Lisa35

The point that concerns me is not knowing if it is a reliable company – what will happen when I arrive there? Morally I feel that every time that we purchase a trip, or we deal directly with a hotel overseas via the internet we are eliminating jobs in the United Sates

hetismij

But you are providing jobs in countries which need them if you book with ;ocal operators in the countries you wish to visit. Given how much more wealthy the US is than any country in Africa then I can't see the moral problem.
If you want to keep your dollars in the US then stay in the US.

SandraJoy

We just came back from Tanzania...I worried, too about the company's reliability....but they were great and we had a wonderful time. About the jobs in the US...yes, that is a concern, but the companies in the middle (travel agent, africa tour company, and then the ultimate provider in Tanzania) all take their commissions which are hefty...and in the end, you can get a much better and more personal safari with a local provider.

Many Foderites will give you names of their tour companies..and there are many sample itineraries on this site.
So good luck. The company my husband and I used is Warrior Trails Ltd. based in Arusha. Their contact is [email protected] and their web site is www.warriortrails.com.

cw

Lisa35,

If you're concerned, make your reservations through a U.S. travel agent--then they will book directly with the in-country provider. I'm a bit puzzled by your question. By definition when traveling abroad you are not spending money in your home country. So your concern is about commissions for travel agents?

It's difficult to follow the "buy American" policy with many items. I would think the moral dilemma may be greater for you on other, more expensive, items--electronics, cars, oil etc.

atravelynn

Can't assist with your moral dilemma, but on the reliability concern:

Is the company listed in any travel books, such as Frommers?

Is it a member of TATO, for TZ based companies? Check member directory at
http://www.tatotz.org/

On this site, LyndaS created a great index that includes operator names.
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...port-index.cfm

Is there independent press about the companies?

Will they give you references? Then call those references.

You can post the names of companies you are considering here and get feedback.

To keep Americans employed you can buy all new safari clothes locally, maybe new duffels too, upgrade all your camera gear from a nearby camera place, buy binocs for everyone in your party from one of those outdoorsy-hunting stores, support your medical community by getting all your shots, purchase a library of reading material from a neighorhood bookstore, take a cab to the airport and fly there on a US carrier, then post-safari develop your photos back at the nearby photo place, and meet your friends at the coffee shop down the street to show them your album, which will make your friends want to go and the process repeats.

Good luck!