South Africa + Mozambique
Information for Enrolled Students
Keep in mind that June and July are winter months in South Africa. Warm layers are very important, as evening temperatures can dip down into the high 30s. We ask that you be respectful to cultural sensitivities and cover your knees/shoulders during the community service projects and while traveling in public with your group. Our local outfitters highly suggest and request neutral colors and earthy tones like khaki, olive, beige, tan, and light brown. This is to avoid attracting unwanted pests like flies and mosquitos and to avoid scaring off wildlife with bright colors.
45-60 liters, with shoulder straps, MUST be small enough to carry on the plane
20-30 Liters Daypack/Backpack to carry your rain jacket, water bottle, and snacks
Highly recommended. Silk, cotton, or synthetic. Used as a “lightweight sheet” in warm climates in lieu of a sleeping bag. Used when staying in hotels/ hostels as a personal sheet.
A pair of comfortable, closed-toed, sturdy, lightweight shoes (able to get dirty)
These can be open-toed, but do need to have a back strap - no flip flops!
Regular, comfortable athletic socks, can be cotton
Non-cotton, lightweight hiking socks
Non-cotton, medium-weight hiking socks; warmer socks
Synthetic, loose, appropriate pants that can get dirty to be worn during community service. These pants must be loose to be culturally appropriate. Leggings are NOT acceptable, but looser joggers would suffice.
Synthetic, non-cotton fleece pants or sweatpants
Synthetic, non-cotton shorts
Boys: your quick dry shorts can double as a bathing suit
Synthetic, non-cotton are best (but a couple cotton pairs are permitted)
Joggers, jeans, khakis, leggings
Synthetic, Non-cotton - This needs to be heavier than the Lightweight Top
Synthetic or Down insulation, non-cotton. This can be a synthetic or down "puffy" jacket
100% Waterproof Rain Jacket with Hood - NO ponchos!
Synthetic, non-cotton. This can be a fleece pullover, sweater or a full-zip jacket
Synthetic, non-cotton, light-weight long sleeve top
Medium-weight long-sleeved (polypropylene or Capilene, NOT Cotton)
Lightweight sunshirt with hood to protect arms and neck from sun
For Girls
Synthetic, quick-dry, non-cotton t-shirts
For additional sun and wind protection. Buffs are tube-like and can be worn up to 12 different ways providing versatile sun protection. Can even be worn as a headband!
Wool or fleece, non-cotton beanie
Heavy wool or fleece gloves
An inexpensive pair of basic work or gardening gloves for the community service project
With Fresh Batteries + 2 Sets of Spare Batteries; This is very important!
Nylon or mesh stuff sack (sleeping bag size) for dirty clothes, etc.
With 100% UV Protection
Travel size, recommend 50-95% DEET
Contains: toothbrush, toothpaste, travel shampoo & soap, deodorant, sunscreen
Contains: Insect repellent, waterproof sunscreen, Band-aids, Moleskin, Chapstick w/ sun prevention, Wet Ones wipes, Dramamine (if prone to motion sickness), personal hand sanitizer.
If your child wears glasses and/or contacts, please bring at least one spare pair of glasses/ lenses. Contact lens wearers should bring a pair of glasses as backup in addition to contacts.
The best way to send medication is with a Pill Box.
Please bring any personal medications and travel medications as advised by your Physician.
Non-plastic
Small, pea-less plastic will do; most backpacks/daypacks have whistles on their sternum strap which would suffice!
Personal wallet with $200 spending money and valid identification; be mindful of international exchange and certain credit card restrictions
Original signed and notarized international travel authorization form; N/A for students 18 at the start of the trip
Passport (valid for 6 months after the last day of your trip) + 2 additional photocopies of your passport
Copy of Birth Certficate
If you do not pay online in advance for the return flight's UM Fees, make sure your student has enough money to cover it (varies by airline)
Absorbent & quick to dry, large or extra-large works best
Synthetic, non-cotton medium weight long underwear bottoms
Paperback books are less bulky; NO kindles or e-readers
For journaling
Compact and lightweight for wildlife viewing; HIGHLY recommended
With charger, extra battery, and 32-64 GB memory card
With charger, extra battery, and 32-64 GB memory card
Portable charger/power bank to charge camera and GoPro
Country-specific power adapter for charging cameras
When packing for your student, we kindly recommend involving them in the process. This ensures they are familiar with where their items are and what they’ve packed, making their experience smoother and more enjoyable. REI, Mountain High Outfitters, or local outdoor stores are great resources to find awesome gear and gain knowledge and advice. We encourage parents and students to check the local weather the weeks and days leading up to departure for their trip. For some locations, weather can vary significantly between early June and late July, and students going on a later session of a trip may not need an extra layer.
In the event that your luggage is delayed or lost in transit, we want you to be prepared. Therefore, wear tennis or hiking shoes on the plane. Plus, pack the following items from this packing list in your daypack / school backpack carry-on:
These items are already included in the packing list – they are not additional items!
During your trip you will stay in a variety of accommodations: large canvas tents for community service and safari, lodges, and hotels/hostels (all single gender).
Eating utensils (plates and cutlery) will be provided throughout the trip.
If you have any special dietary restrictions/ considerations, please contact the Moondance office for further information.
Required; must be within 10 years of the trip
Moondance adheres to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. They state that routine vaccines are those recommended for everyone in the United States, depending on age and vaccine history. Please consult with a physician for specific recommendations based on your health history and continuously check the CDC website for updates.
Routine vaccinations related to travel may include the following:
CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of South Africa + Mozambique take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends a pre-exposure rabies vaccination before your trip because rabid dogs are commonly found in this country. There may be limited or no rabies treatment available. We will encounter dogs and wildlife especially as we travel to rural areas.
Active cholera transmission is widespread in South Africa. Cholera is rare in travelers. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease. Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.
Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission. The following areas do not have active cholera transmission: Cape Town, Durban, Kruger National Park, and Port Elizabeth.
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Check out the map tab on this page to view a map of where Moondance groups will be traveling throughout South Africa. Provide this information to your physician of choice (primary care physician, travel clinic, etc.) in order to get the most accurate suggestions for immunizations and vaccinations.
Click here to see what the CDC recommends for travelers in South Africa.
| Date | Flight | Departure City | Departure Time | Arrival City | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | Delta 200 | ATL (Atlanta) | 10:00 PM | JNB (Johannesburg, South Africa) | 7:40 pm (6/04) |
| Date | Flight | Departure City | Departure Time | Arrival City | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, June 18, 2026 | Delta 201 | JNB (Johannesburg, South Africa) | 9:55 PM | ATL (Atlanta) | 8:15 am (6/19) |
| Date | Flight | Departure City | Departure Time | Arrival City | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, June 20, 2026 | Delta 200 | ATL (Atlanta) | 10:05 PM | JNB (Johannesburg, South Africa) | 7:40 pm (6/21) |
| Date | Flight | Departure City | Departure Time | Arrival City | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, July 5, 2026 | Delta 201 | JNB (Johannesburg, South Africa) | 9:55 PM | ATL (Atlanta) | 8:00 am (7/06) |
| Date | Flight | Departure City | Departure Time | Arrival City | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, July 7, 2026 | Delta 200 | ATL (Atlanta) | 10:05 PM | JNB (Johannesburg, South Africa) | 7:40 pm (7/08) |
| Date | Flight | Departure City | Departure Time | Arrival City | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | Delta 201 | JNB (Johannesburg, South Africa) | 9:55 PM | ATL (Atlanta) | 8:00 am (7/23) |
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What are the drawbacks of not booking on the group flight?
Important Travel Notes:
We’ve provided Corporate Traveler as an optional flight booking service for you to consider. Corporate Traveler is an independent third-party provider, and Moondance is not responsible for their services or policies. You are welcome to book your flights through any provider you prefer.
If you decide to book through Corporate Traveler, please complete this form, and they will be in touch in 3-5 days via email with flight options.
Phone: 617.720.3050
Email: christianna.hoffman@corporatetraveler.us
800.832.5229
615.610.5900
9am-5pm M-F CST
info@moondanceadventures.com
MAILING ADDRESS
PO Box 23350
Nashville, TN 37202
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
209 Tenth Avenue South
Suite 322
Nashville, TN 37203
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There are spaces available for both genders for the upcoming season.
We are full for girls, but we have select spots for a boy.
We are full for boys, but we have select spots for a girl.
Limited means a trip is either full for a certain gender, school, or hometown.
This trip is currently full and we are accepting students on a waitlist through enrollment request submissions. You may be enrolled in a trip and on another trip’s waitlist. There is no financial obligation to be placed on a waitlist, and you can be on as many waitlists as you would like.
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