ABOUT US
Odyssey is a student and gap-year program for young adults aged 18–22, set in the wild landscapes of Tanzania. We combine adventure, cultural immersion, and real-world skill-building to create life-changing experiences that prepare you for whatever comes next.
our mission
We created Odyssey to give young people transformative experiences that push them beyond their comfort zones and shape who they become. Our goal is for every participant to leave with the confidence, perspective, and skills to succeed in whatever path they choose. Because no two journeys are the same, we tailor each Odyssey to the individual, ensuring a unique and deeply personal experience for everyone.
how odyssey began
After building and running a hotel, Lake Shore Lodge, for the past 20 years, many young people have passed through our doors, arriving one person, and leaving slightly different. We always baffled over the effect that this place had on people, especially longer staying guests. We thought it was something about the remoteness, or the adventures we did with them - but it really felt like there was just something in the air that young people picked up on and thrived in. Then a young man from the UK came for a month of work experience in hospitality, property maintenance/mechanics, and to learn about business in Africa with us. Over the month his perspective shifted completely - he formed new healthy habits, gained a new lust for life, and learnt skills that he never knew he could do. When looking back on this experience, we saw how much he had changed just in a month, physically fitter, mentally stronger, and full of passion for life. Then a moment of realisation struck - that this experience should be open for everyone, that we could help more young people if we turn it into a structured program. We thought, and built, and created what is now Odyssey. Odyssey dictionary definition - ‘Odyssey - a long and eventful or adventurous journey or experience.’ - a perfect embodiment of the idea we were trying to bring to life. We now run yearly courses here on Lake Tanganyika and are honoured to host such amazing young people and watch them grow into the independent driven individuals they become. Odyssey is a community, a family, offering not only our time-bound courses, but also a continuous network of likeminded people who share this unique experience and help each other throughout life.
the odyssey family
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Christopher horsfall
FOUNDING DIRECTOR, DIVE INSTRUCTOR & CONSTRUCTION
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Louise Horsfall
FOUNDING DIRECTER & LOGISTICS
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Oliver richardson
ODYSSEY STUDENT 000, CO-FOUNDER, COURSE ARCHITECT, STUDYING FGASA SAFARI GUIDE AND PROFESSIONAL DIVER.
Oliver attended the university of Nottingham to study Bsc Physics before finding his new life in Tanzania. Off the back of his experience learning under Christopher and Louise Horsfall, Oliver now builds the Odyssey courses and runs them alongside Joseph Moyo. He is hands-on together with the participants, guiding them through their experiences and teaching them new skills. He is passionate about giving each ‘Odyssean’ an action packed experience and a reliable role model that they can turn to at any time be it during or after their course.
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jemma clowes
HEAD CHEF, JUNIOR SOMMELIER, FGASA SAFARI GUIDE TRAINEE, AND HOSPITALITY MANAGER AT LAKE SHORE LODGE
Jemma Clowes brings a wealth of culinary expertise to Lake Shore Lodge, having honed her skills at the prestigious Culinary Institute of Barcelona, where she specialized in Haute Cuisine, Pastry and Chocolate. With experience in Michelin-starred restaurants and other fine dining establishments in Barcelona and Olot, Spain; Jemma now leads the culinary and hospitality operations at Lake Shore Lodge in Tanzania. As Head Chef, she oversees the restaurant, bar, and kitchen operations for both the lodge and Odyssey, ensuring seamless management and exceptional guest experiences.
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Joseph moyo
HEAD FACILITATOR
Joseph M. Moyo
Joseph was born and raised in the dry and harsh Matebeleland bush in southern Zimbabwe, where he hunted and fished with his father and brothers. Motivated by his love for the outdoors, "Jo" (as he is affectionately known) studied Environmental Science (BSc), before becoming an apprentice on a game ranch. His passion and conduct soon attracted the attentions of Quest Africa, a gap year program where he established himself as an instructor, facilitator, program manager and mentor. He now runs ultra marathons, and runs Odyssey courses alongside Oliver Richardson.
THE ODYSSEY CAMPUS
Odyssey courses are hosted at Lake Shore Lodge, our home on the shores of Lake Tanganyika for over 20 years. This is where adventure begins.
Set on a remote stretch of beach just outside Kipili village, Lake Shore combines comfort, wilderness, and a sense of true escape. The lodge features 8 beautifully designed rooms, 4 scenic campsites, a restaurant and bar, and dedicated facilities for diving, kayaking, golf, and workshops. It’s the perfect base for exploration, training, and relaxation.
Our closest town is Sumbawanga, a 2.5-hour drive away, with the lodge reached via a 64 km dirt road we fondly call our “extended driveway.” Here, in the middle of nowhere, you’ll find yourself surrounded by dramatic rock formations, pristine waters, and wild landscapes waiting to be explored.
Take a look through the gallery below and get a feel for Lake Shore — we look forward to welcoming you here as part of your Odyssey journey.
why choose odyssey?
At Odyssey, our dedicated team takes a hands-on approach to every participant’s journey. We know that no two people are the same, so our courses are tailored to individual strengths and interests to ensure each experience is both unique and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re most excited by workshop days, inspired by conservation activities, or drawn to adventure, we shape your program so that it becomes your own.
Based at Lake Shore Lodge, we bring over 20 years of experience in the heart of Lake Tanganyika. Over two decades we have built a reputation for reliability, creativity, and excellence in tourism and training in this region.
Our strong connection to conservation comes through our NGO, Sustain Lake Tanganyika, whose mission is as follows: “Committed to safeguarding the Lake Tanganyika ecosystem whilst improving the welfare of her local communities.”Through talks from conservation professionals and hands-on involvement in local projects, every participant becomes part of this mission — leaving proud of the impact they’ve made and with a richer perspective of the world.
We also know the value of preparing you for life after Odyssey. Following conversations with universities and employers, our courses are designed to foster vital, employable skills such as grit, determination, leadership, problem-solving, and risk-taking. Alongside your adventures, you’ll work on developing a professional CV that captures these new skills, creating a compelling record of the unexpected experiences, challenges, and lessons that will set you apart in an increasingly competitive world.