odyssey tanzania

YOUR JOURNEY OF SELF DISCOVERY, CHALLENGE, AND GROWTH – UNIQUE, UNFORGETTABLE, AND BUILT JUST FOR YOU. STEP BEYOND YOUR COMFORT ZONE, MASTER NEW SKILLS, AND FORGE CONNECTIONS THAT LAST A LIFETIME.

what is odyssey?

Odyssey Tanzania is a student and gap year program designed for adventurous young people aged 18-22. Our courses are hosted at Lake Shore Lodge on Lake Tanganyika in rural Western Tanzania. We are centred around teaching the following 5 fundamental themes: 

  1. NATURAL - Safaris, Environmental Conservation, and Adventures

  2. TECHNICAL - Workshop skills, basic construction, and practical thinking

  3. PHYSICAL - Daily exercise, physical challenges, and nutrition

  4. BUSINESS - Teamwork, entrepreneurship, and risk taking

  5. SOCIAL - Networking, Hospitality and self confidence

Odyssey is more than a program — it’s a journey of self-discovery, grit, and personal development. Participants leave with the confidence to take on new challenges, the skills to excel in any environment, and the connections of a tight-knit international community. The experiences you gain here are rare in today’s world, making them all the more valuable for your future.

  • Fundamental 1: natural

    A deeper knowledge of the world around you. Learn about animal behavior, tracking and basic survival skills. Gain valuable knowledge and experience through active participation in our ongoing conservation efforts.

  • fundamental 2: technical

    Practical skills are transferable to any career. Learn to weld, basic electronics, and construction techniques. These skills require a methodical approach and refined problem solving to do successfully - a mindset that would stand out to any employer.

  • fundamental 3: physical

    You only have one body - take care of it. Fitness and health are vital in day to day life, our fitness professionals will show you how to take your physical ability to the next level.

  • fundamental 4: business

    What do you want to do for the rest of your life? Whether it’s your own business or technical career Odyssey will equip you with the skills to chase it with everything you have, and give your CV flair that will have any employer interested.

  • fundamental 5: social

    Work together, form friendships, learn from role models, and be part of a greater community who you can turn to throughout your life. Your Odyssey is only getting started as you finish your course!

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Where is odyssey?

Odyssey is based at Lake Shore Lodge, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Kipili, Western Tanzania.

Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest freshwater lake, the second deepest, and the second largest by volume — holding an incredible 18% of the planet’s available freshwater. It is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, home to over 250 species of vividly coloured cichlid fish that have made the lake a centre of global scientific research.

Western Tanzania is one of the most remote regions in the country, sparsely populated and rich in untouched wilderness. Surrounding the lake are vast game reserves and national parks, including our neighbour Katavi National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and dramatic landscapes. Here, Odyssey participants embark on a 4-day safari — a highlight of the program.

Our base at Kipili offers the best of both worlds: the tranquillity of lakeside living, where mornings begin with the sound of waves on the shore, and the vibrancy of village life, where we focus many of our conservation efforts across Kipili and its surrounding islands.

Together, the lake, the national parks, and the wild remoteness create the perfect backdrop for Odyssey participants to challenge themselves, connect with nature, and thrive in adventure.