Safari & Beach · Tanzania

Where every journey begins

Tanzania-based operator — built for private travellers and travel agencies. From the Serengeti to Zanzibar's beaches: one accountable partner, carefully selected lodge partners, one simple promise.

Book direct, travel better

01

Owner pricing

No agency commission. The savings typically paid to middlemen go back into your experience.

02

Trusted lodge partners

Your accommodation is arranged with carefully selected and trusted lodge partners, including Mamadunia Safari Lodge in Karatu. We only work with properties that meet our standards for comfort, service, location, and guest care.

03

Experienced multilingual guides

Professional local guides, trained for international travellers and carefully selected for their language skills, wildlife knowledge, and deep understanding of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and the Northern Circuit.

04

Safari & beach

One operator from savannah to Zanzibar's beaches. Simple logistics, seamless experience, controlled pricing.

Fewer middlemen, more accountability

Most safaris pass through 3 to 5 intermediaries before reaching the ground. Every layer adds cost and dilutes accountability. Here's why our model changes that.

Traditional model

Too many layers, diluted responsibility

01Travel agency
02International tour operator
03Local intermediary
04Ground operator
05Sub-contractors
More intermediaries = higher end-price + diluted accountability when something changes on the ground.
The Matabay model

Direct, transparent, one accountable partner

01Agency or private traveller
02Matabay Safaris — accountable operator
03Vetted partners — lodges & services
Lower friction, faster turnaround, one accountable partner on the ground. Your client relationship stays yours.

12 programs, one Tanzania

From short getaways to extended safari + beach. All itineraries are based at our Karatu lodge and run in small groups.

3 Days

3-Day Lake Manyara Safari & Mamadunia Retreat

A short but memorable adventure combining Mamadunia Lodge comfort with a full day at Lake Manyara — tree-climbing lions, elephants, flamingos.

From $538
/ person
*Based on 6 travellers
Book
3 Days

3-Day Tarangire Safari & Mamadunia Retreat

Ideal for elephant and baobab lovers. Tarangire offers one of Tanzania's best elephant encounters with fewer crowds than other parks.

From $538
/ person
*Based on 6 travellers
Book
3 Days

3-Day Ngorongoro Safari & Mamadunia Retreat

The legendary Ngorongoro Crater — one of Africa's most iconic wildlife destinations. Breathtaking scenery and peaceful evenings at Mamadunia Lodge.

From $637
/ person
*Based on 6 travellers
Book
4 Days

4-Day Tarangire & Manyara Safari Escape

Tarangire's baobab wilderness and Manyara's lush forests with flamingo-filled lake shores. Two very different ecosystems, relaxing nights at Mamadunia Lodge.

From $820
/ person
*Based on 6 travellers
Book
4 Days

4-Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari Experience

Tarangire's elephant-rich landscapes with the iconic Ngorongoro Crater. Maximum wildlife diversity with all nights at Mamadunia Lodge — less travel, more comfort.

From $919
/ person
*Based on 6 travellers
Book
5 Days
Popular

5-Day Classic Northern Circuit Safari

The ideal Northern Circuit: three major parks, back each evening to Mamadunia Lodge. Tarangire, Manyara and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater — minimal travel fatigue.

From $1,252
/ person
*Based on 6 travellers
Book
6 Days

6-Day Classic Circuit Safari (1 Night Serengeti)

Tarangire + Serengeti + Ngorongoro in one trip. Nights at Mamadunia Lodge and 1 night inside the Serengeti for maximum wildlife time.

From $1,757
/ person
*Based on 6 travellers
Book
7 Days
Best seller

7-Day Northern Circuit Safari (2 Nights Serengeti)

Our most balanced itinerary: 7 days across the Northern Circuit with 2 nights in the Serengeti. Tarangire elephants, iconic Serengeti plains, full day in Ngorongoro Crater.

From $2,178
/ person
*Based on 6 travellers
Book
8 Days

8-Day Northern Circuit Safari (3 Nights Serengeti)

A slower pace with an extra Serengeti night for deeper exploration. Perfect if you want more wildlife time and less rushing between parks.

From $2,766
/ person
*Based on 6 travellers
Book
9 Days

9-Day Ultimate Northern Circuit Safari

The Ultimate Northern Circuit with extra time where it matters most: Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Ideal for wildlife and authentic local encounters — no domestic flights.

From $2,964
/ person
*Based on 6 travellers
Book
10 Days
Safari + Beach

10-Day Tanzania Safari + Zanzibar Beach Escape

A complete holiday combining the best of Northern Tanzania's parks with a relaxing Zanzibar beach finale. Classic circuit followed by 3 beach days.

From $3,345
/ person
*Based on 6 travellers
Book
10 Days
Migration + Beach

10-Day Safari & Zanzibar — Ndutu Migration Edition

Built around the Great Migration calving season (Dec–Mar): Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, the Ndutu plains, Serengeti and a cultural day — then 4 full-board nights on Zanzibar facing Mnemba Atoll. Domestic flight included.

From $2,674
/ person
*Based on 6 travellers
Book
12 Days
Signature

12-Day Extended Safari + Zanzibar (3 Serengeti Nights)

An extended itinerary with a third Serengeti night and smoother transition to Zanzibar. More game-drive time — and 3 days on the Indian Ocean.

From $3,777
/ person
*Based on 6 travellers
Book

Rates available from 2 to 6 travellers — contact us for a custom proposal based on your group and dates.

Six steps, zero surprises

A simple process, used for every private trip and every agency booking. Fast, clear, traceable end-to-end.

01

Brief

Dates, traveller profile, budget, wishes. Short intake — no mandatory call.

02

Quote

Clear itinerary and net rates within 24–48h. Inclusions and exclusions spelled out, no grey zones.

03

Adjust

Fast iterations until the client says yes. Pacing, lodges, extensions — everything is adjustable.

04

Confirm

Deposit received, lodge and flight confirmations shared. Operational file finalised.

05

Operate

Ground delivery, dedicated guide, 24/7 support during the safari. One number, one team.

06

Follow-up

Post-trip feedback, continuous improvement loop. Client feedback shapes our next departures.

Our preferred retreat in Karatu

Just five minutes from Karatu and ideally located near the gates of Ngorongoro, Mamadunia Safari Lodge is one of our preferred lodge partners for Northern Circuit safaris.

Built in a traditional African style with red brick and makuti roofing, Mamadunia offers a warm, intimate atmosphere, beautiful rooms, an infinity pool facing the crater mountains, and a strong reputation for genuine hospitality.

We select Mamadunia for its outstanding service, excellent food quality, attentive team, comfortable rooms, and reliable guest experience. It is a trusted partner where our travellers can relax before or after exploring Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, or Tarangire.

  • Intimate lodge atmosphere
  • Infinity pool with crater mountain view
  • On-site restaurant · traditional African architecture
  • 5 minutes from Karatu
  • Ideal base for Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Manyara and Tarangire
Book a stay

What if you ended it all with your feet in the sand?

After the Serengeti plains, our 10- and 12-day itineraries take you to Zanzibar's white beaches. Same operator, same controlled price — no logistics breaks.

See Safari + Beach packages

Flights to Tanzania

There are no direct intercontinental flights from the Americas, Asia or Oceania to Kilimanjaro — the only intercontinental links are from Europe and the Middle East. For European travellers, Tanzania is surprisingly accessible.

Recommended
JRO
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Your gateway for the Northern Circuit — Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara — and for our Mamadunia lodge in Karatu. About 50 km from Arusha, where most safaris begin.
DAR
Dar es Salaam
Makes sense only if you're starting with Zanzibar before your safari, or visiting the southern parks. For our itineraries, fly into JRO.

Direct flights from Europe

The fastest, most comfortable option — no African hub connection needed.

Amsterdam
AMS → JRO
Year-round ~8h50 non-stop
Longest direct route to JRO. Overnight flight, arrives in the morning.
Istanbul
IST → JRO
Year-round ~7h10
The only year-round direct service to Kilimanjaro.
Paris
CDG → JRO
Seasonal
Brussels
BRU → JRO
Seasonal
The only direct flights to JRO from Belgium.
Zürich
ZRH → JRO
Seasonal
Milan
MXP → JRO
Seasonal
From Milan Malpensa.
Frankfurt
FRA → JRO
Seasonal

One-stop options

If no direct flight serves your city, or for better fares — connect through a major hub, year-round.

via Doha
DOH → JRO
Year-round
Smooth, efficient transfers through Hamad International.
via Istanbul
IST → JRO
Year-round
The widest European network feeding its year-round JRO service.
via Addis Ababa
ADD → JRO
Best value
Consistently the lowest fares — the trade-off is longer layovers.
via Nairobi
NBO → JRO
Year-round ~1h hop
Carry your yellow fever card — Nairobi is an endemic zone.

Booking tips

  • Book early. Airlines release their cheapest seats 6–8 months before departure.
  • Midweek departures are usually cheaper than weekends.
  • Typical round-trip from Europe: €700–€1,100 depending on season and how early you book. July–September and Christmas are the most expensive.
  • Arrive a day early when possible, to absorb any flight delays before your safari starts.

On arrival at JRO

  • Modern, compact airport — quick to clear if your visa and yellow fever documents are ready.
  • We arrange your airport pick-up and transfer to Karatu / Arusha as part of every safari.
  • One contact, one team: your guide or driver meets you in arrivals.

Plan your Tanzania trip

Tanzania is a year-round destination. Each season offers something unique — the question isn't when to go, but what you want to see.

When to visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Calving Green Season Dry shoulder Peak migration Short rains
January Southern Serengeti calving begins · big cat action +
The Great Migration's calving season begins in the Ndutu area of southern Serengeti. Vast herds of wildebeest and zebra gather on the short-grass plains. Newborns everywhere, predators on full alert. Excellent big cat sightings. Warm days, cool nights, occasional afternoon showers.
February Peak calving · best month for predator action +
Peak calving month. Up to 8,000 wildebeest born per day in Ndutu. The single best month of the year for predator action — lions, cheetahs and hyenas hunting daily. Green landscapes, dramatic skies. Quieter parks than peak July–September.
March Herds move north · dramatic skies for photography +
Calving wraps up early in the month. Herds begin moving northwest through central Serengeti. Landscapes transition to deep green. First weeks still excellent for migration viewing. Photography conditions exceptional thanks to dramatic skies and changing light.
April Green Season at its peak · empty parks, lush plains +
The Green Season is at its peak. Long rains arrive in short, dramatic bursts — rarely all-day. Landscapes at their most lush. Migratory birds present — over 500 species recorded in Tanzania. Newborn antelope, elephant calves, dramatic light. Parks nearly empty — exceptional intimacy with wildlife.
May End of rains · vibrant green plains · photographers' favourite +
End of the rains. Migration herds spread across central and western Serengeti. Vibrant green plains, wildflowers, baby animals everywhere. Photographers' favourite month for light and colour. Resident wildlife (lions, elephants, leopards) fully present in all parks.
June Dry season begins · herds move to Western Corridor +
Dry season begins. Vegetation thins out, wildlife concentrates around remaining water sources. The migration moves toward the Western Corridor and Grumeti River. First Grumeti crossings late in the month. Cool mornings, perfect dry-season conditions returning.
July Famous Mara River crossings begin +
Famous Mara River crossings begin in northern Serengeti. Dust, dramatic skies, peak wildlife visibility. Cool mornings (10°C), warm days (26°C). One of the most photographed wildlife events in the world. Book 6+ months ahead — peak demand.
August Peak migration · Mara River crossings at full intensity +
Peak migration season. Mara River crossings at full intensity. Northern Serengeti is the place to be. Ngorongoro Crater excellent year-round but especially clear and dry now. High demand — early booking strongly recommended.
September River crossings continue · best month for Tarangire +
River crossings continue. Big cats highly active. Tarangire elephants concentrate around the river — the best month for Tarangire National Park. Crisp, dry, exceptional visibility. Often the photographer's preferred month for clarity of light.
October Migration moves south · same wildlife, fewer tourists +
Migration starts moving south. Fewer tourists than July–September, same exceptional wildlife density. Often considered the best month for combined value and density. Warm days, dry conditions, dramatic dust at sunset.
November Short rains · landscapes turn green again +
Short rains begin — light afternoon showers, never all day. Herds return south through central Serengeti. Landscapes turn green again. Excellent month with fewer crowds, dramatic photography conditions, full resident wildlife.
December Herds back in southern plains · festive atmosphere +
Herds back in the southern Serengeti plains. Festive atmosphere, lush landscapes, exceptional birding. Christmas and New Year are high demand — book early. Warm temperatures, occasional afternoon showers.

Tanzania's best-kept secret

The Green Season is one of the safari industry's best-kept secrets. Here's why our most experienced returning guests often choose these months:

  • Tanzania at its most beautifullush green plains, dramatic skies, wildflowers, rainbows after showers. The brown dry-season landscapes you see in brochures are only half the story.
  • Newborn wildlife everywhereelephant calves, giraffe young, antelope babies. April and May are exceptional for family safari photography.
  • Resident wildlife is fully presentlions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants do not migrate. They stay in Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro and central Serengeti year-round.
  • World-class bird watchingover 500 species recorded in Tanzania, including European migratory birds present only during these months.
  • Parks nearly emptygame drives feel exclusive. You will often have a sighting to yourself, no convoy of vehicles around a single lion.
  • Better light for photographyovercast skies and dramatic storms produce conditions impossible to find in the dry season.
  • Roads remain passablemain park circuits stay open. Our guides know which routes work in which conditions.
  • Same exceptional service, fewer guestslodges that remain open are at their most attentive. Mamadunia is open year-round and welcomes Green Season travellers with the same standards as peak months.

Practical guide

What to pack
  • Clothingneutral colours (khaki, olive, brown — avoid bright white, dark blue and black which attract tsetse flies). Light layers: cool mornings (10°C), warm midday (28°C). Long sleeves and trousers for evenings and game drives.
  • Essentialsclosed walking shoes, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, light fleece or jacket, swimwear for lodges and Zanzibar, scarf for dust.
  • Photo gear200mm zoom minimum, spare batteries, dust protection, power banks.
  • Luggagesoft duffel bags recommended (hard suitcases don't fit well in safari vehicles). 15 kg per person limit if internal flights are involved.
Health & vaccinations
  • Yellow Fever certificaterequired if arriving from a country with risk of transmission (check the WHO list).
  • Recommended vaccinesHepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies for extended stays.
  • Malaria prophylaxisstrongly recommended. Consult your doctor (Malarone, Doxycycline). Use repellent (DEET 30%+) and long sleeves at dawn and dusk.
  • Travel insurance with medical evacuationmandatory. Distances are vast, helicopter evacuation costs $50,000 and up.
  • Bringpersonal medication in original packaging, hand sanitiser, basic first aid kit.
Visa & entry

Most travellers need a visa to enter Tanzania. The process is straightforward and best done online before departure.

eVisa — apply online before you travel (recommended)
  • Official portal only: eservices.immigration.go.tzany other site is not official. Apply directly here to pay only the government fee — third-party agents charge $20–$100 in extra fees for the exact same application.
  • Tourist visa (Ordinary, single entry): $50 USD, valid up to 90 days.
  • US passport holders: must apply for a Multiple Entry Visa — $100 USD, valid 1 year — there is no single-entry option.
  • Processing: around ten days. Apply at least 2–3 weeks ahead to be safe.
  • Every traveller needs their own visaincluding minors, who must have a separate application even if listed on a parent's passport.
  • Payment: credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard) on the portal.
  • Tanzania + Zanzibar: one visa covers both. Select your first destination on the form — you can then visit both without a second visa.
Visa on arrival
  • Available at official entry points including Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Dar es Salaam. Possible for most nationalities, but the eVisa is recommended — it avoids airport queues and the risk of being turned away.
  • US citizens: cannot use visa on arrival for tourism — the eVisa is mandatory before travel.
Crossing into Kenya, Uganda or Rwanda and returning?
  • If your trip combines Tanzania with a neighbouring country and back (e.g. Serengeti → Masai Mara in Kenya → Zanzibar), you need the Multiple Entry Visa ($100) rather than single-entry. A single-entry visa does not allow re-entry.
Before you go — quick checklist
  • Passport valid 6 months beyond travel, with 2 blank pages
  • eVisa approval printed and saved digitally
  • Yellow fever certificate if arriving from / transiting a risk country
  • Proof of travel insurance (often requested, especially for Zanzibar)
Visa rules can change without notice. Always confirm the current requirements for your nationality on the official portal — eservices.immigration.go.tz — before booking.
Money & tipping
  • CurrencyTanzanian Shilling (TZS), but USD widely accepted for safaris and hotels. Bring crisp USD bills dated 2013 or newer (older bills are often refused).
  • ATMsin Arusha, Karatu, Stone Town. Limited or none in remote parks.
  • Tipping(customary, not mandatory) — safari guide $20–30 per day per group, lodge staff $5–10 per day per person, porter $1–2 per bag.
  • Credit cardsaccepted at high-end lodges with 3–5% surcharge. Bring cash backup.
Connectivity & power
  • SIM cardsVodacom or Airtel — inexpensive, easy to buy at the airport. Passport required.
  • Wi-Fiavailable at most lodges including Mamadunia. Patchy or absent in remote camps.
  • PowerType D and G plugs (UK-style and Indian-style). Bring a universal adapter. 230V/50Hz.
Safety & practical tips
  • Tanzania is one of the safest African countries for tourism, but apply common urban sense in Arusha, Dar and Stone Town (no flashy jewellery, no phones at night).
  • Drink bottled or filtered water — never tap. Lodges provide refillable bottles.
  • Wildlife etiquette: stay in the vehicle in national parks, follow your guide's instructions, no flash photography on animals at night.
  • Language: Swahili is the national language, English is widely spoken in tourism. A few Swahili words (Jambo, Asante, Karibu) go a long way.
Time, distances & pace
  • Time zoneGMT+3, no daylight saving.
  • DistancesNorthern Circuit drives are long on unpaved roads — Arusha to Ngorongoro 3h, to Serengeti gate 5–6h. Internal flights worth considering for itineraries of 10 days or more.
  • Park hoursgates open 6:00 AM, close 6:00 PM. Early starts maximise wildlife sightings.

Information provided for guidance only. Always verify official visa, health and customs requirements with the relevant authorities before departure.

A Tanzania DMC built for your success

Matabay supports travel agencies and tour operators with tailor-made safaris that are easy to sell, easy to operate, and easy to defend with the end client. Your client relationship stays yours — we never bypass the agency.

  • Competitive net B2B rates Fewer layers, cleaner cost structure, better agency margins.
  • Fast quotations Direct operator response, short decision chain, iterations in hours not days.
  • High customization Parks, pacing, comfort level, beach extensions, special occasions.
  • One accountable partner on the ground Reliable operations, clear communication, single accountability when something shifts.
  • White-label support available Your branding respected. Rate sheets and quotation templates provided to your consultants.

Let's start with a simple pilot

  1. Pick 2–3 signature products to test
  2. Receive a rate sheet + sample quotes
  3. Pilot with 1–2 bookings
  4. We improve and scale together
Request the rate sheet

Ready for Tanzania?

A reply within 24 hours, one single point of contact, a clear quote. Two entry points depending on your profile.

Private travellers

Plan my trip

Travelling as a couple, family, or with friends. We build the itinerary with you — price, dates, lodges, beach extension.

Agencies & tour operators

Start a pilot

Receive our B2B rate sheet and quotation templates. Simple start with 1–2 pilot bookings.