EXCLUSIVELY TANZANIA

  Amazing hiking around Kilimanjaro - Of all the Kilimanjaro outfitters I researched online, one stood out above the rest: Summit Expeditions and Nomadic Experience (SENE). I wanted a local outfitter so that all the benefits... read more would flow to the people of Tanzania. SENE’s founder, Simon Mtuy, impressed me. Simon grew up in the foothills of Kilimanjaro and set up SENE in 1998, after years of working on the mountain as a porter and guide. Simon is also an accomplished athlete, holding the Guinness record for the fastest unassisted ascent and descent of Mt. Kilimanjaro. He has also competed in many international trail races. I had the pleasure of meeting Simon before and after my hikes. He cares deeply about the safety of his clients, staff, and community.
Tara, Simon’s wife, was extremely helpful in setting up a custom itinerary - I would first hike up Mt. Meru as an acclimatization hike and then tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro. The Kilimanjaro hike was a slightly abbreviated version of the Northern Circuit, as I would have been acclimatized on Mt. Meru. I was delighted that some of the main crew members would be on both hikes. Godson, my guide, was my “guardian angel”. He made sure that I was taken care of every step of the way. He closely monitored my health, checked my vitals twice a day, and provided me with invaluable assistance on the summit days. Godlisten, the chef, was a magician in the kitchen tent. I had three delicious meals every day, cooked with organic produce and ingredients grown in Simon’s Mbahe farm. The morning coffee was also grown on Simon’s farm! As I arrived at camp at the end of each day, my tent would be set up, and my personal toilet tent (code name ATM!) would also be ready to take deposits! On the day of the Kilimanjaro summit, I was accompanied by Godson and porter August, who carried the Gamow bag and oxygen tank, neither of which was needed. I spent two amazing days at Simon’s Mbahe farm after the Kilimanjaro climb. The logistics were flawless from the time I was picked up to the time I was dropped off at the airport. I would have no hesitation in using SENE for my next hike/safari in Tanzania.

  Tanzania's Hidden Treasure!  - Despite being an experienced international travelor for both work and leisure, I have very few opportunities to give a perfect review. This is one of those times and I am... read more very pleased to do so. This past August, I was working in northern Tanzania and I wanted to take a guided trip to an area rich in wildlife and beauty and to learn more about this amazing country. Unlike many, I was seeking a unique experience, off the beaten path, where I could escape the crowds and experience the authentic Tanzania. I wanted peace and beauty and a gentle, education tailored to my needs. What I experienced with SENE exceeded my wildest expectations!
After explaining my interest in seeing Tanzania's hidden gems, Mr. Simon went to work, organizing all logistics and preparations while keeping me updated throughout.
I was picked up by Mr. Simon and we travelled from Moshi to Mkomazi NP. But this wasn't your typical drive. On the contrary, SENE staff and Mr. Simon had taken the time to fully understood my interests and for the next few hours I was immersed in local knowledge, traditions and natural features. Moreover, none of my many questions were met with anything but kindness and facts! Wow is all I can say. That valuable and rare quality carried thru the entire trip.
We arrived in Mkomazi and thats when the visit became truly beyond belief. Elephants, giraffe, birds galore and so much more. Any interest I showed was satisfied and we arrived at the Wilderness Retreat. Again, superb in every way. Beauty, privacy, security, education, genuine connection with local staff and rangers and Park officials. From the world class meals to the incredible, sustainable rooms to the open air dining and wildlife viewing patio, I was literally blown away. Yoga in the morning, coffee on my private deck overlooking zebra, giraffe and elephants, burd watching (I didnt need to walk more than a few meters before another species showed up, e.g. supurb starling!). Rhe walking safari and other special add-ons were worthy and a must-do!
My time was limited but SENE and Mr. Simon and the folks at the Wilderness Lodge and Park rangers allowed me to use every moment to the fullest.
The unparalled, genuine hospitality continued to my drop-off location back in town.
Bottim line: for a most unique experience in one of Tanzania's uncrowded, pristine, hidden gems, SENE is the choice I made and I couldn't be happier. I will be back with family!
A perfect trip.

  Great logistics for our scientific expedition to Kilimanjaro! - We had a great experience organising a scientific expedition to Kilimanjaro with the wonderful team at Summit Expeditions and Nomadic Experience (SENE).

Simon and Tara were warm, welcoming, and... read more very helpful in coordinating the overall planning and local logistics. Protus and the competent and professional team at SENE managed all the details of the mountain logistics, including meeting our specific scientific needs. Our guides, Jackson and Godlisten, and the porters were not only hard-working and friendly, but also went above and beyond to help us reach the summit in terrible weather conditions, and to collect and carry down heavy equipment.

We appreciate SENE’s commitment to the well-being of their staff and porters, and are impressed by their dedication to environmental sustainability.

We are grateful to SENE for taking such good care of us, both personally and professionally, and we highly recommend them to anyone planning an expedition to Kilimanjaro!