Final Trip Update from Zanzibar!
July 22, 2026
Since we’ve last written, we have left the Mainland and exchanged our land legs for some sea legs. Landing on Zanzibar mid day left us the rest of the afternoon to get acquainted to our new home.
On our drive to our accommodation, Taylor talked about how different it looks here than the mainland (and how happy she was to be on the island). Located off the Eastern Coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is an island with a unique blend of culture that feels worlds away from the safari plains of the Serengeti. Picture this: soft white sand, the most clear and bright blue water you’ve ever seen. Thats our window view and front yard for our time here in Zanzibar. The energy upon arrival was palpable!! After a beach front lunch, we head over to the Dive shop to meet our guides and get fitted for this next section!
In a tuktuk style open air truck, we saw more of the island as we drove to the dive shop. Ethan initiated a hilarious Improv game that had the students laughing as they acted out outrageous scenarios. Our students getting their Open Water Certification (OWC), Grier, Weiler, Georgia, Stern, & Julien, met their guides Dullah and Bocco and learned how to set up their tanks and diving gear! The rest of the crew did a refresh session in the pool to get back into the diving mindset.
To cap off the afternoon, a group of us swam around in the ocean! Ethan, Julien, & Stern threw a tennis ball while Adelaide befriended some local kids also swimming around. It was a surreal moment to finally be at the beach, nevertheless the tropical paradise of Zanzibar!
The next day it really sunk in that we were here! The OWC divers had an early morning, heading out for their pool day to practice their skills before the ocean tomorrow! The rest of the crew hung at the beach, relaxing, reading, listening to music, and bartering for souvenirs. Knox first showed us how it’s done, respectfully bartering down the price. Teddy then helped the girls secure a fair price. It felt like a game!
Once back at the resort and after some proper fueling for lunch, a group wide spike ball tournament was established. Serious business people, serious. A common denominator of the group is competitive nature which makes for fun games! Our typical routine of beach front dinner to MoonUp then off to bed has been solidified by now, and tonight was no different!
Big day. Diving day. It was time to dive down to see what these pristine waters that we had been admiring for days had to offer! The morning began with a picturesque sunrise over the ocean! Margaret, Adelaide, EC, & Ethan went down to the ocean, all 15 steps from our breakfast spot, to take it in.
Our scuba boats are wooden ships, with space to sit up front and ample seats to enjoy the ride out to the reef. Before we knew it, it was time to gear up and hop in!Grier, Georgia, & Weiler breezed through their skills and spotted an octopus on their first dive ever. What an incredible welcome to the world of scuba! Teddy & Hadley dove with Amani, spotting many types of fish- triggerfish & rock fish. Teddy’s enthusiasm for marine life and diving is contagious, sparking much conversation about the wildlife we were seeing and past diving experiences. Easily spotted with pink and purple masks, our Advanced divers Adelaide and Ella cruised through 3 dives today. Their energy and excitement around diving rubbed off on all of us, we are very grateful to have them! Taylor and Margaret, diving with Hassan, were happy to get their sea legs back and dive again! Stern and Julien also excelled with their scuba skills, enjoying the brand new activity.
The group took advantage of the afternoon to rest and relax on the beach, as scuba and the sun take it out of you!! We had another fabulous meal on the beach, 3 courses of course, to end our day. Grier and Julien led a great Moonup ending with Poison Dart Frog, a silly game.
The next day was our last day of diving for the trip. The group loaded up and hit the water one last time to discover all that’s below us! Adelaide and Ella received their Advanced Certification, completing a deep dive down to 30 meters!! And a huge congratulations to our first time divers who received their certs! They are certified for life and now a member of the diving world! After an exciting certification day, we soaked up the beach front for our last evening in Kwengwa. The girls went seashell hunting and for a sunset ocean swim. It was most definitely a highlight of the entire trip, just spending time with each other not wanting to leave the beach until it was dark.
Our last 30 hours were a whirlwind across the island as we left the East Coast and headed toward the bustling streets of Stone Town.
Our first stop was a spice tour, where we learned all about the incredible variety of spices grown right here in Zanzibar. From peppers and cloves to cardamom and everything fruit imaginable, our senses (and tastebuds) were working overtime! Stern was especially excited about the cardamom, while Teddy took full advantage of the opportunity to paint his face. Knox made friends with some mischievous cats, while the chickens were especially drawn to Grier.
From there, we headed into Stone Town for some final shopping and exploring. We wandered through the winding streets, picked up a few last-minute souvenirs, and soaked in the energy of one of Zanzibar’s most historic and lively places. That evening, we boarded a traditional dhow for a sunset cruise. It was the perfect way to cap off an absolutely incredible 17 days!
Our final night together called for a proper celebration. We had a massive banquet dinner back at our hostel, complete with BBQ chicken, rice, salad, juices, and sodas. We brought out the glow sticks and spent the evening singing Disney songs with the little girls who live nearby. Before long, they had come down to hang out with EC, Weiler, Julien, and Adelaide, making our final night even more special. We finished the evening with our FINAL MoonUp, led by Ella and Stern, who guided us through a wonderful reflection on the trip. It was the perfect opportunity to look back on all that we had experienced, the challenges we had overcome, and the memories we will carry with us long after leaving Zanzibar.
And then… THE FINAL HOURS!
We woke up, put on our matching Zanzibar jerseys, and made the most of every last minute. We headed to Chako, a sustainable upcycling center that takes waste from around Zanzibar and transforms it into beautiful and useful household items. We got to suit up in our protective gear and make our very own glasses out of old glass bottles-from start to finish! It was such a cool hands-on experience and the perfect final activity for a group that has spent the last 17 days learning to see the world in new ways. We enjoyed one final lunch together and, of course, squeezed in one last game of Family before it was time to head to the airport.
On the way to the airport, we of course had to blast the songs that defined our trip-The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Africa, Sedona, and, last but certainly not least, Never Be Like You. What followed was an extremely tearful goodbye. There were group hugs upon group hugs, plenty of stalling, and a whole lot of “okay, one more hug” before finally making their way through security. And just like that, TNZ 3A was officially on their way home to you, ready to tell you all about the incredible things we saw, the places we went, and the memories we made together!
A huge thank you to all of you who allowed your student to embark on this journey with us. Your kids are so intelligent, kind, adventurous, and genuinely wonderful humans. Ethan and I cannot express how loved, supported, and respected we have felt by this group over the past 17 days. It has been an absolute privilege to watch them grow, challenge themselves, laugh until they cried, embrace a new culture, and become such a close-knit community.
TNZ 3A-don’t be a stranger! We love you all so much, and we are already missing you more than you know. And with that…
BACKWARDS DAB! SCUBA WOAH! KWAHERI! JAMBO! MAMBOOOOOO!- Mom and Dad
Thank you again for sharing your incredible kids with us. It has truly been a joy!
EC & Ethan
Marvelous Maasai Visit!
July 17, 2026
What an unforgettable few days it has been!
Since our last update, we’ve had the privilege of immersing ourselves in Maasai culture, visiting inspiring community projects, summiting Mt. Mukuru, and spending lots of quality time making so many memories together! This group has continued to energize and make Ethan and me proud. It has been a joy to experience Maninland, Tanzania, with your students! Now, for the details of our last few days-
Our first evening with the Maasai was filled with incredible cultural workshops and a warm welcome into their community. The Maasai are a long-time tribe of East Africa with many incredible traditions from hundreds of years of history. Throughout our stay, we learned about their history, customs, and daily life directly from our hosts.
Our accommodations were so unique, beautiful cave lodges nestled into the landscape with spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro whenever the skies cleared. Hadley, Adelaide, and Margaret were treated to one of the best views from Ethan and EC’s cave!
The evening included trying our hand at throwing a rungu, the traditional Maasai wooden club. Stern quickly proved to be a rungu master, hitting the target on the very first attempt and getting cheers from the whole group and our Maasai guides alike.
We also visited the Forgiveness Cave, where our guides explained the important role it has played in Maasai customary practices and conflict resolution. It was a fascinating glimpse into traditions that continue to shape community life today.
As the sun set, we enjoyed a beautiful Maasai dance demonstration that soon had everyone joining in. Taylor was the first student invited into the circle and was presented with traditional jewelry-a very special moment. Next up was a battle recreation, Knox, and Teddy enthusiastically debated (and placed friendly bets!) on which group of warriors would win while Ella and EC watched (and giggled) attentively.
We ended the evening gathered around a campfire where our guides shared the history of the Maasai people and answered thoughtful questions from the group. Afterwards, we enjoyed a traditional Maasai BBQ featuring fire-roasted goat. Every student gave it a try, even Georgia! For those seeking an extra challenge, there was also a traditional broth made by boiling the goat’s organs over the fire. Teddy, Ethan, and Julien proudly finished an entire cup, while Stern and EC decided a few sips were adventurous enough!
The following day, we visited several of the incredible community projects supported through Africa Amini Life. Our first stop was the local clinic and hospital, where we learned about healthcare in rural Tanzania and the important role the facility plays in serving surrounding communities. The hospital was split into a holistic side and a more Western side, blending both together!
We then visited the local orphanage. The children’s rooms, the garden, the kitchen, and the playground were some of our stops around the grounds, taking in the beautiful sanctuary for kids. Julien and Taylor joined Sakita, our student guide, for a game of soccer. As Leader of the Day, Georgia presented the orphanage with a new soccer ball as a thank-you gift for welcoming us so warmly. Inside the dining hall, Stern and Ethan became fascinated with a large world map, inspiring our students to show where they had traveled from to get to Tanzania.
Next stop was a school! At the secondary school, student guides proudly showed us both the vocational and academic classrooms, giving us insight into the many opportunities available to students. We also sampled ugali, a traditional East African staple, with Teddy especially excited to give the local version a try.
Our visit to the primary school was full of joyful moments. One little girl immediately attached herself to Weiler’s side and didn’t want to let go! Hadley spent time teaching and learning handshake games with eager students, while Julien’s camera quickly became a crowd favorite with curious children wanting to see their photos. Margaret and Adelaide were surrounded by hugs from smiling students throughout our visit. This was truly a high for all of us, as Taylor said she had never experienced something like that in her life.
The next morning, our alarm clocks (the Maasai warriors saying “Hello” at our caves) rang early at 4:30 a.m. as we set off to conquer Mt. Mukuru before sunrise. The climb was challenging, with cold temperatures and slippery sections, but the entire group showed incredible determination. Julien, Weiler, and Grier were especially encouraging throughout the hike, constantly motivating those around them.
Reaching the summit was an unforgettable experience. Although the top was wrapped in clouds, the atmosphere was surreal, and everyone was very happy to have completed the climb together.
After hiking back down the mountain, we enjoyed another delicious breakfast before slowing the pace for a well-deserved morning of chilling. Students spent time by the pool reading, listening to music, playing cards, and, of course, enjoying several rounds of our now-favorite game, Family.
After lunch, we walked into Mukuru Village to continue learning about daily life in the community. We were invited into a home to see a traditional hut. Extremely eye-opening for us all, sparking great conversation between Teddy, Ella, and EC. Walking through the village, Grier and Taylor made friends with several playful puppies, while Weiler couldn’t resist stopping to admire a tiny chick chirping nearby. Back at our accommodations, the resident cats have become celebrities among the group, especially with Knox and Ethan!
The afternoon concluded with a wonderful beading workshop led by local Maasai women. Students learned traditional techniques and created their own bracelets, with Georgia quickly crafting several beautiful blue designs.
After one final evening in the Maasai community, we woke up early for our flight to Zanzibar. We said goodbye to some of the kindest people we have ever met before driving to Arusha to catch our flight. The girls had a group goodbye hug with our beloved host and now friend!
After a quick 1-hour flight, we made it to our beautiful beachfront resort and are excited to begin the next chapter of our adventure!!! The blue waters of the Indian Ocean greeted us, and everyone is looking forward to starting scuba diving tomorrow!!
We can’t wait to share more updates soon. Thank you for following along with our journey!
Kwaheri,
EC & Ethan
Another message from your wonderful students!
Ella – HEYYY!! I am currently on the flight to ZANZIBARRR! We just spent three nights in a very luxurious cave. We went on a 5am hike one day and it was cool, can’t wait to tell y’all about it. We went to a primary school and got to hangout with some of the kids, which was really fun. I am so excited to get to the beach and see y’all soon. Lots of loveeeee!!!!
Grier- Hey guys!!!! We are finally heading to Zanzibar!! I can’t believe we are reaching the end of our trip. I am so so grateful that I’m here, and have truly had some once in a lifetime experiences. We spent our past few days staying in the coolest place (we slept in luxery caves) and got to meet a few Masai people who were so so kind. Seeing them, going to a nearby school, orphanage, and hospital has allowed me to gain a new perspective and appreciation for what I have at home. Not only that but the activities we did like our AWESOME sunrise hike up mount mukuri and a few chill afternoons spent at the pool have made our group become extra close. I’m sad to leave the mainland but excited to see what the next part of our trip will bring. Thank you so much for allowing me to come!! Love and miss you guys SOOO much!! Can’t wait to see you soon.
Knox- hey fam were leaving Tanzania right now and going to Zanzibar im so excited. Im really happy to be at the beach soon and tan and also scuba dive again that was so fun. I’ve had an awesome trip so far defo the best one out of all three just because of the people and I’ve really opened up and everyone’s amazing. Missing you guys so much love you.
Weiler- Hi again! Our experience with the Masai people was so amazing and fun. The place we stayed was the coolest place I have ever been! We got to visit a local school and the little toddlers were the sweetest, cutest ever. I am so excited to tell you about all of the people that we met and everything we learned. We are on our way to Zanzibar and I am so excited! I can’t wait to scuba and spend beach days on the Indian Ocean. I miss you all!! Thank you for this amazing experience! Love you!!
Georgia- Hiii everyone!! We are about to be in Zanzibar yay I can not wait!!! We just stayed with the Masai people and we slept in caves it was amazing! We went to a school and the kids were so cute!! I can not believe this is real life and I can’t wait to get home and tell you guys all about it! Love and miss you all so much!! Xoxo
Margaret- HEYYY!’ I miss everyone sooo much but I’m having so much fun! We are currently on the flight to Zanzibar and i am sooo excited! After we left the hotel for one night we went and stayed at the Masai village in caves and it was so cool! We learned there culture and there dances, we also went to the orphanage and the schools and it was so fun to see everything and everyone and the little kids were so adorable to be with! Also yesterday we woke up at 4:30 and went on a sunrise hike that mom would have really liked it was really fun to climb!Tell everyone I love and miss them. And I can’t wait to see y’all in a couple days to tell y’all all about it!!’
Hadley – heyyyyy!!! We are on our way to Zanzibar to go scuba diving. Im excited but still a little nervous after last time. We just got out of the Masai village which was so fun and the place we stayed was so unique and amazing. We got to visit hospitals, schools, and an orphanage and see a the little kids which was adorable! I still can’t believe im in Africa, this place is amazing!! I can’t wait to see you guys soon and tell you all about how much fun I’ve had. See you soon!!!
Taylor- hey guys! I come home soooooon!!! We just left mainland (Tanzania) and were on the way to Zanzibar! Im so excited for this place and I can’t wait to see what it is like. we just stayed in the Masai village and got to visit hospitals, schools, and an orphanage which was the most amazing experience. I can’t wait to come home I miss everyone so much.
Julien- Hey y’all! Im doing amazing in Tanzania, living in the moment. We’re flying to Zanzibar right now. And I’m still loving everything. We climbed a mountain yesterday and now we’re going to scuba dive! Thank you so much for this experience. I can’t wait to tell you guys everything. Love you!
Stern-hey mom, how’s it going. It’s been really fun so far and I’m glad I went. I miss you a lot and I hope you don’t miss me much. Please text Ava and tell her I miss her and im thinking of her and I bought her a gift, I hope you and Spencer are doing well
Adelaide- Hey guys!!! I am in the plane otw to Zanzibar and I can’t wait!! I am so upset to leave Tanzania and we are already so sad but y’all know my favorite is scuba so I am so excited for that!!! It was so sad to leave Tanzania because it was literally the best ever and I am obsessed with it. We saw kids in their school and an orphanage after safari which was so so fun and they are all so sweet!! I really don’t want to ever leave! I hope all is well at home and I miss y’all so much (and Minnie and Sissy)!! Love y’all the most!!!!!!
Teddy-Hey guysss I miss you so much! Tanzania has been so much fun and I have never done an experience like this ever before. We just flew into Zanzibar and the water is sooo prettyyyt!!! I can’t believe that I am going to leave soon and see you guys which makes me sad but happy. Please tell Jake that I love him so much and tell him happy anniversary for us please. I love you guys so so so much and I can’t wait to see y’all!!!!
Exploring the Tanzanian Terrain!
July 13, 2026
Hello! The long awaited first trip update from Tanzania and Zanzibar 3A 2026! Our first week together has been beyond eventful, immersing ourselves into Tanzanian culture one day at a time. We have lots to fill you in on, so buckle up for the ride!
Ethan and I eagerly awaited the group at the Kilimanjaro Airport the evening of arrival. The energy was up right off the bat, they sent us a group picture once they landed! A local band played outside the terminal greeting the students as they successfully made their way through customs. Once they said goodbye to you all, we were off!
Loading up into our Moondance logo’d Land Cruisers was a surreal moment. The iconic safari cars would be our rides for the first section of the trip! The excitement when meeting our drivers and guides, Zeb & Tuma, was so high, with hellos and hugs all around. The first order of business after the very long travel day was much appreciated: Pizza. We stopped at a beautiful resort that had a table big enough to fit the 14 of us! Though exhausted from the many flights, the group was cheery and happy to have finally made it to East Africa. Our next and final stop of the night was our hotel! A quick Moonup and check in later, we were all ready for bed!
As you could probably already guess, our first section of the trip is Safari in the Serengeti National Park! Our first full day together commenced with a beautiful breakfast spread of crepes, French toast, juice, and eggs to fuel our journey West to the Bush! When I tell you the excitement was through the roof, it probably doesn’t encapsulate the vibes. Teddy and Margaret were especially enthralled with greeting those who passed by with the newly learned phrases ¨jambo¨ and ¨mambo¨, hello and whats up! The ride was interesting, passing by new terrain- going from city to wide open spaces. Lots of dust accompanied the ride, a friend we would soon become acquainted with while living in the bush. Before we knew it, we were seeing wildlife out of the windows! Zebras, giraffes, & gazelles were among the first to be spotted. As soon as we pulled into the National Park gates, we spotted LIONS. Not just lions, but cubs and their mom laying around, popping their heads up. It was so surreal to see lions right off the bat! Margaret and Julien were quick to snap pictures of the lone family on their cameras. The tops of our Land Cruiser pop up, allowing us to stand up to peer out! Hadley and Grier braved standing as we rolled down to bumpy dirt roads, holding on for dear life. We soon pulled into our home for the next 4 nights- a bush camp just for us! Green tents under a tree awaited us for our true bush experience. Dinner, a three course meal, was ready for us, cooked up by our fabulous cooks Steven and Frank. Post dinner, we warmed up some tea, threw on some layers, and circled a bonfire facing out into the bush to end the night! While around the fire, we heard our first nighttime chatter from the surrounding animals- lions and hyenas.
The following three days in the Serengeti were out of a dream. It’s hard to explain how incredible our sightings were, with our guides exclaiming how lucky we were! Our days started early, rising before the sun. We felt rewarded with the sunrise views. Hot air balloons filled the sky as the sun illuminated the land! Such a surreal experience seeing that for the first time.
The days never ceased to amaze us. Long game drives somehow never felt long. Between Stern’s riddles, conversations about every animal we spotted, and queues of music to fit every vibe, there was never a dull moment. It was so fun watching Taylor explore her camera, taking so many amazing pictures all the students already claimed for after the trip! Ella kept the energy high on the drives by encouraging everyone to stand up, and when it started to rain, Hadley popped right up to belt the song “Unwritten.” Georgia has a special appreciation for the wildlife, especially every baby animal we came across, making sure nobody missed the smallest elephant calf or lion cub (with Weiler pointing out that they could be twins). Knox has quickly earned the title of one of the group’s biggest entertainers, constantly keeping everyone laughing during the drives and back at camp when playing hacky sack. Speaking of hacky sack, Julien has driven up its players by bringing it to our group and even getting our guides involved.
We could describe to you the many incredible animal sightings we have witnessed, but we will leave that to the storytelling abilities and pictures from your students! A few things to note- While most of our time was spent in the car tracking down animals, we also got to explore Piano rock and check out the cactus trees. One day we stopped for our coffee and tea break next to a lake, which led to some exploring following animal prints. We are truly immersed in the animals’ home- what an incredible experience. Our second day of drives took us to the North to catch a glimpse of the Great Migration. Never had we ever imagined so many Zebras and Wildebeests to be in one area, much less traveling together in search of water and fresh grass. We staked out to see if the group would cross the river, but a pesky pose of lions thwarted the zebra and wildebeest attempts and scared them off. Just the sheer number of animals was impressive enough for us!
One of our favorite parts as leaders was watching the students build relationships with our Tanzanian guides. Adelaide and Grier have eagerly helped out in the camp kitchen whenever possible and made an effort to learn everyone’s names and stories, despite the language barrier. Those small conversations while cleaning up from our meals have become some of the most meaningful moments of the trip. One afternoon, our guides shared a traditional dish with us called Ogali, a maize based base with chicken and veggies to dip in. Teddy and Knox were happy to try it and ended up enjoying it the most. When it was our guide Zeb’s birthday, the group secretly made handmade birthday cards and surprised him with in the morning to celebrate his big day. Later that day when we had to say goodbye to Zeb and Tuma, we all group hugged and honestly shed a few tears!! It was a wonderful reminder that while we’re here to experience Tanzania, it’s often the people who make the biggest impact.
On our fourth morning, it came time to say goodbye to the Serengeti, although none of us were quite ready to leave. Though, we had one more day of Safari left in us! Not half a mile from camp, we spotted a cheetah perched on a rock, setting the tone for a packed day. We headed towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The crater certainly did not disappoint. Weiler made two unbelievable first sightings for our safari cars, spotting both the rare white rhinoceros and a serval, a typically nocturnal wild cat that even many safari guides rarely encounter. With that, our group had completed the big 5! A sought after accomplishment of seeing the most dangerous animals to track and hunt was highly anticipated by the crew! EC’s car discussed which animal they would be, Georgie replied giraffe while Knox was still set on a tiger. We made it to our hotel for a well-earned night of rest before beginning the next chapter of our adventure: community engagement with the Maasai. The first stop for many? The pool! Despite the freezing water, Ella, Adelaide, & Julien jumped right in without hesitation.
Both Ethan and I have been blown away by this group’s enthusiasm for all things Tanzania and Moondance. We are so excited for the remainder of our trip and cannot wait to see what is to come!
Until next time! Kwaheri!
EC & Ethan
Student Shoutouts:
Margaret- Hey mom and dad i miss yall so so much! Everyone is so amazing and fun!!We have had the best time in Serengeti! I have seen so many unreal things and animals and it is so cool. On the first day of the safari there was an elephant that was legit two feet away from us it was so cool. We slept in tents in the middle of the Serengeti and it was so cool at night we could hear the lions. We left yesterday then got to an amazing hotel to where i could finally take a shower i think pounds of dirt came off me! We are now driving to our community service for a couple days then going scuba diving in Zanzibar!! I cannot wait to show yall some pictures. Tell everyone and all my friends i love and miss them! Byeeee!
Hadley- Hey!! Im having so much fun here, the safari was amazing charlotte would love it!! Im feeling so much better like 95% and i stoped taking the medicine mom. The snacks have been so good and i cant wait to tell you guys all about it!!
Georgia- Hi everyone!! Miss you guys so much and I cant wait to tell you all about i! I literally can not believe this is real life all of the animals are so cute and look unreal. I got really cool pictures and I cant wait to show you! Miss you guys! Xoxo
Taylor- HIIIII!! I hope yall have been having fun out west and I cant wait to tell you everything i have been doing here! We just left the safari camp and we made it to an amazing hotel. I have met the cutest and nicest people that I will always remember! The first day I was completely terrified and nervous for the rest of the trip but we all clicked so fast and i have definitely met some forever friends! Tomorrow we go to the service and then we go to zanzibar to scuba and then I come home to see y’all! I hope everything is well at home and pls tell my friends (and you know who) i miss them a lottttt 🙂 LOVE YALLLLLL see u in 9!!!
Grier- Hi guys!! I love and miss you sooooo much! I am having the best time and cant wait to tell you guys all of the details when i get home. We saw some incredible things during our safari- a cheetah, elephant, and some rhinos that were all within 10 feet of the car!! My favorite part so far though was when we woke up the first morning during sunrise and a group of at least ten hot air balloons were flying along the horizon (which was sooo pretty). Our group is amazing and we have all become really close over these past few days. We have officially moved onto the community engagement and scuba part of the trip which i am super excited for! This has been the best time but i also cant wait to get back to tennis and my usual routines with all of you. Miss and love you guys soooo much and cant wait to tell you more when i get home!!!
Adelaide- Hey y’all!! I am having the BEST time ever omg it is literally amazing!! We just got out of the safari and boy was it dusty I cant even explain how cool this is it is unreal and so so beautiful! Yall the elephants are literally so insane and so cute!!!!!!! I cant believe Will is in Australia rn for mystery i am so beyond jealous of him. I love yall the most and miss sissy and minnie soo much. Say hi to my friends for me pls. I dont want to leave byeeeeee!!!!
Julien- Jambo y’all! I dont have too much time to think about missing the family not even for Charlie. Im loving Tanzania and the weather. I can tell its going to have been the best experience of my life. Thank you so much for this opportunity. Love all yall so much! Especially to Charles!
Weiler- Hi everyone!! The start of our trip has been so amazing! We started on safari and all of my bucket list is completed. I even shed a tear at the sight of a baby giraffe which I am sure you are not surprised by. I love our group and leaders so much and I am so excited for the next parts of our trip. I already have so many stories and pictures. Can’t wait to see you all! Love you all so much! 💙🐘
Stern- hey mom, i hope your doing well, ive had a very very good time and i miss you. I hope you and Spencer arent missing me too much. Please text ava and tell her i miss her and im thinking of her. I meant to tell you this before i left but i would appreciate it if you could do me this favor. On july 20th, can you open my ipad, passcode 1200 (dont look through my stuff please) and go to “heroes” the app, it should be on the hotbar on the right but if its not swipe down and look up “heroes” once you go into the app wait for it to load, then once your in the cantina (you might get a pop up if so just close out) go to the right a bit by scrolling left and look at the top right section of the screen for a section that says “events” click on that and you should see a square that says “proving grounds” press enter and scroll through it and for every available battle press “multi sim” and confirm, for this for every available thing (scroll right to left to see all) (also if there’s an update please update it). Thats it, i love you a lot and im thinking of you-stern
Ella- Hey fam!!! I am having SO much fun here in Tanzania and I cannot wait to go to zanzibar (and get my advanced certification since I DID finish my PADI). We just finished four nights in THE MIDDLE OF THE SERENGETI! Some baboons took over. Safari was super dusty but being able to see the big 5 in person made it all worth it. Missing y’all so much here – give Floyd lots of love from me. I hope the boys had fun in Europe and I cant wait to hear all about it. We have a little bit more to do on the mainland before going to the beach, but it’s supposed to be one of the coolest parts of the trip so I am so excited. Sending lots of love!!!
Knox – Hey guys 😘 i miss yall so much im having a blast like no joke . Everyone is so nice and cool and my group is amazing ive seen so many cool animals like it was lit insane there were so many cool animals like zebras and girafes and we saw a baby one and so many lions its literally insane there were some baby ones also. I saw a cheetah and there was a hyena at our camp site one night and i lit screamed. I hope kate and leah had a great birthday give them a hug for me love you guys. Were on our way to the place where we like help people with stuff i don’t know what its called but like yeah bye love you .
Teddy-Hey Mom and Dadddd. I miss yall so much and tell jake i love him do much and i miss him so much. We saw the big five which was so cool and we had the best safari leaders ever!!! We saw leopards, cheetahs, and so much more. At one point i was screaming at an elephant and it charged at our car and hit it (it was so much fun and exile rating). I love everyone here its and i love hanging with Ella, Margarette, Adelaide, and Taylor because they always make me feel so happy when i am with them and i dont think i have ever had a better group. The moondance leaders are so amazing and i love them so so so much. and i am so excited to see you guys and jake. Also again tell jake all of this and tell him that i miss him so much and i am so excited to see him and u guys. Tell me how the dogs and obviously how yall are doing. I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCHHHH
Safe Arrival!
July 8, 2026
Hello TNZ Families!
We heard from our leaders this afternoon 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
