The trip of a lifetime. Salim and Becky organised a perfect 2 week experience for us including Tarangire, Ngorogoro and Serengeti. We had the best guides you could hope for, Wilson in Tarangire/Ngorogoro - his knowledge of the wildlife and their behaviours was amazing - and Joel in Serengeti - who succeeded by virtue of his knowledge and experienec in allowing us to see a migration crossing the Mara river where loads of other groups had been disappointed. Our accmodation was all excellent, the vehicles were in good condition and comfortable (well as comfortable as you can be bouncing along those roads!) and everything was organised really carefully for us. We were lucky enough to see all the species that we had hoped to see. Our children (14 & 12) also had a phenomenal time. In keeping with this company's philosophy we also had a couple of days devoted to visits to local villages in Materuni and near Lake Ayasi as an excellent counterpoint to the wildlife.

We had an amazing experience on our safari with Off the Beaten Path. From the time we arrived, it was a worry-free experience because they handled all of our logistics for us, such as transportation from the airport, lodging, and checking in for flights within Tanzania. All of the lodges and camps where we stayed were fantastic. Once we arrived in the Serengeti, our guides, Wilson and Chacha, took wonderful care of us. We were a group of 11 ranging in age from 7 to 78, and they made the safari enjoyable for all of us. I was especially appreciative of how they recognized that our little ones were getting a bit overwhelmed, and they adjusted the pace to meet our family's needs. They are so knowledgeable and gifted teachers, but more importantly, they are wonderful people who felt like part of the family during our safari. I would definitely recommend Off the Beaten Path Safaris to anyone!

There are many choices in Safari companies, but I promise you that Off The Beaten Path is the right one! The level of detail that was evident in every accommodation, every vehicle, every itinerary plan was perfection. It was clear that this company has a very high standard that I would challenge few others could match. I watched other guides in vehicles we passed look bored and disconnected. I watched how those other companies encroached on animals, did not demonstrate respect to fellow adventurers or the environment. BUT, not Off The Beaten Path. Our guides conveyed true respect for the environment and others, never comprising. I appreciated that so much and also appreciated how they shared their knowledge with us not just on the animals, but about the environment, the culture, the history of the land, the people. Our guides were the glue, they held it all together. And they did it flawlessly. They expertly navigated so many personalities, and drew each person into connection, making everyone feel included. That was a gift! It was obvious that how the company is run supports the guides so well that there is a visible freedom from them to operate from a place of joy and passion. Special shout out to owner Salim who extended an extra personal touch by joining us for a few days and checking on and engaging with our group. And special shout out to my favorite guide Humphrey. He was just the best. I laughed so much at his crazy stories, deciphering what was "google" accurate and what was not. 😉 The knowledge in that man's head is astounding. We were able to see so many animals, the migration, the babies, the predators... the landscape, the vistas, the savanna, the bush, the mountains, all so breathtaking. I honestly can't say anything was missing in our experience. A favorite during the trip was our day in the Crater. It was like stepping into a hidden biosphere. It is a must. Don't miss it. All together, this is top 2 trips of my life. I can't wait to go back. I know that for many, cost is key. Yet there are things in life that you should just go all in for and not compromise the quality, and this is one of those things. Don't compromise, honor you bucket list, GO BIG and trust Off The Beaten Path. You will NEVER regret it!!!!

Salim and his team are A++. If you want to work with a local company with extraordinary service, look no further. The guides were wonderful, everything operating on schedule and without a hitch. We stayed in great places- and Salim really listened to what we wanted and helped create a trip which matched (or exceeded) what we were looking for perfectly. We went to Tarangire and Ngorongoro on Safari and saw tons of animals. We also hiked up Kilimanjaro with off the beaten path. Our guide had hiked Kilimanjaro over 500 times and was expert, and the team were incredibly nice, warm, festive and helpful! We recommend them 100%.

Just finished a trip to Tanzania with Off the Beaten Path, in December 2023, and it was truly exceptional. The focus was wildlife and photography, and they immersed us in the natural beauty of Tanzania, and made every aspect of this journey easy. Our primary guide, Wilson, was attentive, knowledgeable, and navigated all terrains expertly. The fleet of vehicles at OTBP is meticulously maintained, and they are very well-organized. Our itinerary was customized to our particular interests, and our accommodations were consistently top notch. The OTBP staff were all warm and welcoming - we saw how beloved they are by the community in Arusha, and all along our journey through Lake Natron, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu, and the Serengeti. The wildlife sightings were simply magical throughout, and it was the trip of a lifetime. If you are considering a safari in Tanzania, I could not recommend them more highly.

This was a fantastic experience! Loved, loved, loved it. We had total 10 days of safari in Tanzania plus 2 days in Arusha. The safari started in Selous at the incredible Impala Camp, continued with a flight to Arusha where we did a detour to the waterfalls in the vicinity of Kilimanjaro during our 2-day stay there. We then started the road trip from Arusha to Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti from where we later flew to Zanzibar. Off The Beaten Path Safaris team organised all camp/lodge/hotel and flight ticket bookings within mainland Tanzania and helped with the itinerary planning. Jacqueline from the office in Arusha was very helpful, friendly and prompt to respond. The owner Salim was very kind to meet and greet us personally in Arusha during our stay there. It was a very nice touch. The real treat, however, were the incredible driver guides. We were accompanied by 2 brilliant guides: Wilson and Joel in Selous and later on by Wilson alone during the Northern Parks safari circuit. I don’t have enough words to praise our guides’ geographical and nature knowledge! Every drive with them was like immersing ourselves in an encyclopaedia or a National Geographic movie! Their depth of knowledge and narration skills are incredible, and they were so very engaged with us all the time! I still want to especially mention Wilson who was with us alone in the Northern parks - he is the GUIDE by vocation, born to be. Such a great personality, too. And his off road driving skills are mind blowing! We felt very sad to part from him on our last day in Serengeti, had so much fun together. If you are in search for a safari agency for Tanzania, look no further. Off The Beaten Path Safaris is the best and right choice. You will see the Big Five and any other animal spotting wishes you have will be made come true. This company want you to enjoy your time in Tanzania and you will have the best time.

In September 2023 my husband & I took our 3 adult children and 2 spouses to Tanzania for a 4-day safari then to 4 days in Zanzibar. We took a side trip to Kimemo Coffee Plantation on our first day, where owner Denise Bannister gave us a wonderful tour and explained all the stages of coffee production, followed by a delicious lunch- thank you, Denise! Mr. Salim Mrindoko, owner of Off The Beaten Path Safaris, planned our custom luxury tour. We initially had 2 guides, Wilson & Joel, who were incredibly informative (think "talking encyclopedias) and fun. They found every animal and taught us about each of them, as well as every plant, tree, and mound. They both seemed to have a sixth sense of where to find the animals, and this continued each day. On our fourth day we were given an additional guide, Humphrey, who drove us in an open-air vehicle, which was another adventure. He got us close to the river bank to see the wildebeest crossing, after only a brief 10-minute wait, incredible! These guides were AWESOME! We arrived as visitors but left as friends and extended family! Our next stop was Zanzibar, where Mr. Mrindoko arranged another guide for us- Muhammad met us at the airport and took us to our hotel, while telling us our options. Muhammad took us snorkeling one day and to a spice farm, where he gave us an extensive history of how to grow and use the spices we see every day in our kitchens. The tour was so interesting that we were sorry when it was over. We visited Stonetown and took a tour of a former slave market, which was a sad part of our history. We finished at a marketplace where we picked up a few things to bring home. This safari trip has become our unanimous #1 vacation spot, thanks to Mr. Salim Mrindokoand Off The Bearen Path Safairs! Salim's attention to detail made all the difference- our accommodations were charming, our guides were welcoming, informative and fun, and the food was delectable- we couldn't have asked for anything more! If you are thinking about taking a trip like this, Off The Beaten Path Safaris will give you the PERFECT experience!!

Our recent safari with Off the Beaten Path Safaris in Tanzania was truly the trip of a lifetime with the perfect mix of adventure and luxury. Having traveled extensively, my husband and I can confidently say that this experience surpassed them all. Wilson, Joel, and Humphrey, our guides, were not just experts in their field but also became cherished friends and family. Their encyclopedic knowledge and unwavering passion for wildlife enriched every moment. They left no stone unturned in providing us with a 5-star, custom-tailored journey. From witnessing the Big Five and the Great Migration to encountering every animal on our wishlist, the safari was nothing short of magical. Salim also coordinated a memorable weekend for us in Zanzibar, introducing us to the beautiful island with the help of a wonderful local guide, Mohammad. Salim and his team orchestrated a personalized, private safari, booking unbelievable accommodations and ensuring we felt like cherished guests throughout. This was more than a safari; it was a life-changing experience we'll forever treasure. Off the Beaten Path Safaris, Salim, and the remarkable team have set a new standard for adventure and hospitality. Highly, highly recommend!

Family vacation. Salim and Off The Beaten Path Safaris helped us put together a 4 day safari which included Ngorongoro Crater and Central and Northern Serengeti. They also helped arrange a coffee farm tour and 4 days in Zanzibar. Very easy to work with. The safari was like being live in a National Geographic video. The guides - Wilson, Joel and Humphrey - were absolutely wonderful and became part of our family. We saw the Big 5, wildebeest and zebra river crossing, herd of elephants crossing the road around our vehicles, lions walking along the road, and many other animals. The accommodations were excellent. I would recommend Offthebeatenpathsafaris to anyone interested in an amazing safari experience.

This company was recommended in a Facebook group, and I was very glad I took the leap and booked the solo trip! I'm a birder and wannabe photographer, and we started in Arusha and ended in Northern Serengeti. During the booking/planning, they were very communicative, and gave me options of places to stay, and insights into pros and cons of different itineraries. It wasn't "here's what we do, take it or leave it" like bigger companies might be. It was more work for both parties, but appreciated. I was super sick with a sinus/inner ear infection when I arrived, and they made every attempt to get me the supplies I needed! The places we stayed were varied, which was nice, and my guide was knowledgeable and very good at handling the safari vehicle! He knew how to get us in position for good photos, how to anticipate animal movements, and lighting. They make it impossible to leave without decent pictures. As sick as I was, there were days many photos were crooked and blurry, but I still ended up with some. Safaris are very sedentary (you pretty much can't leave the vehicle) but we were able to go "off the beaten path" and get out of the vehicle for lunch and to stretch our legs, which was a treat. I look forward to going back when I am healthy, and can enjoy it! But even sick, they made it a great experience- that says a lot!

We just returned from the most amazing experience with Off the Beaten Path Safaris. From the moment we contacted the office, Salim, Jacqueline, and Becky were helpful and responsive. They worked within our budget to create an incredible trip for us, and maintained contact until and during our trip, answering any questions that came up. When we arrived in Arusha, we were met at the airport by Salim and Zainabu who transported us to our hotel for the night. They were both so friendly and welcoming, and made us feel right at home after a long flight. The next morning, we flew to the Serengeti where we met our guide, Wilson. One of the first things he said to us was "This is a family trip, and over the next week, I will become one of your family." And that, he did. He is warm, funny, and welcoming. He was great with our kids. We so enjoyed our time with him. Wilson is so knowledgeable, and could answer all of our questions and provide us with so much information about any birds and animals we saw. He really did take us "off the beaten path," away from all of the other vehicles, where we got to be very close to animals, even tracking a lion as he pursued prey. One day, we had lunch under a beautiful acacia tree and another, we ate on a hillside with thousands of migrating Wildebeest and Zebras in the distance. It was truly magical. Our luggage didn't make it from our connecting flight to JRO, and Salim and Wilson went to great lengths to get it to us in the Serengeti. I am sure that was no small feat, but we were able to get our luggage the same day as KLM got it to JRO. The accommodations chosen by Off the Beaten Path were great, and a few were spectacular and so memorable. We had one issue where a newer lodge put us in a room that hadn't been finished, and we didn't feel safe staying there. We contacted Salim, and he and Wilson worked to get us into a much nicer room. Any concerns or issues we had, they were responsive and took care of things. The last few days of our trip were spent in Zanzibar, which was beautiful. OTBP set us up with a guide there, too, and selected very nice hotels and rooms for our stay. We feel so fortunate that we chose Off the Beaten Path for our Tanzania experience, and will forever hold these incredible memories and wonderful people close to our hearts. In talking with other travelers during stays at different lodges, we really feel that our experience with OTBP was the best. Thank you, Off the Beaten Path Safaris, for planning such an incredible trip for us!

It’s simple. Go with Offthebeatenpathsafaris. No question. End of story. Words cannot adequately explain how fantastic our safari was. From planning to execution, it was a 5-star experience without breaking the bank. Let’s start with the planning. Offthebeatenpathsafaris kept us thoroughly engaged from the start. It started with a simple “what are you looking to do, how long? How many people? Etc”. As we provided details of our ideas, they asked thoughtful questions to refine our itinerary. We expressed our concern regarding keeping our 10-year-old daughter interested, after all, 10 days of safari and travel without an iPad could be taxing for her!). The draft itinerary looked great to us, but we were new to Tanzania so more questions ensued. After some additional adjusting, Offthebeatenpathsafaris provided us with our final itinerary for approval. WINNER! The coordination didn’t stop here. Offthebeatenpathsafaris helped facilitate all aspects of our travel including answering questions about air travel and visas. They even provided a guide for tipping in Tanzania, something that reduced our stress. The day finally came, we landed in Tanzania bright and early and were welcomed by the staff with open arms. And so, the adventure begins. The accommodations. Absolutely fantastic. They ranged from more rustic where we had zebra and elephants in our camp, to a high-end spa like resort all with a charm that made each place seem like home. individual cabins, a high in the sky tree lodge/tent, canvas tents at the edge of the park. The staff at each of the camps were also 5-star caliber. They attended to our every need and entertained us with stories and friendly companionship without ever feeling overwhelmed. Upon arrival our lodging for the night, we were greeted by the staff, often Massai, to take our bags and whisk us to the welcome area. We were offered a drink and introduced to the staff who would be helping us during our stay. Sometimes, we were greeted by song and a warm towel to cleanup. Pure hospitality. The food. Oh my. The food. There was so much of it. A symphony of flavor and spices in every dish. Mango to die for. Chicken that was so tender it fell off the bone. Much of the food was buffet style, but at arrival, the staff would ask if you had any food allergies or dietary needs. Our family is interesting as I am a pescetarian (fish and vegetables only), my wife doesn’t eat fish, and my daughter is still a picky eater at 10. There was never a time or place where any of us had any shortage of fantastic food. Our guide. Perhaps the most important part of our in-country experience. The right guide can make or break a trip. Humprhey was, without question, the right guide. As mentioned earlier, our 10-year-old’s happiness and comfort was a priority. She can be shy around new people, but from the start he made her feel comfortable. He engaged her in conversations and had her laughing often. She would ask questions and proudly helped spot the animals with him. We understand, as should you, that the animals you will see on safari is partly luck. Not everyone will see a cheetah or leopard due to their reclusiveness. However, Humphrey leveraged his incredible knowledge of the parks, his prowess with the other guides, and networking skills to make our odds of seeing things pretty darn good. We saw 30+ lions, hundreds of elephants, giraffe, zebra, gazelle, impala, wildebeests, monkeys, buffalo, dozens of types of birds, and even cheetah on a hunt and THREE leopards. My daughter and I both had DLSR cameras and took over 5000 photos combined to prove it! Humphrey proved to be helpful to other guides. More than once guides from other companies called upon him assistance. Whether it be directions to get out of the bush when they were lost or to answer a question about the animals themselves. Humphrey knew the answers. For every bird, cat, or any other animal we saw, he was able to give us interesting information. It may be how the zebra works to spook the impala being hunted by the cheetah, how the lions grow up and get kicked out of the pride, or some tidbit about any of the birds we saw. All fascinating stuff. He was like an encyclopedia of information, but was able to talk with us, not at us. Everything about Humphrey was top notch. He was extremely personable and in a very short time, he became a friend. We hope he and his family can visit America someday so we can show them around. Of course, the animals. Wow. Kudos to the planners at Offthebeatenpathsafaris and Humphrey on this one! We started strong right out of the gate going to Tarangire Park (aka Elephant Paradise). This didn’t disappoint! Elephants everywhere and up close! We later found out that this was part of the plan to make sure our daughter saw something right away to keep her interest high. This was a homerun. We then entered Ngorongora Conservation Area including the Crater. More animals everywhere! Lions, baboons, elephants, birds, etc. Everywhere. Humphrey navigated the expansive terrain without the hint of a wrong turn. He was extremely patient with us waiting for a lion’s yawn or an elephant spraying of water from their trunk. Then there was the Serengeti. The great migrations, zebras barking in the waterhole, lions in trees, cheetahs on the hunt, lions on the hunt, hippos in a pool, and leopards in the trees. Two months after we’ve returned, I still struggle to absorb all that we experienced. On top of the safari side, they also provided a cultural experience. On day one, we spent time at an orphanage that Offthebeatenpathsafaris supports. It’s an orphanage of 200+ kids with some tragic stories. We were able to bring a donation of clothing and each kid smiled from ear to ear at our gifts. We visited with the bushmen and saw how they live in the bush, we even got to go on a hunt with them! While visiting another tribe, we were able to see their metalworking shop. Right in front of our eyes, they melted scrap metal and formed it into an arrow tip. They also made jewelry. Lastly, we went to a few different markets. A traditional food market where spices, fruits, and grains were sold. The other was a massai curio market that had local items for sale. Lastly, Offthebeatenpathsafaris is a locally owned and operated company. Based in Arusha, Tanzania, they are supporters of a variety of causes both humanitarian and environmental. They give back to the community that they live in, and they do it with pride. It is safe to say that going on a safari can be a great experience. If you decide to have a life changing adventure, do the right thing. Go with Offthebeatenpathsafaris. You will be glad you did! The Bartos Family Myles, Laura, and Myla

The experience was unforgettable. Truly a once in a lifetime. The guides were amazing, well worth any extra expense to have your own personal wildlife expert/driver. Humphrey and Wilson were amazing, but after talking to some others on the staff, I'm confident they are all really good. You won't make a mistake going with Off the beaten path safaris, they are the BEST!

Off The Beaten Track (OTBT) provided my husband and me (and 2 other couples) with the most incredible safari experience--even better than we had hoped for. It is, without doubt, the best travel adventure of my 60+ years and I’ve been fortunate to do quite a lot of international nature travel. OTBT's northern circuit tour lives up to its name and takes one to beautiful, isolated places that are filled with incredible nature. The birding was amazing and the vehicles were perfect for allowing multiple photographers to capture great shots. As fantastic as the nature, lodging, food and scenery was, a particular highlight of the experience was the top notch staff of guides and drivers who became dear members of our team. Their knowledge of history—both natural and societal was truly impressive. We were able to meet with different tribes people in a very respectful settings—fascinating, fun and educational. The mobile tenting stays in the Serengeti & Ndutu were wonderful--our favorite of all the good stays. We traveled in late March—during the rainy season. Possibly we were fortunate that there was not a lot of rain but it was a wonderful time to visit the Southern Serengeti because of all the birds and also wildebeest & zebra had just given birth and hence there were plenty of full-bellied predators. SO MANY LIONS! Lions in trees, lions “on honeymoon” in the swampy regions and lions taking snoozes in the shade of our vehicles. Another plus of traveling during that time frame was how few other groups were there. One of my concerns about a safari had been the vision of a "zoo" like atmosphere and hordes of vehicle crowding around some poor animal just trying to have some peace and quiet. Nothing could have been further from our experience. We were often the only tour group in a region...even in Ngorongo crater! And the lions came to US! Amazing views of incredible animals including elephants, lions, cheetahs, a leopard, a Serval, hippos --not to mention tens of thousands of antelope, zebras and myriad birds of every color. I can't think of a single negative item to share. OTBT made everything perfect for a trip of a lifetime.

Fantastic team at Off-the-beaten Path & they executed a flawless trip for us. Amazing encounters with all the charismatic megafauna. Can’t wait to return!