Odyssey Participant Personal Checklist & suggested Packing Lists

This list has been compiled as a checklist and a reminder for each participant in the hope that each man arrives with everything he needs.  Although this is a very comprehensive list, there may be some omitted items, if you believe you need anything that is not on the list please do not hesitate to bring it.

A note on clothing requirements.  All clothing must have names clearly and securely sewn onto every item.  Please can each participant also bring at least 10 extra name tags? Each participant will be issued with branded Odyssey clothing listed below and every participant will have to sew his name onto each article.  This list is the same for both the Odyssey Adventure and the Odyssey Elite Courses.

ODYSSEY PARTICIPANT SUGGESTED PACKING LIST

Supplied Odyssey Branded Clothing:

  • 1 x sports cap

  • 1 x broad-rimmed hat

  • 2 x tee-shirt 

  • 2 x collared polo-style shirt

  • 2 x short sleeve buttoned shirts

  • 1x fleece

  • 1 x water bottle, (please bring a favorite sticker for identification)

  • Lightweight rain jacket

Clothing to Bring

  • 12 x Underwear

  • 12 x socks, (4 x hiking, 6 x short socks, 1x long socks for sports)

  • 6 x T-shirts assorted favorite T-shirts

  • 4 x shorts for running/gym

  • 2 x lightweight casual trousers for evenings

  • 2 x lightweight casual sweatshirt

  • 1 x Tracksuit (OPTIONAL)

  • 2 x chosen sleeping attire

  • 2 x Swimming Costume, 1 x baggies, 1 x speedo

  • 1 x Heavy Raincoat (for intakes between Nov to May)

  • 4 x Cargo shorts

  • Overalls, (not compulsory, but suggested)

  • 3 x Shoes: (1 x hiking boots, 1 running/trail shoes, 1 x light sandals/Crocs - recommended crocs)

OTHER  ITEMS

  • 2 Towels for bathing, swimming and camping

  • Wristwatch 

  • ID and Drivers License (preferably certified copies)

  • Camera 

  • Go pro encouraged for action photos

  • Laptop

  • GPS (optional but encouraged)

  • Binoculars (optional)

  • Cellphone and charger

  • Sunglasses

  • Head-light torch and spare batteries

  • Handheld torch 

  • Pocket-knife

  • Cable ties

  • Duct tape

  • 3 x medium-sized padlocks for a personal trunk, (provided), in the room

  • Sewing kit with needles, pins, safety pins, cotton and scissors

  • Power is 220V with UK-style pins, (bring appropriate adapters if needed)

  • Battery banks

  • Spare batteries for all equipment

  • Playing cards (optional)

  • Suitable reading material on nature, birds of East Africa-app available, East African mammals, personal books

  • Stationery-pens, 6 x suitable notebooks, highlighters

Personal Toiletries

  • Shampoo, soap

  • Deodorant

  • Toothpaste, floss and toothbrush

  • Hairbrush & hair clippers

  • Shaving kit & nail brush

  • Mosquito repellent 

  • Sun block

  • Lip Ice/Vaseline

  • Nail clippers

  • Eye drops

  • Cream and body lotion

Personal First Aid Kit 

In the unlikely event of medical attention Odyssey has a level 1 first responder giver on site, for minor bumps and grazes.  For anything slightly more severe, a transfer to the Namanyere District Hospital would be necessary.  For anything major, a Medevac would be necessary, as part of the participants Medevac provider and service, (please refer to Contract 6.1.2 regarding additional costs)

All minor mishaps can easily, with a small amount of guidance, be attended to by the participant.  We therefore ask that each participant bring a small medical kit, for minor instances.

  • Antiseptic solution/ointment 

  • Antihistamine cream

  • Anti-inflammatory cream 

  • Rehydration tablets or sachet

  • Analgesics 

  • Anti-inflammatory tabs  

  • Anti-diarrhea medication

  • Paraffin gauze

  • Crepe bandages

  • Plasters

  • Strapping i.e. rolls of zinc oxide strapping, stretch and non-stretch 

  • Space blanket

  • Repeated prescription drugs to be accompanied by a letter from the doctor

  • Personal medication such as asthma pump, ‘EpiPen’.

  • Anti-malarial prophylaxis, if chosen to be used

Camping Equipment for every participant

For personal comfort, good quality gear listed below would be vastly beneficial for all participants.  Luckily most of the kit listed below will remain useful to students after Odyssey, so hopefully the expense will be a validated.

  • 20-40-litre backpack for expeditions

  • Light-weight hiking tent (1-2 man)

  • Closed foam sleeping mat

  • Warm Sleeping Bag

  • Sleeping bag liner

  • Dry bags or strong plastic bags to keep things dry in a backpack during bad weather

  • Camp cooker and suitable container to boil water

  • Camping crockery - mug, plate and bowl (as unbreakable as possible)

  • Camping cutlery - knife, fork and spoon

  • Hand towel

  • Para cord or similar thin strong cord (20 meters x 5mm thickness)  

  • Inflatable pillow for camping outings

  • Cable ties

  • Duct tape

HANDY CHECKLIST

Passport and Medical Aid

  • Valid Medical Aid number and card. In medical emergencies Odyssey will pay the account when necessary and the amount will be debited to students’ accounts as per 6.1.2.

  • Proof of Medical Insurance WILL be required prior to the start of Odyssey.

  • Valid Passport and ID, please ensure the passport expiry date falls after the end of Odyssey

  • USD cash to be used as a float for drinks, purchases outside of normal expenses, emergencies, balance taken home

  • With sign-in details, Odyssey will register all participants with Amref Flying Doctors, and ensure a card is issued

Prior Medical Examination

  • Ensure that you have a comprehensive medical check-up, we will require a copy, please. You will participate in exercise and outdoor activities. Odyssey must know of any health and diet restrictions and any history of previous PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL TRAUMATIC EVENTS in your life.  

  • Check should include: 

    • Heart, lungs and ears

    • History of operations

    • Any injuries or disabilities

    • Any prescription drugs prescribed from a physician

  • The Odyssey Facility is NOT situated in a malaria area, however, the nearby surrounding villages do have incidences of malaria.  This must be mentioned to your doctor and please follow his advice on this and ensure that if medication is administered, you bring enough for the duration of your stay.