odyssey Frequently Asked Questions
Communications Available
Participants will have intermittent use of their mobile phones. Odyssey has 4G coverage from Vodacom, and the Communal Area has a moden with 4G internet capabilities, that will be made available to participants at allocated times. All staff have constant signal for daily communications and other correspondence.
What is the curriculum?
The curriculum at Odyssey has been conceptualised and created by the owners and staff. With over 35 years in the service industry and hospitality, we have met thousands of families with Odyssey-aged boys. These wonderful boys became examples, and inadvertently helped us to mould the Odyssey curriculum. Our curriculum was developed around our assessment and observation of all of these young men. We developed the 5-Fundamentals:
Exercise - healthy mind=healthy body
Technical Competence-workshop, building, electrics, plumbing, solar etc.
Wilderness Training - bush skills, camp craft, our natural world around us
Social - develops self-confidence
Business Acumen - Foster entrepreneurial thought
These Fundamentals with a practical application will foster beneficial habits, to be drawn on for the rest of your life.
What is a ‘typical day’ at Odyssey?
Early morning wake up, with the sounds of nature crackling in your ears. Wholehearted exercise that fills your body with passion and energy. Then spend the day with a great bunch of like-minded guys, “your new mates for life, side by side, sweating, learning, laughing whilst unknowingly developing incredible skills, imparted subtly and naturally, enhanced by “doing”, so that you remember it forever. Wholesome healthy meals, educational and inspirational leadership, sometimes around a huge bush fire, then falling asleep, content, tired and happy in your spacious comfortable bed surrounded by tranquillity. This sequence is only broken by adventure safaris, into National Parks, sometimes self-propelled on a kayak, sometimes in Safari Vehicles, for an outdoor experience, which most people see as a BUCKET-LIST occasion. And here you are doing it yourself, surrounded by MATES, falling asleep laughing, under the stars, with the smell of the fire, these are nights you will never forget.
What Medical Facilities are available?
The staff are medically trained for 99% of all potential medical needs, always close to a comprehensive First Responder Medical Kit. In the unlikely event of the need for hospitalisation, we have a District Hospital 58km away. Kipili has an airstrip, only 3km away, for Medevac needs. The course includes coverage for all participants with Amref Flying Doctors https://flydoc.org/maisha/products/#tourist
Visa Requirements
Tanzania’s requirements are available off the following website, all foreign participants will be required to arrange their visas before arriving in country.
https://www.immigration.go.tz/index.php/types-of-visa/ordinary-visa
And:
https://visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines
What is included in the Course price
With modern lifestyles, the last thing we want to do is burden Parents/Guardians with mundane, time-consuming expenses. Odyssey has included every conceivable expense in the overall course cost. There might be some once-off extraordinary expenses now and then, (see clause 6 of the contract), but otherwise - EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED
What is the dress code, are there uniforms?
No! Your packing list will guide you through all your “uniform” needs. The emphasis here is comfort and practicality. Lightweight sun and water-repellent clothes are always favoured but can be expensive. The assortment of Odyssey-provided clothing will get you through most situations. Please follow your comprehensive packing list
Where can I find out more information?
Give us a call on Whatsapp:
Oli:+44 7711128795
Chris: +255 757299371
Safety
The safety of our participants and our staff is of utmost importance. Tanzania is a very safe country and Odyssey is surrounded by villages that all have a very good relationship with the Odyssey management and owners. The only hazards are human silliness and some environmental hazards. Everyone asks about crocodiles, yes there are crocs in the Lake. In 17 years of operating the adjacent property, there have been no sitings of crocs or hippos by day. If either hippos or crocs are around we will always get forewarning and adjust the itinerary accordingly. Snakes, yes this is Africa - there are some snakes, 99.5% of all snake bites are inflicted on snake handlers, so our theory is, if you see a snake, move away slowly and it will disappear. There have not been any snake incidents in 17 years here. In the highly unlikely event of any of these hazards occurring, the MEDEVAC procedure would be followed, after local first aid was administered.
About Tanzania
Tanzania is known for its very friendly people. Tanzanians are very welcoming and very kind. It is a privilege spending time in such a friendly and accommodating country.
About Lake Tanganyika
This lake is a hidden jewel of Africa. It hosts 18% of the world’s fresh standing water and is host to 250 species of cichlids, which are famous aquarium fish. The water is 25-27 degrees celsius, pretty much the entire year. The rains start in late October and finish in April. It is the longest lake and the second deepest lake in the world.
Duties and responsibilities
Daily each participants will be expected to clean his room and keep it neat & tidy. They will also make their beds and follow a rotational laundry schedule. Also, a rotational mealtime itinerary is in place where all participants will all experience serving at meal times clearing tables and helping in the kitchen. All of these duties will form a basis for involvement and comprehension of daily tasks, that might not be “normal” in everyday life. Each man is responsible for his hygiene and appearance. All participants will be part of a fines program, whereby any transgressions might be fineable. The fines are not financial, they could be in the form of a harder workout, or extra duties. These will be issued in a fun manner on the off days and will be used to create and bolster camaraderie and togetherness.
Do we have an off day?
Yes, Sundays are dedicated to socialising, resting and fun-