Ochi: Home away from home

 

The addition of the chalets means that the Ochi Safaris that initially had eight modest, but magnificently thatched and adorned chalets with double beds, will now be able to provide more spacious accommodation to its growing clientele.

Located in the vicinity of a conference room that can host up to 150 people, the chalets are artistically built on rocky outcrops, with some of the beds set on stone, a feature that gives a bushy yet African appeal to the whole set-up.

The beauty about the set-up is that groups of people can book for conference and still be able to get adequate accommodation from the chalets or at the Ochi Safaris, which is less than a kilometre from the chalets. The chalets were constructed with minimum disturbance to nature and are lit up by natural solar power, confirming Ochi City Safari’s conviction as an environment friendly hospitality organisation.

Meals by the chalets are enjoyed in an open air environment that gives a lovely view of Ochi’s surrounding environs such as the dam and the African village. In an interview, Ochi Safari Lodge manager Mrs Catherine Chirara said apart from providing modest accommodation, the lodge prides itself it providing top-of- the-range service to its growing clientele.

“Apart from our modest accommodation, which has flat screen television sets, mini bar fridges, en-suites with showers that peculiarly ooze water from rocks, we also have a number of outdoor activities.

“These include game drives to watch friendly wild animals and visit the nearby villages particularly for our international tourists. The natural fauna and floral makes it an ideal set-up or nature lovers, who just want to be away from the bustle and hassle of city life,” she said.

Ochi City and Safari Lodge is a privately run family business that has certainly transformed the economic and ecological landscape of Domboshava and its environs.
Its origins can be traced back to an old farm that was conveniently turned into a hospitality facility. It derives its name from the desire by its proprietors to bring under one roof, wildlife sanctuary and rural farming life with a distinctly urban flavour.