There is more to leadership than knowing the mountain and guiding people to the summit. Simon Mtuy, founder and director of SENE, is a born leader. He is a leader within his community as an outspoken advocate for environmental sustainability and conservation and is sought after for his help and advice in community development projects. Simon’s leadership skills translate naturally to all SENE adventures, whether he himself is guiding a climb, bike ride, or run, or managing his hand-picked SENE team.
director of sene
As the director of SENE, Simon is dedicated to the well-being and safety of all SENE clients, and ensures that each individual’s needs are met on the mountain, on safari, on bicycle and running trips, and all SENE adventures. He looks forward to getting to know each guest individually, and to sharing his broad knowledge and enthusiasm for the natural and cultural history of Tanzania. Above all, Simon recognizes that a successful adventure is a happy one. That’s why all SENE trips are comfortable, fun, and carefully paced. He knows that the overall responsibility for the success of an expedition lies with him, and for the 20 years since SENE’s founding, Simon has owned up to that responsibility.
MOUNTAIN guide
As a licensed Kilimanjaro guide, Simon has summited Kilimanjaro more than 300 times. Over the 25 years that he has been guiding climbers up Kilimanjaro, Simon has established himself as one of the most knowledgeable, competent, and ethical guides on the mountain. He is certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR (more than 240 hours of medical training). He is an expert mountaineer, including technical rock and ice climbing, and has participated in a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) course in North America. Additionally, Simon holds a certificate from the International Labour Office as an expedition leader for the Tanzanian ranges. Simon’s mission is to make his company’s reputation the finest by delivering the highest standards of guiding while overseeing his select team of guides and crew.
ATHLETE
Simon’s ability as a world-class runner (10-time sub-24hr finisher of the prestigious Western States 100-mile Endurance Run, among many other ultra-running achievements) has carried him far from his village. Yet he has chosen to remain and build his home where he grew up. His presence is an inspiration to his community. Dedicated to break the silence of HIV/AIDS around the mountain, Simon set the world record for the fastest unsupported ascent and descent of Kilimanjaro (9 hours 21 minutes 47 seconds round-trip) to raise awareness of the disease.
friend
Simon’s tireless dedication and creative approach to problem solving has begun to transform his village and inspire hope. When asked where he gets his inspiration, Simon is quick to point to his supportive family, whom he credits with teaching him compassion, empathy, and an inability to walk away from a problem without trying to fix it. His kind and open personality has attracted a broad circle of friends who, in Simon’s words, “lead their lives by a humanitarian principle.” His personal generosity inspires generosity in others, and thus, the shared infusion of resources and energy leads to improvement in the lives of many people.