Wildebeast And Wild Adventures
June 14, 2025
Hello from Mabula Game Reserve!
Our trip continues to unfold in the most incredible ways, and the last several days have been packed with adventure, learning, and unforgettable moments. From the shores of Mozambique to our first South African game reserve, our group has embraced every experience with energy, curiosity, and an amazing sense of teamwork.
In Mozambique, we wrapped up our stay with a mix of local culture and ocean fun! One highlight was participating in a Mozambican cooking class. We had the chance to watch local chefs prepare Matapa, a traditional dish made with cassava leaves, garlic, and coconut milk. It was fascinating to see the process and learn about the ingredients and cultural traditions behind the food. It gave us a greater appreciation for the flavors and techniques unique to the region.
Another special moment was our final surf lesson. After several days of practice, the group hit the waves with confidence and excitement. The energy was contagious as we cheered each other on. Sutton revealed her incredible photography skills, capturing the moment with some amazing action shots that we will cherish forever!
We also had the chance to try an introductory scuba course in the pool, where we learned the basics of breathing and moving underwater. It was an awesome way to get a feel for scuba diving and sparked curiosity in many of us to explore even more of the ocean one day.
To wrap up our time in Mozambique, we went on a Dhow boat sunset tour. Cruising along the coastline, we enjoyed the breeze, shared stories, and watched the sky change colors over the water. It was a calm and simple way to spend one of our last evenings there, and it gave everyone a moment to be present and enjoy the view.
After saying goodbye to the coast, we flew safely back to South Africa and headed straight to a game reserve, a whole new kind of adventure. The change of scenery brought fresh excitement as we traded surfboards for safari vehicles and entered the African bush.
Our time at the reserve has been packed with meaningful experiences and lots of fun. Safari rides have been filled with laughter, exciting animal sightings, and plenty of group games. Brennan has become a star in our animal-themed charades, keeping everyone laughing. Frank’s wildebeest impression is so spot-on it’s become a daily request, and Harrison surprised us all by identifying a blue wildebeest thanks to his knowledge from the Deer Hunter video game! Evan became an expert on the Southern Ground Hornbill by asking thoughtful questions and making sharp, detailed observations.
We’ve also had the incredible opportunity to participate in a rhino darting operation, a powerful and moving conservation effort. Each student played a role in helping the veterinarians care for the rhino: Harris measured the horn, Lucy held the oxygen tube, and Sarah aided in giving essential injections. It was a rare, hands-on experience that made a huge impact on everyone involved and deepened our understanding of wildlife protection.
In addition to safaris and conservation work, we’ve had nightly Moonup sessions under some of the clearest skies we’ve ever seen. During these evenings, we’ve not only reflected on the day but also learned about constellations and the solar system. It’s been a cool way to blend science with our setting, spotting familiar stars and learning some of the stories behind them while surrounded by nature. Livia and Graham led a Moonup discussion with our safari guides, creating a thoughtful space for reflection on our adventures!
Throughout our time on the reserve, we’ve also learned about the different initiatives focused on protecting endangered species like the rhino. Meeting the ecologists and hearing about their work firsthand brought everything into perspective, from anti-poaching efforts to the role local communities play in conservation.
Perhaps most meaningful is how close the group has become. The kids are forming strong bonds, supporting one another, and embracing every adventure with wide-open hearts. Whether we’re tracking animals on safari, sharing stories under the stars, or learning something new together, there’s a powerful sense of unity that continues to grow.
During this trip, every day brings something new to discover. From the beaches of Mozambique to the heart of the African wilderness, this Moondance journey continues to inspire, challenge, and connect us in ways we never imagined. The best part? There’s still more to come!
With love and gratitude,
George and Eliza
Thank yous:
Sutton Crowley: Dear mom, This trip has been so much fun! I can’t wait to tell you all about it! Thank you for the work you put in to get me on this trip. I love you!
Harris Carroll: Dear mom and dad, I miss you and can’t wait to see y’all soon! I’ve had so much fun and I’m so thankful you sent me on this trip. Thank you! Love, Harris
Brennan Hopkins: Dear mom and dad, Thank you so much for sending me on this trip! I have had so much fun and made so many new memories and friends! I love yall so so much! Happy Father’s Day dad! Miss y’all so much!
Livia LaScala: Dear mom, dad, and rest of our family, I miss y’all and hope you’re having a great time! Thank you for sending me on this trip! This is legit the best trip ever! And, Happy Father’s Day dad!
Frank DuPree: Happy Father’s Day dad! I miss y’all! I am so thankful to be here. I have so many crazy stories! We darted a rhino and got to get really close to it. I sprayed the rhino for ticks which was awesome!
Evan Frank: Dear Mom and Dad, y’all don’t even know how much fun I’m having and am so so grateful for this opportunity. Also, thank you Lucky and Zeyde for sending me on this trip. Also, happy Father’s Day dad! Miss the fam and the cats! Love, Evan
Graham Smith: Dear Mom and Dad, I am having a great time in South Africa. I can’t wait to see you guys! Love you guys so much! -Graham
Sarah Trebour: Dear Mom + Dad, I am having the time of my life! I am so thankful for the experiences that this has opened up for me and it’s all thanks to you guys. I am so grateful for you guys and love you the most! Love, Sarah
Harrison Walker: Dear Mother and Father, my times here in South Africa have been nothing short of extravagant. Yesterday I had an exhilarating chase through the South African bush. Spending my time here has been a pleasure. Thank you for sending me here on this incredible journey. In conclusion, this trip has been grand. Happy Father’s Day. From your grandest son, Harrison
Lucy Carmichael: Dear Mom & Dad, thank you so much for sending me on this trip. I have had the best time ever!! I love yall so much and can’t wait to see you guys!
Shoutouts!
June 9, 2025
Lucy: Hey mom and dad! Thank you so much for letting me come on this trip, I am having so much fun!! Love and miss yall so much. Love you
Harris: Hey Mom, Dad, Burton, and Drew! Moondance is going great so far! We’re in Mozambique right now. So far we have gone surfing, snorkeling, done a cooking class, and gone to the beach. Miss you so much, but I’m having a blast. Next, we will safari and lots more. Love you! Happy early Father’s Day.
Sutton: Hi Mom! It’s Sutton and I am having so much fun! This trip is amazing! I miss you so much and cannot wait to see you again! I love you so much! I cannot wait to tell you all about it! Love you and see you soon! The beach is so fun and we are going to the safari in two days! Love you!
Frank: Hey mom, dad, and Alice. I am just checking in from Mozambique. I bought a cool box and hat at the market. There are lots of dogs here, they make me miss Lucy, except the dogs here don’t bite as much as her. Dad, Happy Father’s Day! I miss yall and I’m having so much fun.
Brennan: Hi mom and dad! I’m having so much fun in Mozambique! I miss and love yall! Happy father’s day dad! Love yall so much! Also, I love everyone on my trip + my leaders are so nice! Love, Brennan
Evan: Hey mom & dad! I miss you guys a bunch, but I’m having a lot of fun, so I don’t miss yall that much. I miss yall the correct amount for my situation right now. I hope everyone’s doing good. I’m thinking about yall. I’ve made very good friends with everyone and like it here. Can’t wait to see you guys!! Love, Evan
Livia: Hi Mom and Dad! Happy early Father’s Day! I miss y’all so much! I’m having so much fun here and getting tan! We go to South Africa in two days. Tell everyone I saw hi. Love y’all.
Graham: Dear Mom and Dad, I am having a great time on the trip so far! Mozambique is awesome and I cannot wait for South Africa. Happy Father’s Day!
Sarah: Hey mom and dad! Hello from Tofo Beach Mozambique! It is so pretty here actually paradise. This the first place we have gone, but I’m so looking forward to the safari/service portion. I’ve really hit it off with my group these last couple of days. Some examples of things we’ve done: surfing, ocean safari (no whale sharks though 🙁 ), cooking class, etc. So fun! Love and miss yall so much! Can’t wait see and talk to you more in 2ish weeks. Love you lots! P.S. Happy early Father’s Day dad! Sorry I can’t be there to celebrate all that you do for me but I love you so much and am grateful for you.
Harrison: Dear mom and dad, this is Harrison writing from Mozambique. I’m having a good time and wanted to tell yall I love you. Also happy Father’s Day dad! Love, Harrison
Greetings from Mozambique!
June 9, 2025
After meeting the kids at the Johannesburg airport on Thursday, we kicked off our adventure with a travel day across the border to beautiful Mozambique. From the moment the group met, the energy was high and the conversations were flowing. It was clear that this was going to be a special session.
Once we arrived in Mozambique, we settled into our lodge and headed down to the beach for a relaxing afternoon of swimming and playing in the waves. That night, we had a fun game night before dinner where Frank wowed the whole group with some of his favorite card tricks. Let’s just say jaws were dropped and minds were blown.
The next morning, we launched into our first ocean safari in search of whale sharks, manta rays, and dolphins. While the bigger animals stayed hidden, the group made the most of the experience with a scenic boat ride and a snorkeling adventure full of colorful reef fish darting below us. Later that afternoon, we hit the waves for a beachside surf session. Harris had a major breakthrough, catching a wave entirely on her own without any help from the instructors, and the group cheered her on as she cruised into shore. Evan managed to capture an awesome POV video of one of his rides that we may very well see on the trip hype video next year. Sarah and Harrison were elected our first Leaders of the Day for the positivity and connection they brought from the very beginning. That night, they led a thoughtful and open Moonup where we reflected on our favorite parts of the day and got to know one another a bit more.
The following day, we headed out for our second ocean safari. Despite the choppier waters, the group was excited to get back out there and continue the search. Our luck turned around when Livia spotted a dolphin riding the waves and everyone stood up in the boat in amazement. The energy from that sighting carried into a beach volleyball game, where Brennan absolutely crushed it with some key plays and contagious enthusiasm that kept the entire group engaged. After the game, half the crew returned to surfing while the others enjoyed a relaxing beach afternoon under the sun. Tomorrow we’ll switch it up so everyone gets another turn!
We refueled with a beachside lunch of cheeseburgers and fresh coconuts before heading to the colorful markets of Tofo Beach. The students had a blast bartering with local vendors, picking out souvenirs, and getting a feel for the local culture. Graham stood out as an expert barterer and walked away proudly sporting an authentic Mozambican sun hat.
One of the quiet but powerful traditions we’ve taken on is picking up trash along the beach each evening as we walk back to the lodge. Lucy and Sutton have especially gone above and beyond, often staying longer than the group to make sure we leave the beach better than we found it. The owner of our lodge told us that the locals always know when the Moondance crew is in town because the beaches are so clean, and that’s entirely thanks to this group’s spirit and care.
We’re feeling incredibly lucky to be in such a beautiful place with this amazing crew. The friendships are already strong, the laughs are constant, and the Moondance spirit is fully alive. In just a few days, we’ll be heading back to South Africa to visit game reserves and go on safari. The adventure continues! We can’t wait to share more soon!
With love,
George and Eliza
Safe Arrival!
June 5, 2025
Hello South Africa + Mozambique Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely in Johannesburg! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from their adventure! Please remember our leaders and students will be unplugged during their trips, but we will be posting trip updates throughout the next week! This will allow you to follow along with the trip. You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to!
-Moondance HQ
