanzania and the US. In many ways
Paschal knew more US history than we
did. He is a very intelligent, interesting
person to spend time with.
We worked primarily with Tim for planning
our trip. He was kind and patient with us.
We first contacted him a couple of years
ago. Time spent a lot of time speaking
with us (on the phone and through email).
We were unable to take the trip back then
but remembered his kindness and
patience. So when we started to plan
again we were quick to contact him. We
always felt he was honest and fair in
pricing. He made great recommendations
for our itinerary."
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Matthew T. | July 2010
"Gerald is an stellar guide and was perfect for our group. He was patient, always allowing us to stop to take pictures when asked, and sensitive to our needs/feelings throughout the trip, and extremely knowledgeable about the plants, animals, and history of the surroundings.
Daniel, the security guard is great. When I went down to the waterfall to explore he checked on me several times to make sure I was okay. He later joined me for a walk around the area and took some pictures for me.
The service provided by SENE is stellar. The company relies on extremely knowledgeable and friendly guides and local insight into the history and customs of the communities in which it operates to provide guests with exciting and environmentally-friendly trips through some of the most scenic parts of Tanzania. Our stay at Mbahe Farm was peaceful and restorative and I found myself longing to stay for an additional week. Our safari trip was exhilarating and we were able to experience wildlife in some of the most beautiful surroundings I have ever seen. I highly recommend SENE!"
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Dickson S. | June 2010
"Book your trip with SENE! I did a lot of research and based on the trip we found the best! The guide was knowledgeable and a pleasure to be with. We chose to do a 2-person safari with a focus on wildlife, photography and culture. We could not have been happier with our trip. SENE will help you to customize a trip based on your interests and group size. Don't miss the Serengeti tent camp, Lake Eyasi lodge, running with the Hadzabe or taking the time to get to know the people in Simon's village.
We knew two people who had done SENE trips and they highly recommended the company. We were able to get a custom trip for the two of us for the same price as a 12-person trip where we lost the ability to chose where we wanted to be and how long we wanted to watch wildlife."
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Lynn T. | June 2010
"Just wanted to let you know that the climb was excellent and I made it to the top. Francis, Felix, Kiplet, and the rest were terrific. I had an excellent experience with SENE. The guides, cooks, and porters were fantastic, very knowledgeable and supportive of me as a solo female client. I highly recommend SENE for all northern Tanzanian adventures. SENE provides the perfect combination of being a Tanzanian enterprise with North American support for pre-departure advice and logistics.“
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Loren H. | February 2010
"We arranged a Kili climb and Safari through SENE on relatively short notice. All of our expectations were met or exceeded. From the planning phase completely through to airport drop off, everything came off without a hitch. All staff, from Simon on down to the youngest porters were exceptionally gracious, competent, and truly interested in our trip being completely successful. Our guides, Ayumwi and Fredric, did an exceptional job of seeing to all of our needs during the climb. Their experience came through as we all successfully summited. I would not hesitate to strongly recommend SENE to anyone interested in a first class trip to Tanzania!"
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Susan M. | February 2010
"The climb was truly awesome and I can't say enough positive things about SENE–without a doubt, top notch."
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Dave S. | January 2010
"The experience was outstanding. The guides and porters were the best and they made the experience one that will never be forgotten. SENE knows how to make your dreams a reality. From the logistics of preparing for the trip to the actual climbing of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the experience couldn't have been better. This is a quality operation run by quality people."
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Hjordis C. | January 2010
"What can I say, but FABULOUS! I just got home from the safari and have fallen in love with Tanzania...especially the people (what can be more important than that, finally?....) I enjoyed every moment, which has probably changed my life forever. I can't imagine not seeing Simon again, and the farm. I did manage to summit Mt. Kili (with the help of my crew of 27!)....incredible. I was in even better shape then I thought I was! Every minute of the climb was a dream. What can be more memorable and inspiring than being welcomed by the crew singing the Mt. Kili song and giving us the high 5 each afternoon. So, I'm forever indebted to Simon and his team for making this such an unforgettable experience. Please thank him and his crew again for me!"
Click here for more testimonials from 2010.
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Testimonials | 2009
David L. | June 2009
"The guides were particularly helpful, supportive and flexible when I thought I didn't have enough stamina to continue. They suggested an alteration to our route that greatly helped. Being greeted by a song each day from the Porters was fantastic. That will always be remembered.
We wanted a Tanzanian company that was endorsed by the Porters Association and also was environmentally conscientious. SENE was great on both criteria. We also had some budget limitations and found SENE to be priced in the middle of all carriers."
Click here for more testimonials from 2009.
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Testimonials | 2008
Chris C. | September 2008
"SENE most certainly exceeded all of our expectations. I can't imagine a better safari guide/driver than Gerald. He was so knowledgeable and so entertaining too. We had a great time with him.
As far as Felix goes, I felt like we couldn't have been in better hands. That man KNOWS that mountain! And he made every step of the journey pleasant. The same goes for the whole crew.
I feel sorry for anyone who climbs Mt Kilimanjaro with any other company, because I know they are missing out. I seriously can't imagine anyway it could have been better."
Click here for more testimonials from 2008.
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Testimonials | 2007
Debbie R. | October 2007
I would say the highlight was really getting to know the guides and porters and spending time on Simon's farm, feeling more engrossed in the experience.
As far as SENE goes I would highly recommend using SENE for your trip I couldn't have imagined going with any other group, nor would I ever go back to Tanzania without calling them. Not only were they extremely professional, they made the trip feel like a family vacation. Simon prepared the entire trip for me and had everything in place not one thing did he miss. Everyone that works for the company is genuine, helpful, and extremely friendly. After leaving Africa I felt that I had more than an amazing adventure, I felt like I made new friends half way around the world!
There isn't one thing I can think of that SENE didn't do perfectly!
They are NOT just another tour group they genuinely care about their customers! They are also a 'Leave no Trace' company. Which was truly expressed when I was there climbing and all of their porters and guides were constantly picking up garbage and making KILI even more beautiful.
Click here for more testimonials from 2007.
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Testimonials | 2006 & Earlier
Laurie K.
“I attempted Mt. Kilimanjaro in late October with Simon and SENE Inc. My experience with Simon and all of his associates is truly unforgettable. Having the opportunity to stay with Simon in the village that he grew up in surrounded by his amazing culture, friends and relatives only added to the experience. We had the chance to wander around the village, observing the natural beauty and lush green that is characteristic to Tanzania. Simon took a lot of time explaining his way of life to us, which I feel makes a vast difference in the way in which an outsider views how sacred Mt. Kilimanjaro really is. Drinking coffee and fresh squeezed juice grown in Simon's gardens daily was also treat!
On the Mountain Simon and his staff exuberated endless patience with me as a first time climber, for this I will be forever grateful. Always smiling and joking around the porters only added to the climb.
I would HIGHLY recommend anyone to Simon, whether you are a first time, or veteran climber.“
Click here for more testimonials from 2006 and earlier.
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