Safari, Soccer, and Lots of Smiles!
June 28, 2025
Karibu to Tanzania!
2B is off to a quick start! How are we already on day 6?? But first, a quick rewind to day 1. We began with a safe arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and hit the ground running. We knew from the first meeting that this group was going to be a lot of fun. Shyness and reservations went by the wayside as we headed to our first destination of the trip, TPC sugar factory. We had a delicious lunch as we sat around the table and raved about the new Fanta flavors we all got to try for the first time. Next, we hopped back in the van for a quick drive up the road to our elephant camp in Kapimbi. We touched down at camp and Kaitlin started us off well by bringing out her bracelet making kit as we sat around the table. Some people got to work braiding string while Sarah showed everyone else a new card game! We shared plenty of laughs and made many connections before dinner was served. We filled our bellies before having our first Moonup of the trip around the campfire. Then we assumed our positions in our sleeping bags and went to sleep in anticipation of our first full day together in Africa.
The next day was unlike most Mondays that we’re used to. We woke up in the African woodlands to a beautiful sunrise and the smell of bacon coming from the kitchen tent. A delicious breakfast followed, courtesy of our friends, Rafa and Doctor. They gave us the nutrients we needed to start off a long day of activities. We began by splitting into two teams and having a competition of who could use the most creativity designing trash bins to give to the local village. We made stencils of lions, giraffes, hearts, stars, people holding hands, and many more to make the bins fun and inviting. We then started to lead by example as we headed down to a local soccer field to pick up as much trash as we could carry before joining the soccer game! William and Haley shared the man of the match award with two goals from William and start-to-finish excellence on the field from Haley. They both received many praises from fellow competitors for their abilities. After a few pictures together and goodbyes, we headed back to camp for some downtime and much-needed showers before dinner. During which, Jane had her side of the table in tears from laughing as she explained how hot dogs don’t need condiments, and they are perfect just the way they are. Then Rafa and Doctor once again outdid themselves and served us a healthy, delicious meal to replenish after our athletic performance. With everyone tired and full of good food, we held our second Moonup led by Jane and Mason before hitting the hay and getting a good night’s sleep.
Tuesday gave us our first taste of our elephant conservation work as we woke up early to go on a hike near Mkomazi National Park. The purpose of our hike was to look for signs of elephants near some very important local farms that we are trying to protect. We got some much needed sun and exercise as we (thankfully) did not find what we were looking for. With the African sun beginning to show its strength, we loaded up the bus back to camp for some rest, shade, and ice cold sodas that rejuvenated the group before lunch. We ate, we hacky sacked, and we made bracelets before setting out for the afternoon activity in the local village. Another soccer game, this time with young kids, was waiting for us and Mason was the one to shine this match. Stellar defense, hustle, and height advantage made the kids look at his skills in awe. Meanwhile, some of the girls found a different group of kids that were star struck by Kaitlin’s GoPro. I think all of them would agree with Ella saying “That is the best thing I have ever done in my life” as we walked back to camp. Dinner and some delicious banana bread awaited us, followed by our third edition of Moonup. We talked and laughed, then headed to bed after another great day in Tanzania.
Wednesday came with a touch of bittersweet as excitement grew to see our rhino friends, but sadness to leave our incredible elephant camp home. Hadley and Emily said they never want to leave Kapimbi, but more adventure awaits inside the gates of Mkomazi National Park. We made a quick drive over to the park, seeing giraffes, elephants, zebras, ostriches, and more along the way. None were as exciting as arriving at the Mkomazi Rhino Project and getting to be just inches away from a six year old black rhino. We wish we could include pictures of the reactions that came with it. We took some incredible photos with our new friend, and headed back to visit a new addition to the conservation project, the wild dog exhibit. We watched as seven African Wild Dogs emerged in their enclosure and looked wildly similar to our furry friends at home. After just a short visit, we hit the road for Arusha, our home for one night as we prepare to fly to Zanzibar. After a long bus ride of tunes, jokes, and naps, we arrived at the lodge for a delicious dinner and Moonup on outdoor couches before heading to sleep. Zanzibar here we come!
Hakuna Matata,
Tommy + Birdie
Haley- hey parents Africa is great I’m excited to go home and see all my people the ocean is pretty food is cool I feel just peachy
Kaitlin- hey hey fam hope yalls time in Africa is just swell <3 have a blessed birthday father and I am very excited to be reunited bye bye
Hadley- hey, Africa is great miss you guys. Have a great 4th but not to good without me. Love you!
Jane- Hey! I’m having the absolute best time and taking lots and lots of pictures. Africa is so cool and I can’t wait to tell y’all all about it. I miss and love y’all so much!!
Sarah Blair- Hi Mom, Dad, EG, Mimi, Poppy, Trexler fam, Ellery, Caroline, Sara, and Emma!! Africa is so awesome- I am loving it so far but I also miss and love yall all so much. I can’t wait to show y’all all my pictures and meet my new best friends. So far my favorite part is seeing Rhinos, Giraffes, and Zebras and also playing soccer with the kids in the village. I’ll make sure to call y’all as soon as I get my phone back!!
Ella Barker- HEY GUYS!!!! I’m having the best time!! Africa is so cool and we have seen so many amazing things already. The water here is gorgeous Mom you would love it. My group is so amazing and I love my new friends!!! Chloe tell everyone that I said hi for me pleaseee. ALSO HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I’ll buy you something cool I promise! I love getting to see all of the animals here and I can’t wait to show yall pics. I love and miss y’all so much!! 🙂
Emily Blumenthal – HELLOOO Dad, Mom, Mia, Jacob!!! I’m having so much fun! My group is awesome and we did our first scuba sesh today which was so much fun. Africa is so cool and I love this experience but I miss you guys so much!! I can’t wait to show yall all the cool pictures I’m taking!! Please hug the dogs for me – I hope maggie and chloe haven’t forgotten me. I love you all! :)))
William Weston- What’s up mom and dad having a blast see yall soon.
Mason Porter- What’s up Mom and Dad I’m having fun. See you soon.
The Journey Begins!
June 22, 2025
Hello Tanzania + Zanzibar Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely! 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
