Sad Goodbyes in South Africa
July 8, 2025
Dear Moondance Families,
It’s hard to believe how quickly our time together came to an end. What started as a group of strangers at the airport turned into a crew that felt more like family by the time we left Mozambique. Over the past two weeks, we shared jokes, took on challenges, supported one another, and created the kind of memories that only come from being fully present. The final leg of our journey brought all of that together in a way that none of us will forget.
After leaving South Africa behind, we crossed the border into Mozambique and made our way to the bluest water at Tofo Beach. It didn’t take long for everyone to settle into beach life, toes in the sand, surfboards under arms. We kicked things off with a sunset boat tour through the sea, where we spotted flamingos and watched the sky melt into orange and pink. That evening, we put our speed to the test with a relay race in the sand, shout-out to Hamilton and Rand, who left us all in the dust. The next few days felt like a dream. We surfed each morning with our new friends Oswaldo and Clayton, who named Shep and Natalie our most impressive surfers; their balance, effort, and stoke were unmatched. We went on ocean safaris, where dolphins swam past us in the wild, and we got the chance to snorkel in warm turquoise waters. When the waves calmed down, we played beach volleyball tournaments, where Casey locked in and earned the most improved award.
One of the things that made this group so special was the way everyone leaned into the little moments, whether that was Piper and Lizzie’s smoothie side quest that led them to a beachfront cabana, or Alden’s encouragement during an early-morning girls’ swim at sunrise. The energy never dipped. Wyatt was found in Tony’s backyard bonding with the baby ducks (who, for the record, survived Rand’s very accidental misstep). Lauren somehow managed to catch an adult duck, we’re still not sure how, and Ellie went all in when we made matapa with Big Tony, hand-grating coconuts to make fresh milk for the dish. Every student found ways to contribute, laugh, explore, and stretch outside of their comfort zone.Our trip to the local market was one for the books. The students bargained with energy and confidence, sharing laughs with vendors and walking away with souvenirs that felt earned. Miles in particular embraced the moment, coming back proudly decked out in a full South African outfit he pieced together, head to toe. The boys made a new friend named Armando who seemed to be everywhere with his bracelets!Some of our favorite beach time came when we slowed down. Hamilton and Wyatt treated themselves to celebratory milkshake-and-calamari dates by the water, while others like Lauren, Ellie, and Alden enjoyed their tanning time.
Of course, we can’t forget the Survivor games. After two weeks of challenges, strategy, and serious team spirit… the Explosive Warthogs triumphed over the Spooners with a final score of 153 to 139! It was a close battle, made all the more memorable by beach volleyball battles, creative cooking challenges, and one surprisingly passionate sea slug kiss from Rand (yes, everyone kissed it, but he was in a league of his own).
Some of our last moments in Mozambique were ones we as leaders will hold forever. During our banquet sushi dinner we bumped into everyone we had met in town! Hanging out with our ocean safari guides, surf instructors, and even Tony’s family. The sushi was delicious and the energy was high as we got to watch South Africa dominate Italy in the bug Rugby game. We followed this with Moonup under the stars and had a late night filled with heartfelt encouragement. On our final morning, everyone woke up early and walked out to the beach, watching the sun rise over the Indian Ocean. It was still, peaceful, and a little emotional. Playing in the waves and just taking it all in. It was the perfect bookend to a chapter none of us wanted to close. And yes, after a bit of travel drama (Mozambique never makes it easy), every student made their flight home safely. We said our goodbyes through tearful hugs and promises to stay in touch, and we sent them off, proud of the adventure we have just lived together. This group showed up with open hearts and left even fuller. Watching these students grow into each other, lean into the experience, and find joy in every moment, big or small, was nothing short of inspiring. Thanks for sharing your kids with us; we’re walking away changed, and we’ll be talking about this group for a long time.
To our 5 younger sisters and 6 younger brothers, we truly meant everything we said during our goodbyes. You have all impacted our lives more than you know, and we are truly thankful for the opportunity to experience Africa with you. We will eat chicken burgers again one day!
Lots of Love,
Lizzie & Tyler
Some Good Times In South Africa
July 3, 2025
Dear Moondance Families,
It’s hard to believe we’re entering the final stretch of our journey. As we prepare to head toward Mozambique, our time in South Africa continues to leave a deep impression on us all, filled with laughter, learning, and lasting connections.
We’ve spent the last few days at Little Mongena, a game lodge nestled in the Dinokeng Reserve. Our days here found a perfect rhythm, each morning began with meaningful service in a nearby village, followed by exciting Survivor competitions and game drives in the afternoons, and capped off by special group activities in the evenings that brought us even closer together.
We kicked off our stay painting a preschool in the village Kekana. It was rewarding, messy, and filled with joy. On Sunday morning we were gracefully welcomed to church, a truly humbling and memorable experience. The community welcomed us with open arms, and the pastor ended the service by blessing each one of us, a moment that touched our group. We worked side-by-side with Miss Anna, who helps lead the school and hosted us with such warmth and kindness. Her 4-year-old granddaughter, Ole, quickly became a favorite, full of sass, smiles, and enewellrgy. Lauren became her fast friend, rarely seen without Ole by her side, and Ellie took dozens of sweet photos capturing the magic of their bond, even teaching Ole how to use the camera, which quickly became Ole’s favorite thing to do.
The village kids brought so much energy and happiness to our mornings. Piper, with her unmistakable red hair, was immediately the center of attention. Alden became the go-to baby holder, constantly cradling toddlers with the gentlest care. Natalie made a meaningful connection with one of the older girls, sharing stories and laughter, while Casey entertained a crew of kids with his impressive soccer skills and showing the group how he can dribble the ball.
Back at Little Mongena, our Survivor: South Africa rivalry between the Spooners (Shep, Alden, Wyatt, Piper, and Miles) and the Explosive Warthogs (Rand, Natalie, Ellie, Lauren, Casey, and Hammy) continued to heat up. The games have been the perfect blend of competition and comedy. On the baseball field (plates drawn out in the dirt, a stick and a ball of duct tape). Shep led the Spooners with back-to-back home runs, including a grand slam that had everyone very excited, even breaking the bat in half! Lauren responded for the Warthogs with an inside-the-park homer of her own.
Our evenings brought some of the most special memories yet. One night, we gathered around for a traditional drum circle, led by locals who brought rhythm and energy that filled the cool night air. Another evening featured our long-awaited cooking competition, where both teams were challenged to prepare potgie, a traditional South African dish made with veggies, chicken, spices and chunder sauce. Casey, also known now as Chef Gonzo, led the Warthogs with confidence and creativity, and Ellie worked by his side as assistant chef cutting up the veggies. Piper headed up the Spooners’ kitchen, delegating tasks and keeping energy high. Everyone brought their A-game, and the meal turned into a delicious celebration. However, there was only one winner and the chefs in Little Mongetta decided that the Exploding warthogs would take the win! Some will say it was the Chef Gonzo flare… Others (Hamilton) said it could have been because he dumped the rest of the spice and a ton of water at the end.
One of the most unique nights of the trip was our bush sleep-out. We laid out under the stars, bundled in all the warmth we could find, with guides nearby keeping watch. It was cold, quiet, and deeply peaceful, though maybe not quite as quiet as we hoped, thanks to Miles thrashing around in his sleeping bag, turning bedtime into a comedy show. Still, the lion calls in the distance and the crackling fire made it one of our most memorable nights yet.
After all the meaningful work, adventures, and full days in the bush, we wrapped things up with one last fun-filled evening before heading toward the coast. We went shopping, followed by a big celebratory dinner: the girls headed for sushi while the boys tackled what they proudly dubbed the “Big Champion Combo”, massive burgers and milkshakes. Wyatt officially joined the Clean Plate Club, proudly polishing off his combo, while Rand, after consuming a decent amount of steak fat, may have discovered his culinary limit. We ended the night with laser tag and bowling, where the Spooners claimed victory.
As we now head toward Mozambique, it’s clear this group has become something special. They support each other, laugh hard, try new things without hesitation, and take every opportunity to be present and kind. We’re so proud of the way they’ve embraced every part of this journey and we can’t wait to see what the final days will bring.
More soon from the coast. Thank you, as always, for sharing these incredible kids with us.
Warmly, Tyler and Lizzie Moondance Adventures
Wyatt: Hi mom. Thank you for letting me do this trip. I am having a lot of fun with miles and friends-We just left the second nature preserve after doing community service and safari, and looking forward to Mozambique.
Miles: Hi mom and dad, thank you so much for sending me on this trip. I’ve had a great time in South Africa and excited for Mozambique 🇲🇿. Love you and can’t wait to see you all.
Casey: Hey mom and dad, thank you for sending me on this trip. It has really been a trip that I will remember for the rest of my life. Love you guys, and sending my best wishes to PopPop, hopefully he is doing better.
Hamilton: Hey Mom and Dad, I wanted to let y’all know how much sending me on this trip really means to me. It’s a once in a life time opportunity that I am so thankful to have. Love you guys so much, and I hope all is going well at home.
Rand: what up mom and dad we are having a very good time we’re finally getting out of this cold weather and going to Mozambique which is warm ive been in a puffer every day but I’m having a great time and thank you so much for sending me here even though I picked it thank you
Alden: hii we are otw to our last stop, the last two places have been insane! We’ve seen and done so many amazing things here and I can’t wait to tell u all about it in 5 days! I truly don’t know how to thank y’all for this experience! I hope yall decided on somewhere fun to go while me and Thompson are gone bc y’all deserve it! Miss and love y’all and thank you so much for this trip 🩷🩷
Natalie: Hi mom. Thank you so much for sending me on this trip it really is such a special experience to travel around in South Africa and I’m so grateful miss you and I can’t wait to come home and tell you about it. Right now we’re traveling to Mozambique and I’m soo excited for the beach. Love you 😊😊😘🥰🇲🇿🦏🐆🦓🏝️
Piper: Hi mom and dad, I’m having the best time ever! This trip has been such an incredible adventure and I’m so so grateful for you all for sending me. I’m so lucky to have you all as parents. I can’t wait to tell you all about my trip and the memories I’ve made. Love and miss y’all tons!💕
Shep: hi mom and dad, we are on the way to Mozambique so it will be a little warmer than South Africa. I have had a great time and made lots of memories. Thank you for sending me on this trip it is a once in a lifetime experience. Love y’all.
Ellie: hi mom and dad!! We are otw to our last stop right now and I’m having the best time! I can’t wait to tell you guys everything that’s happened and all the good memories. Thank you so much for sending me on this trip it’s been such a good experience! Love you guys 🩷🩷
Lauren: hi mom and dad, I’m so excited for the change of scenery, we are on the way to the beach today. I miss you guys so much and I’m so excited to show you all the pictures and tell you about my trip! Thank you guys so much for everything you guys give me!! I love you!
Lions, Zebras, and Elephants...Oh My!
June 29, 2025
Our Africa adventure is officially underway! After starting things off with a quick night at the airport hotel, we jumped straight into the car and drove to Mabula Game Reserve. Lauren kicked off the group vibe with an impromptu karaoke session on the bus ride to Mabula that had everyone singing along. The fan favorite was the “LA Boys” Wyatt & Miles singing a duet to Thrift Shop by Macklemore. We arrived and settled into the beautiful Kwafubesi safari camp under the stars. No city lights, just the Milky Way and the sounds of bush animals around us.
Safaris started right away, and the kids got to witness some incredible wildlife. Zebras, cheetahs, lions, elephants, and many more were seen as soon as day one. One major highlight, we got the opportunity to assist in darting rhinos as part of a conservation effort. Everyone had the opportunity to assist the vets and handled it with curiosity and care, a truly powerful way to start our time here. Wyatt & Natalie got to drill into the rhino horn for some samples, Rand & Casey took some measurements of the horn, Ellie & Alden took some samples, and Piper was not afraid to be the first to safely stick her hand in the rhino’s mouth! Lauren helped place the rhino’s tracking anklet and did not forget to give the rhino lots of hugs! All the kids got hands on and took part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience-
In our downtime at camp, the “Survivor Games” have begun. Rand took home the first win with an iron grip during the water bottle endurance challenge. Shep and Casey earned major bragging rights by crushing the cold plunge challenge (and yes, it was very cold).
Wyatt is officially the spoons king, two-time champ already. Miles has been keeping the LA energy alive with the best-looking hair on the trip, no matter the safari dust. Hamilton has self-declared war with Tyler for the title of “most food eaten,” and the competition is heating up.
Natalie has proven she’s no stranger to the cold; clearly, her ice skating experience is coming in handy! Piper’s been our in-house guide, always dropping fun Africa facts for the group, and Ellie has managed to take the most beautiful pictures of the wildlife.
Alden had a birthday she won’t forget, cake, singing, and a full-on talent show made for a celebration worthy of Africa. The kids have been curious, kind, and full of energy. It’s been an amazing start, and there’s so much more to come. Stay tuned!
WE LOVE THESE KIDS!!!!
Lizzie + Tyler
Alden: hii I’ve seen so many cool animals, I saw elephants and lions. Tell Gus and Thompson I said hi. I had a great bday, I got to see cheetahs! It’s really cold here but it feels good. miss and love y’all so much!!!🩷
Ellie: Hi mom and dad I’ve seen so many cool animals like cheetahs and lions and elephants and warthogs and am having the best time.It’s really cold at night but we have really warm heated beds but we are leaving that place right now and going to a different place. Tell Lexy and rivers I say hi and I miss and love u guys. ❤️❤️❤️
Lauren: hi mom and dad I’m having a great time! I’m living the life I TOUCHED A RHINO and saw warthogs and lions and cheetahs and giraffes, don’t worry I’ve taken so many pictures. Miss y’all and love y’all so much!
Piper: Hi mom and dad, I’m having a great time and we’ve seen so many cool animals (no aardvarks yet)!! I miss you guys so so much and I can’t wait to see y’all. Please give the dogs and butters love for me, love y’all!!
Natalie: Hi mom. Ive seen so many animals like lions, zebras, giraffes, and cheetahs. I’ve taken so many photos. I also got to help get samples from a rhino’s horn-it was so cool. The weather here, during the day, is warm at night though it’s really cold, there are heated beds in the tent reserve we were just at though. Miss you, love you 💕💕
Rand: Hi mom and dad! Im having a great time! It’s a little cold here, but we saw a baby giraffe and elephants and lions and cheetahs. I miss all yall back at home but we having a good time we darted a rhino and got to ride it carts all day!
Shep: Hi mom and dad, Africa is very fun but it is cold at night. I liked seeing the cheetahs and lions and we also saw elephants, zebras, wildabeasts, giraffes, hippos, and we got to dart a rhino and I took a tissue sample which was cool. I love yall and tell the dogs hi.
Miles: hi mom and dad! I’m having a lot of fun, even though it gets cold at night. We got to dart a rhino and we’ve also seen lions, zebras, wildabeasts, elephants, cheetahs 🐆 and giraffes. Love you guys and can’t wait to see you again
Wyatt: hello. We have seen many rhinos and giraffes and other animals and sleeping lions. The food is pretty good, and the game lodge that we were staying at was so nice like actually top 2 hotels I’ve ever been at. South Africa is very cool.
Casey: Hey mom and dad, miss you, I have seen lions and rhinos up close and so far it had been an experience of a lifetime. Love you guys and hopefully everything is going well at home, also hopefully Manchester City won the Club World Cup.
Hamilton: Hey Mom and Dad, so far the trip has been amazing and even better than last year. We’ve seen Rhinos, Lions, cheetahs and more and my group and counselors are really good, hope all is well, miss y’all.
Greetings from Joburg!
June 22, 2025
Hello South Africa + Mozambique Families!
We heard from our leaders 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
