So Long, South Africa!
July 23, 2026
Hey Moondance Families!
It’s hard to believe we’ve reached our final trip update! These past few days have been the perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure. Between serving a local community, exploring more of the bush, spending one last night under the African sky, and soaking up every final moment together, this group finished the trip with the same enthusiasm, kindness, and sense of humor they’ve shown since day one.
After leaving Mabula, we made our way to our final destination at Mongena, where zebras wandered through camp and monkeys greeted us almost as soon as we arrived. That evening, we headed out for a peaceful sunset boat cruise, spotting hippos and crocodiles while watching the sky turn brilliant shades of orange and pink. It was the perfect welcome to our last few days together and a reminder that South Africa always seems to have one more surprise waiting around the corner.
The following morning, we headed to a nearby village to continue repainting the local church. By the end of our time there, our group had completed the beautiful red trim and accents around the building, giving the church a fresh new look. Everyone worked hard, encouraged one another, and took pride in seeing the transformation come together one brushstroke at a time. Kempton also surprised us with his gifted painting ability, transforming Claire’s Moondance shirt into a work of art.
What made this service project especially meaningful, however, was that our visit coincided with Mandela Day, an annual day of service celebrated throughout South Africa in honor of Nelson Mandela’s legacy. The staff at Mongena welcomed nearly 150 elders from the surrounding community for a special celebration, and our students had the privilege of helping make the day possible.
Everyone immediately jumped into whatever job needed to be done. Burke greeted guests with a smile before serving slices of warm malva pudding, while Jack welcomed visitors and then put his photography skills to work, capturing many of the special moments throughout the afternoon. Selah also split her time between greeting guests and photographing the celebration, making sure plenty of memories were preserved.
The serving stations quickly became a team effort. Kempton, Louise, and Betsy worked alongside Claire in the kitchen, helping prepare and dish up meals for each guest, while Dale joined the kitchen crew serving food throughout the afternoon. Ali, Will, Ella, and Eilis kept drinks flowing, although Ella and Eilis accidentally dropped a few sodas along the way, creating a handful of surprise carbonated showers when those bottles were opened later! Will discovered that his cooler full of Fanta was initially the least popular station, but thanks to his smile and persistence, he somehow became everyone’s favorite stop before long.
Perhaps no one was busier than Davis, who seemed to appear wherever another helping hand was needed. Throughout the afternoon, he greeted guests, served drinks, handed out plates and blankets, kept track of headcounts, served dessert, and even helped several elderly guests safely back to their cars before the celebration concluded. Liv quietly embodied the spirit of the day by helping one elderly woman who struggled to walk all the way from the entrance to her table before later assisting others with carrying and serving their meals. Watching our students serve with such genuine kindness was something we’ll remember long after the paint has dried on the church walls.
Of course, this group never stayed serious for too long. Back at camp, free time quickly turned into hacky sack circles, card games, and plenty of laughter. Jack finally accomplished something he’d been chasing all trip by defeating William in a game of Spit, while Eilis somehow continued her remarkable streak as Davis’s hacky sack kryptonite. No matter how many times he tried to eliminate her, she somehow managed to make impossible catches without even looking, leaving everyone laughing in disbelief.
Our evenings continued to be filled with conversations that somehow became funnier every night. Kempton and Betsy were often at the center of the laughter, helping keep every Moonup lively and engaging, while Ali’s positive attitude remained a constant source of encouragement throughout the trip. During our final game of Mafia, Ali showed off her detective skills by correctly identifying Kempton as the Mafia, ending the game with one final impressive prediction.
One of the highlights of our last afternoon was a spirited hacky sack tournament that somehow ended with perhaps the most ridiculous championship imaginable. Burke and Ella battled their way into the finals before the winner was decided-not by hacky sack-but by a full-fledged moo-off. After giving it absolutely everything they had, Burke emerged as the undisputed champion, a title we suspect he’ll proudly defend for years to come.
Our final afternoon also brought one last game drive through the reserve. Between wildlife sightings, Selah and Eilis kept their vehicle entertained with spirited games of Categories, while everyone quietly took in the last views of the African bush that had become home over the past two weeks.
That evening, we set off on one final adventure: a guided bush walk before arriving at a beautiful dinner set up beneath the stars. After sharing one last meal together, we gathered around the fire for our final Moonup. It was equal parts thoughtful reflection and complete chaos. Kempton’s stories had everyone laughing so hard that Dale quite literally fell out of his chair, and just when we thought the laughter had finally settled down, Will confessed that he had, in fact, been responsible for passing gas during one particularly memorable Moonup several nights earlier. The confession was met with roaring laughter and a chorus of “I knew it!” from nearly everyone in the circle.
Later that night, none of us seemed quite ready for the trip to end. Instead of heading straight to bed, the entire group stayed up talking, laughing, reminiscing, and occasionally screaming whenever it sounded like the nearby hippos had wandered just a little too close to camp. Those unplanned hours together may have become some of our favorite memories of the entire trip.
The next morning, we packed up for one final drive to the airport. One goodbye came a little earlier than the rest as Louise departed on a separate flight. Her energy, infectious laugh, and joyful personality had become such an important part of the group that saying goodbye was surprisingly emotional for everyone.
There was one more farewell that proved just as difficult. Throughout our time in South Africa, we were incredibly fortunate to spend so much time with our wonderful guide, Sherice. Her kindness, knowledge, patience, and sense of humor enriched every game drive, every conversation, and every adventure. By the end of the trip, she truly felt like part of our group, and none of us were quite ready to say goodbye.
Looking back, we’ll remember the incredible wildlife, the church we helped restore, and the privilege of celebrating Mandela Day alongside members of the local community. But more than anything, we’ll remember the conversations that stretched late into the night, the laughter echoing through camp, the sound of hippos just beyond our tents, and the friendships that formed over these past two and a half weeks.
Thank you for trusting us with your incredible kids this summer. Watching them embrace every challenge, serve others so wholeheartedly, and care for one another has been one of the greatest privileges of our year. We couldn’t be prouder of this group, and we can’t wait to see where life takes each of them next.
Until next time,
Claire & William
Wildlife, Laughter, and Life on Safari!
July 19, 2026
The past few days have been nothing short of incredible. After leaving the beaches of Mozambique behind, we traded surfboards for safari vehicles, and every day has brought another unforgettable adventure. From close encounters with rhinos and cheetahs to campfire karaoke, spikeball tournaments, and plenty of laughter around the lodge, this group has embraced every experience with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a great sense of humor. Watching these students continue to grow closer while experiencing some of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife has been an absolute joy.
As soon as we arrived at the reserve, the excitement was impossible to hide. The drive into camp felt like our first game drive, with zebras, giraffes, antelope, and countless birds appearing around nearly every turn. Before long, we found ourselves watching magnificent elephants moving quietly through the bush, and later we were fortunate enough to spend time observing two cheetahs, including an incredible sighting of the brothers enjoying a fresh kill. Watching one of Africa’s fastest predators in its natural habitat was something none of us will soon forget.
One of the highlights of our stay came during our visit to feed rhinos and buffalo from the back of a utility truck. Standing just feet away as these enormous animals ate the food from our truck was every bit as amazing as everyone had imagined. The excitement only grew as each student stepped forward for their turn, and it quickly became one of those experiences that everyone agreed would be difficult to top.
We also spent time visiting the Ground Hornbill Conservation Project, where we learned about the incredible work being done to protect one of Africa’s most endangered bird species. Ella was especially engaged throughout the visit, asking by far the most questions about the hornbills and eagerly learning everything she could about their behavior and conservation. It was wonderful to see so much genuine curiosity, and the conservation team was equally impressed by how interested our group was in the work they do.
Between game drives, the lodge quickly became the center of nonstop activity. Spikeball matches stretched across the lawn, hacky sack circles grew larger every afternoon, frisbees flew through the air, and someone was almost always looking for another game of Spit. Louise quickly established herself as one of the group’s fiercest competitors, dominating both Spikeball and Spit with impressive consistency. Betsy seemed ready for any competition, showing off her skills in Spikeball, frisbee, and hacky sack while also providing plenty of spirited opinions on everyone’s hair color. Jack continued sharpening his card-shuffling skills whenever he had a deck in his hands and spent countless free moments throwing a frisbee around camp with anyone willing to join.
As much fun as the games were, the evenings may have been even better. Group karaoke quickly became a favorite tradition, and Liv brought incredible energy every time the music started. One unforgettable performance featured Ali, Liv, and Dale enthusiastically belting out Man! I Feel Like a Woman!, earning plenty of applause, laughter, and a few requests for an encore. Ali fully embraced the performance, proving she wasn’t afraid to take center stage, while Burke was never far behind, keeping everyone entertained with his singing, performances, and endless sense of humor.
The fun didn’t stop there. Selah became the group’s unofficial dance instructor, teaching TikTok dances that gradually spread through nearly everyone in camp. Eilis proved to be the perfect partner, and together they kept the group energized whenever there were a few free minutes. During our sunset cruise, Eilis nearly lost her balance for just a moment, leading everyone to conclude that if she happened to fall overboard, she’d probably end up wrestling the crocodiles instead. Somehow, everyone agreed she’d win.
Life around camp also produced plenty of stories we’ll be laughing about long after the trip ends. One evening, Louise and Liv decided to have a little fun by making noise outside Kempton’s safari tent. Rather than shrinking back, Kempton immediately sprang into action, furiously kicking the sides of the tent to defend his roommates from whatever he imagined was lurking outside. The prank quickly became one of the funniest moments of the trip and perfectly captured Kempton’s protective instincts and great sense of humor.
Throughout the week, Burke and Davis have done an incredible job bringing people together. Whether starting conversations, encouraging others to join a game, or simply making sure no one was left out, both have become natural leaders within the group. Burke especially enjoys keeping Betsy on her toes with good-natured teasing, while Davis embraces every opportunity to contribute, including taking his Leader of the Day responsibilities with enthusiasm.
Some of our favorite memories have come from the simplest moments. One evening, as the sun set across the reserve, Jack challenged Will to an all-out foot race. Jack narrowly claimed victory, but Will more than proved his athleticism while also continuing to impress during countless frisbee games throughout the week. Later, after an unexpectedly relaxing group spa evening at Mabula, everyone agreed that Will’s glowing skin might have been one of the trip’s greatest transformations.
If anyone has kept the group consistently laughing, it’s been Dale. Whether sharing another legendary Nug Jug story, somehow managing to misplace an entire mattress, introducing the now-famous “South African Two Point Twist,” or confidently insisting that no animal we encountered-not even the lions-could beat him in a fight, Dale has provided a steady stream of entertainment from beginning to end.
Our final full day at the reserve brought what many considered the highlight of the entire safari. Working alongside veterinarians and conservation staff, we participated in a routine rhino health examination after the animal had been safely darted. Every student had the opportunity to help in some way, whether assisting the veterinary team, observing the examination up close, learning about conservation techniques, or helping monitor the rhino throughout the procedure. It was an extraordinary opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible work that goes into protecting one of Africa’s most iconic species.
As a special reward for winning Birdie on a Perch earlier in the week, Betsy and Jack earned the opportunity to ride in the dart vehicle alongside the veterinary team-a front-row seat to an experience few people ever get to witness. It was a prize they certainly won’t forget anytime soon.
As we packed up to leave the reserve, it was hard to say goodbye to the incredible guides who had taught us so much and shared so many unforgettable experiences with us. At the same time, everyone was excited for the next chapter of our adventure together. Looking back over these past few days, it’s clear that while the wildlife has been spectacular, it has really been this group that has made the experience so special. From spontaneous karaoke and TikTok dances to competitive games, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and countless moments of laughter, these students have built friendships and memories that will last far beyond this trip.
Thank you again for trusting us with your amazing kids. It has been a privilege to watch them embrace every opportunity with curiosity, kindness, and enthusiasm. We can’t wait to share the adventures that still lie ahead.
Until next time,
Claire & William
Ali: Hey Mom, Dad, and Zach! I miss you all so much. We have been doing such cool things. Dad I know you would love this trip so much. Today we painted this church for the local community. Tell Ms. Eva I miss Jane! Thank you so much for sending me on this trip! Love you all!!
Betsy: Hey yall!! I miss yall so much!! We just finished our safaris and now we are doing the service part of our trip in South Africa and it’s so cool!! Tell jigs I love and miss them so much and I can’t wait to tell them all about this!!!!! Also tell jigs I said I miss goose and Jorge.. I get to see yall so soon!! Love yall!!
Eilis:hey everyone! I’m having so much fun in South Africa. We are on the last section of our trip and are staying by a lake with hippopotamuses and crocodiles. There is never a dull moment with my group and it is the best. I am trying to soak up our last few days and can’t wait to see you guys soon. Love you all so much!
Ella: hey mom and dad, miss you so much and can’t wait to see you soon! I have been having so much fun. South Africa has been amazing and it’s so cool to see the different animal. Thank y’all so much for sending me on this trip it’s been so amazing! See y’all so soon. Love you so much
Liv: Hi mama! thank you so much for sending me on this trip, you’re the best ever. I have had so so so much fun. I can’t wait to see you queen. I miss you and I love you.
Louise:Hola familia!! I can’t thank you guys enough for sending me on this trip!! I have been having so much fun making new friends, and exploring new places. Tonight is this World Cup final, let’s go Argentina, I know they can win!!! I miss you guys and love y’all so much!! I can’t believe I’m off on another adventure!! I’ll call yall from the airport, I can’t wait to see y’all when I’m home!!!
Selah: Hi guys!!! I am having so much fun and I have made so many friends! I love it here but I’m so excited to see everyone when I get home! I love you guys so much!
Burke: hey guys thanks so much for sending me here! I’m having so much fun and have made many friends. I’m so sad it’s almost over but can’t wait to see y’all soon!!!!
Jack: Hey guys! Thank you so much for letting me go on this trip, I had a bunch of fun on the safaris and got to see a bunch of cool animals and got lots of pictures. See you soon!
Kempton: hey mom, Emerson, and Lennon. I have had so much fun and will continue to until the last day. I can’t wait to show you everything and let you know all the cool things I did. See you soon love you.
Dale: Hi mom and dad. Thank you so much for sending me on this trip. You guys are the best. I miss you and love you guys. Tell cinci I miss her
Will: Hi mom, dad, Liza and Kate. This trip is amazing! Can’t wait to tell you all about this when I get home. All the people here are so nice which makes this trip so much better. I have already made so many great memories and can’t wait to make even more during these last three days. I’m starting to miss summer ball but glad to be here. I hope they are continuing to do great.
Davis: hey everyone. This trip is tons of fun we just finished our second of three locations the safari was really cool! The other people are so much fun and can’t wait for the last three days!
Soaking up the Sun!
July 13, 2026
What an incredible first few days it has been! It’s hard to believe how much adventure we’ve already packed into such a short time. From surfing the waves of Mozambique to learning about local traditions and watching unforgettable sunsets, this group has embraced every experience with enthusiasm, curiosity, and lots of laughter.
After a long day of travel, we arrived in Johannesburg excited to finally meet one another. We settled into the hotel, enjoyed dinner together, and had our very first Moonup before getting a good night’s sleep. The next morning, everyone woke up with a new sense of excitement as we boarded our flight to Mozambique. After an easy trip to Vilankulos and a scenic drive through the countryside, we arrived at our beachside home for the next few days. Following a delicious dinner of pasta, rolls, brownies, and ice cream, we gathered on the beach for our first official Moonup beneath a sky filled with more stars than many of us had ever seen. It was the perfect way to kick off our adventure.
Our first full day began with chocolate banana crepes before walking down the beach for our very first surfing lesson. The waves were challenging, but this group wasted no time jumping right in. Dale and Liv looked like naturals almost immediately, catching their own waves without help within their first few attempts, and Dale even declared it one of the coolest things he had ever done. By the second day, Louise was confidently doing a handstand on her surfboard, impressing all of us. Every student showed determination and athleticism, making the most of every wave despite the rough conditions.
After surfing, we headed straight into an energetic beach volleyball game. Betsy showed off some impressive setting and tipping skills, while Davis left no ball untouched, diving across the sand to keep every rally alive. Following a lunch of chicken burgers and surprise milkshakes, we climbed aboard our guides’ trucks and headed to the market. Dale quickly proved to be an excellent negotiator while bargaining for souvenirs, Will found a beautiful painting to bring home, and Kempton proudly talked a vendor down to an incredible deal on a bracelet. Before long, everyone’s backpacks were a little fuller with handmade treasures to remember Mozambique by.
Back at the hostel, no one seemed ready to slow down. The ocean quickly became everyone’s favorite place to be, with the group repeatedly running back into the waves even when the breeze turned chilly. Jack spent the afternoon capturing incredible photos of everyone splashing through the surf and of the sun setting behind the towering sand dunes. Between swims, games of Uno, Wavelength, and plenty of conversation, everyone get to know one another even better. The evening ended with an unforgettable game of Duck, Duck, Goose led by Burke and Louise, which somehow became far more competitive than any of us expected.
The next morning, everyone was eager to head back to the surf. The confidence from the day before was obvious, and it was so much fun watching everyone improve with each wave they caught. After surfing, we climbed aboard our first ocean safari in search of marine life. Although the ocean kept some of its secrets, we were lucky enough to spot some marlin gliding through the water before heading back to shore for lunch. The afternoon was spent soaking up the sunshine with more volleyball, swimming, and plenty of relaxing on the beach, with Selah and Eilis enjoying a well-earned break in the warm sun before everyone wandered back to the hostel together.
Free time quickly turned into game time. Louise introduced everyone to a new favorite called Shake and Pop, where Ali immediately became the undisputed champion thanks to her impressive dance moves and perfect rhythm. Kempton and Dale kept everyone entertained with game after game of Imposter, while Betsy became our resident Mafia moderator, leading dramatic rounds that somehow became even more competitive every night. That evening, Ella and Davis organized a giant game of Infection on the beach. Jack amazed everyone with his speed as he sprinted through the sand, while Kempton managed to survive until the very end by cleverly hiding in the shadows. Between all the games, the beach, and another beautiful Moonup, it was another day full of nonstop fun.
Our final full day in Mozambique began with one more ocean safari, and this time the ocean truly delivered. We watched two humpback whales surface nearby while a playful pod of dolphins swam alongside our boat. Will could hardly contain his excitement as everyone raced from one side of the boat to the other to catch another glimpse. From there, we headed into a nearby village for a traditional cooking lesson where we learned how to prepare matapa, a delicious local dish made from cassava leaves, coconut milk, and peanuts. Eilis quickly mastered scraping fresh coconut, while Ali enthusiastically crushed peanuts for the sauce. Selah carefully shaped a beautiful star out of bread dough, while Liv crafted a heart. Louise and Will teamed up to create a Moondance logo out of their dough, hoping it might just earn a spot on the Moondance instagram. While lunch cooked, Burke made an unexpected new best friend when a tiny white dog named Snoopy refused to leave his side for the entire afternoon.
After one last stop for brownies and ice cream, we made our way to the coast for a sunset sail aboard a traditional Mozambican dhow. As we drifted across the water, Ella shared stories from her own sailing experiences and taught us about the different parts of the boat and its sails. Flamingos dotted the shoreline while everyone snapped photos, with Eilis, Ali, and Selah proving to have quite the eye for photography. Glass sodas in hand, we watched another unforgettable sunset before returning to pack our bags, enjoy one last dinner together, and squeeze in a few more spirited rounds of Mafia before bed.
As we write this update, we’re making our way back toward the airport, excited for everything still ahead in South Africa. It is amazing how quickly this group has become close friends through shared adventures, long conversations, and lots of laughter. We are so grateful to spend these next weeks with such an adventurous, kind, and enthusiastic group of students. Thank you for sharing your incredible kids with us- we can’t wait to tell you about everything that comes next!
Until next time,
Claire & William
Some shoutouts from the kids!!!!
Ali- Hey Mom, Dad, and Zach! I am having so much fun. The surfing was so cool and the beach was so so beautiful! We are on our way to the safari part now. Miss you and wish you could see these cool things. Love you!
Betsy- Hey guys!! I am having so so so much fun! We were just in Mozambique and we went to the market and we went surfing and it was so fun!! I miss yall so so much!! Tell jigs I love them so much and I will tell them everything when I get home!!! Also tell jigs that I miss goose and Jorge
Burke- Hey guys, I miss y’all a lot. Sadly we’re done Mozambique and I still don’t know how to surf lol. But we saw dolphins, humpback whales and marlin. Also we sort of went to a village and helped make our lunch and I hung out with their 2 dogs that I loved but not even close to how much I love clover so make sure to tell her that. Now we’re headed to South Africa and I’m super excited to get some photos of cool animals for kaki! Love you, see you soon.
Dale-Hi mom, dad, and ford I am just finishing Mozambique and headed back to South Africa to do the safaris and stuff. We have all been having fun so far and the people are all very cool. Love yall.
Davis- Hey everybody! We just finished the first section of the trip at Mozambique where we stayed at a beach lodge! It was tons of fun. The people on the trip are a lot of fun and I can’t wait to tell y’all all about the trip! Love yall!
Ella- hey mom and dad! I am having a great time, Monzambique was so fun. I loved surfing, even though it was hard it was so fun and I hope I can do it again. The ocean safari was so cool we saw dolphins and a humpback whales which was amazing. Next we get to go back to South Africa I am so excited to see all of the cool animals and help with community service! Miss y’all so much. Love you so much!
Eilis- Hi guys! I have been having the best time here in South Africa! It is so pretty and I have loved all of the activities that we have done. My favorite was probably the sunset boat ride or just swimming in the ocean before dinner. My group is amazing and so are my leaders, we are all getting to know each other and it’s been a great experience so far. What have you guys been up to? Anything exciting happening? The flight was very long and not very fun but so far the trip has totally been worth it. I love you guys so so much and we’ll see you back at home soon.
Jack- Hi mom and dad! I had a great time at the beach in Mozambique and got to see humpback whales for the first time on an ocean safari. Now we are on the way to South Africa and I’m super excited to go on the safaris and see all the animals! Thank you so much for sending me, love yall!
Kempton- Hi mom, Emerson, and lennnon, just finished Mozambique it was super fun. I’m otw back to South Africa and we’re going to go on a safari which I’m excited for. I’ll let you know everything when I get home. Love you.
Liv- Hi mama and Madeline. I miss y’all so much, I’m having the best time. I just finished Mozambique. I love you!!
Louise- Hey guys!!! I have been having the BEST time! We just finished Mozambique, it was such a cool place, and I think y’all would really like it. I cant wait for the safaris and to tell you guys all about it when I’m home!! I love you all so so much!!!
Selah- Hi Mom and Dad!! I have been having an amazing time and it is so pretty here! We just finished our Mozambique part of the trip and now we are about to go to South Africa again. The beach was amazing and we got to see such cool culture. I can’t wait to get to the safaris, and I hope you guys are have the best time on your trip! I love you guys so much and I can’t wait to tell you about it!!
Will- Hi mom, dad, and Liza. This trip so far is definitely worth the 17 hour flight. We finished up Mozambique and that place was amazing. The food was great and I can’t wait to see what we do in South Africa. I’ll tell y’all all about it when I’m home. Love y’all!
Safe Arrival!
July 9, 2026
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 as they prepare to begin their safari section!
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
Safe Arrival!
July 8, 2026
Hello South Africa + Mozambique Families!
We heard from our leaders 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 as they start their cultural immersion section!
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
