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OFF THE BEATEN PATH SAFARIS
OFF THE BEATEN PATH SAFARIS
5
Multi-day ToursCultural ToursPrivate ToursPhotography ToursDay Trips
7:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Full view
About
Off The Beaten Path Safaris is a locally and privately owned tour operator based in Arusha,Tanzania. The owner and fellow guides have extensive training and several years of experience in the industry. Their goals are to improve the quality of service and customer satisfaction within the Travel and Tourism industry. "Come and Experience Nature never Lies."
Arusha, Tanzania
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
Tours and Tickets by OFF THE BEATEN PATH SAFARIS
4WD Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$1,946
per adult
4WD Tours
3 days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 4 days in advance
from
$2,443
per adult
4WD Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 4 days in advance
from
$5,516
per adult
4WD Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 4 days in advance
from
$5,944
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Travelers talk about
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
101 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Becky S
Philadelphia, PA36 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
I took another trip with Off the Beaten Path Safaris and owner Salim Mrindoko. This time we visited the Northern Serengeti for the wildebeest crossing of the Mara River, Lake Natron, areas around Arusha and the Usambara Mountains for birding and lastly Zanzibar Island for beach relaxation as well as historical learning. As always this company is amazing. From airport pick up to daily excursions to return for departure they are attentive to your every need and often go above and beyond your itinerary to make sure you have an amazing experience. The words “Don’t Worry” often come from Mrindoko’s mouth and truer words cannot be spoken. There is truly no need to worry. They take care of you, give you an amazing safari experience and you will finish your safari happy but wanting to come again! You cannot miss with this tour company.
Written November 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becky - thank you for your review - we are so happy you experienced the Northern Sergengeti, Lake Natron, Usambara and Zanzibar this visit as you really got to see some Off the Beaten Path locations. We hope you will come again and bring some friends.
Sincerely, Mrindoko Salim
Written January 28, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kaleidoscopeofdreams
Los Angeles, CA117 contributions
Jan 2022
This was are 3rd safari with Mr. Mrindoko ‘s company Off the Beaten Path Safaris and he and his staff continue to get better each year. New fleet of first class jeeps. Door to door service from the time you get off the plane until you depart. Accommodations in lodges and tent camps first class. Food ; top notch including picknic lunches. True professional company that I will recommend without hesitation or reservations whatsoever. The company provides you with everything you will need for a life changing experience. Knowledgeable, friendly, cautious to insure safety, great choices for daily drives and an overall experience that can’t be compared. They will take care of everything and rest assured wiring money to them internationally is safe and secure, They will be there to pick you up when you arrive.
We visited Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, the Ndutu lake area where we witnessed two active cheetah hunts and kills. Saw the Big 5 and three black rhinos. The only animal we did not see was the serval cat and catcalls which are hard to see. You name it we saw it and so will you.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH SAFARIS spread the word and join the followers who vote it number one.
A safari for vey type of budget is available.
Safe travels
We visited Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, the Ndutu lake area where we witnessed two active cheetah hunts and kills. Saw the Big 5 and three black rhinos. The only animal we did not see was the serval cat and catcalls which are hard to see. You name it we saw it and so will you.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH SAFARIS spread the word and join the followers who vote it number one.
A safari for vey type of budget is available.
Safe travels
Written January 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy - ASANTE SANA! We appreciate your kind review and cannot thank you enough for returning with new friends to explore Tanzania with our company. We work hard to ensure all guests get the same exceptional service from Off the Beaten Path Safaris. We welcome you to return again - KARIBU SANA!
Warm regards,
Mrindoko
Written January 31, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ariel S
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Friends
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.
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.
Written December 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asante Sana Ariel for your review of our company and Wilson as your driver. We hope to have you back in Ndutu next year for calving to experience that place at its peak! Karibu tena - you are welcome again!
salim
Written December 26, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julius M
1 contribution
Oct 2020
My family and I had a wonderful time at Lake Manyara national park and the Ngorongoro Crater with Off the Beaten Path Safaris. Our driver & guide, Salim was marvellous, and our two kids really enjoyed his company and stories. Keep it up! In Lake Manyara national park we saw several animals including, buffalos, giraffes, and a wide range of monkeys and antelopes. The second day, we visited the Ngorongoro Crater, and it was breath-taking. We saw all the animals (lions, zebras, elephants, hippos, wildebeests, you name it), with ease, it is simply a different world out there. On the last day before we headed home, we celebrated my son’s fifth birthday, courtesy of Off the Beaten Path Safaris and Marera lodge staff in Karatu, to all of you, asante sana. Next year we plan to go to Serengeti national park, and we know the company to use and that’s Off the Beaten Path Safaris!!
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julius - we thank you sincerely for your review of your family safari with Off the Beaten Path Safaris. It was great to show your family Manyara and the Crater and the birthday celebration was so amazing. We look forward to another trip ... Serengeti next?
Written November 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Caro
16 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
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!!!!
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!!!!
Written March 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carolyn - all we can say is ASANTE SANA! we thank you for such an amazing review. It makes us proud and it pushes us all to work even harder with every client as we want to be the best. We will be sure to share with Humphrey and we only hope that you can return again some day! Karibu tena!
Salim
Written March 13, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim
Los Angeles, CA17 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We went on a 11 day+ bird focused safari through Arusha National Park , Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. We wanted a safari that focused on all aspects of the African environment and Off the Beaten Path delivered. We had excellent guides who helped navigate and identify the amazing volume of bird species. Along the way we saw saw so much more! Cheetahs, so many lions, a leopard, hippos, rhinoceros. Water buffalo, hyenas… so amazing. Our guides knew how to maneuver the vehicles to get us great angles for photos and be respectful of the animals. I always felt safe as we navigated this amazing adventure. We learned so much about the animals and people who live in Eastern Africa.
We stayed in lodges, tent camps both permanent and temporary. All were wonderful with delicious food. I can’t say enough about our amazing experience. I also loved the chance to spend time with the Datoga and Hazabe people. Off the Beaten Path Safaris is true to its name! Thanks to our fabulous guides!
We stayed in lodges, tent camps both permanent and temporary. All were wonderful with delicious food. I can’t say enough about our amazing experience. I also loved the chance to spend time with the Datoga and Hazabe people. Off the Beaten Path Safaris is true to its name! Thanks to our fabulous guides!
Written March 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim and Todd - Asante SANA! We had the most amazing time on this bird-focused safari with your group. The pure love of nature, birds and animals by everyone in the group was exhilarating! We thank you kindly for this kind review - the guides all appreciate your kindness as well. Please continue to be an ambassador for Tanzania and Off the Beaten Path! Karibu sana and tena!
Salim
Written April 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HamNaTa
Hamburg, Germany118 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
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.
Written November 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so very much! We are so happy to be able to make your dreams come true in Tanzania! Wilson and Joel are amazing and we are so happy you had the best time with them in Selous and the northern Circuit. Thank you for trusting us to plan and deliver your safari to the two of you! Karibu Tena - you are welcome again!
Sincerely,
Salim
Written November 14, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daphne T
7 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
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!
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!
Written July 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daphne - thank you for trusting us to take care of your travel to Tanzania on safari. We know how important a safe and fun family trip was for you and we are proud that we accomplished that for you. We treasure Wilson as a guide and we are so very happy that you loved him as much as we do! We hope that one day you will return and in the meantime we will continue to work hard at providing every client with exceptional service. Sorry (ok we really are not sorry) that August did get to see a spitting cobra! 😂
Sincerely,
Salim and Becky
Written July 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kaitlin R
Boston, MA24 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
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!
Written October 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaitlin—Thank you thank you thank you! Wow this review is just amazing - it makes us smile so big to hear such great things about our team and that you and your family enjoyed the trip so very much! We look forward to sharing this feedback with the entire team. Asante SANA!
Salim
Written October 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James M
Birmingham7 contributions
Aug 2022
AWESOME! AMAZING! FANTASTIC! Off The Beaten Path Safaris delivered the trip of a lifetime that included all the superlative adjectives. We did a 10-day trip to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Ayesi and Salim & his staff did a superior job taking care of us the whole way. Our guides, Godson, Wilson, Joseph, Joe and Humphrey, were each erudite scholars of their craft and exhibited a tremendous depth of knowledge. Salim arranged the wonderful trip that indeed included some "off the beaten path" destinations. A very fun and friendly trip. Highly recommended!
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamey - thank you kindly for your review and comment on the amazing guides. We cannot do our job well without the most amazing guides to execute your adventures. We are so happy you and your group enjoyed safari and we cannot wait to see you again! Karibu tena - you are most warmly welcomed again to Tanzania!
Written August 31, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience