Tanzania Safari - anyone heard of Matembezi operator?

A friend's high school friends (we're now in our early 40s) used Matembezi for their honeymoon safari in Tanzania. I'm going to Tanzania on safari with someone who seems to favor a tour operator who has its guests stay in Western styles hotels/houses far from the bush. Matembezi seems to have more African style accommodations that are right in the bush which seems more my style (more authentic). I'm leaning towards "voting" for Matembezi but haven't really done a lot of research yet and probably need to book my flights this week (we're going on or about 12/26 for about 10 days safari; I have to attend to a biz matter after that so cannot change the length). However, it would make me feel better if I got more than one recommendation for this tour operator. Has anyone gone on safari with them? If so, what did you think?

Also, some tour operators include airfare with the safari. Matembezi does not. Any tips for getting cheaper flights? I'm flying from NYC to Kilimanjaro (althought flights to Nairobi appear to be much cheaper, even adding in a puddle jumper flight to Kili). At the end of the safari, I have to fly to Dar for 4 days of business and then someone suggested going to Zanzibar. Can I "do" Zanzibar highlights in a couple of days or does that just not make sense?

Thanks for any help!