Testimonials 2007

Darla W. | October 2007
"The mountain was brilliant. It could not be conquered.... it could only be embraced. I cherished our shared time, giving Kili the respect, care, nurturance and consideration I would a treasured friend. On the night (daybreak) of the summit, I was used up. In a sense, I became one with the mountain and what took me to the top was much greater than me.

The mountain brought together new friendships that exposed the best of humanity. Never a whine, never a complaint, just helping hands extended in all directions. The group became more important than the self. There were no heroes, no winners or losers, just 10 very different and unique men and women.... at their very best.

The mountain was a life source for the 30+ porters and guides who thanked us daily for giving them the opportunity to provide food for their families, schooling for their children. They carried bags, barrels, buckets. tents, on their backs, shoulders and heads. They moved quickly, passing us early on the trail each morning. They set up camp long before we arrived and then filled their hours picking up litter left behind by climbers and crew of other companies. They met us with song and dance as we neared each camp, lifting our daypacks from aching bodies, giving us high 5's, guiding us to an inclusive circle of music and movement. They made it all happen, and with every challenge of every day...they smiled, our eyes and hands connecting with joy.

The mountain was what brought us to Tanzania, but it was only a backdrop to the total experience of living with the Chagga people in the village of Marangu on the Mtuy farm, carved into the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I walked with children along the creeks and waterfalls, was beckoned into shacks known as home, marveled with appreciation as women proudly pointed to their lush gardens, newborn goats, bright fabrics, or young child. Old men shared their banana beer, passing the long handled gourd from one to another... to me. I sipped, acknowledged the welcome, and handed it back. I walked through the school with its classrooms of bare walls, open windows (no glass) and lanterns for light, supplies that were limited to a pencil and a small book of blank paper. Desks covered the floor, seating boys and girls in uniform (and some without). Young faces filled the room, hungry to learn, eager to share. In this village was a feeling of hope and possibility. Under the influence of Simon Mtuy there is a sense of empowerment that is slowly replacing hopelessness... the kind of deeply felt (and not always acknowledged) hopelessness whose roots are nourished by short term generosity of the world's rich.... leaving the Tanzanians dependent, and the rich filled with the foolish belief that they are 'helping'.

Three Big Highlights: 1) Simply experiencing the culture, the country, the people. The time in Moshi was eye-opening; walks around the village allowed for interaction with real people in their real environments; the time at the school had a huge impact. Along with that, the discussions around the table and on the trail provided more insight to social and political structures, challenges, and dreams. I may have been quiet, but I was soaking it up. Still pondering; still processing. 2) Interaction with climbers, guides and staff on Kili. To me it was humanity at its best. Hikers supported each other, shared, and put others' needs before their own...over and over and over. Porters and staff were obviously valued, respected and taught to be their best with high expectations coupled with appreciation. The KIND in mankind stood out to me. 3) I have always been athletic; I have never been an athlete. This was my first experience with being totally used up, and finding a strength bigger than me to push on. I came home from Africa knowing a part of me that I had no idea existed. Without SENE and those who were in front and behind me, it would not have happened."

Gary G. | September 2007
"Hello Simon: Arrived back in the States last evening and I wanted to share with you my thoughts regarding the safari and Gerald. You have a real asset in Gerald. He was always on time, knew what the schedule was and effectively communicated each day's program with us. He was very knowledgeable concerning the wildlife and answered our questions in a courteous and professional manner. He was well organized and of good humor. All in all, I was extremely impressed with the way Gerald cared for us and was able to find the wildlife for our viewing. Bottom line: Gerald is a real professional and a highly competent safari guide. You are fortunate to have him. May your business continue to grow and prosper. Give my best to your brother Felix. He too is an extremely valuable asset. I think I expressed my feelings of Felix the night of the celebration dinner, therefore I will not attempt to do so again. Suffice it to say Felix is an incredible mountain guide, probably one of the best I have ever run into."