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Lake Chivero Recreational Park, Zimbabwe - Things to Do in Lake Chivero Recreational Park

Things to Do in Lake Chivero Recreational Park

Lake Chivero Recreational Park, Zimbabwe - Complete Travel Guide

Lake Chivero Recreational Park, located just 32 kilometers southwest of Harare, Zimbabwe, is one of the country's most accessible and popular recreational destinations. Originally created as a water supply reservoir for Harare, this 6,300-hectare park has evolved into a premier weekend getaway featuring a large artificial lake surrounded by rolling hills and diverse wildlife. The park offers a perfect blend of aquatic activities, game viewing, and outdoor recreation in a scenic setting that attracts both locals and international visitors. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including white rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and numerous antelope species, making it an excellent introduction to Zimbabwe's fauna for first-time visitors. The lake itself is the centerpiece, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports, while the surrounding savanna provides excellent game drives and walking trails. With its proximity to Harare and well-developed infrastructure including lodges, camping sites, and recreational facilities, Lake Chivero serves as an ideal base for exploring Zimbabwe's natural beauty without venturing far from urban amenities.

Top Things to Do in Lake Chivero Recreational Park

Game Drives and Wildlife Viewing

Explore the park's diverse ecosystems on guided or self-drive game viewing excursions to spot white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. The park's relatively small size makes it perfect for half-day safaris, and the open savanna terrain offers excellent visibility for photography and wildlife observation.

Booking Tip: Self-drive options cost around $10-15 per vehicle entry, while guided tours range from $25-40 per person. Early morning (6-9 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM) offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active.

Lake Activities and Water Sports

Take advantage of the expansive lake for boating, jet skiing, water skiing, and sailing activities. The calm waters are perfect for beginners, and several operators around the lake offer equipment rental and instruction for various water sports.

Booking Tip: Boat rentals start from $30-50 per hour, while jet ski rentals cost $40-60 per hour. Weekend rates are higher, so visit midweek for better prices. Always verify safety equipment is included and operators are licensed.

Sport Fishing

Cast your line in Lake Chivero's well-stocked waters for bass, bream, and carp fishing. The lake is renowned among local anglers for its excellent fishing opportunities, with several designated fishing spots and boat-accessible deeper waters for serious anglers.

Booking Tip: Fishing permits cost around $5-10 per day and can be purchased at park gates. Boat hire for fishing costs $25-40 per day. Best fishing times are early morning and evening, with local guides available for $20-30 per day.

Hiking and Nature Walks

Explore the park's network of walking trails that wind through different habitats including woodland, grassland, and along the lakeshore. These trails offer opportunities to spot smaller wildlife, birds, and enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

Booking Tip: Walking trails are included in park entry fees ($3-5 per person). Guided nature walks cost an additional $10-15 per person and are recommended for better wildlife spotting and safety. Carry water and wear sturdy walking shoes.

Picnicking and Camping

Enjoy outdoor dining and overnight camping at designated sites around the lake with basic facilities including ablution blocks and braai (barbecue) areas. The peaceful lakeside setting makes it perfect for family gatherings and romantic getaways under the African sky.

Booking Tip: Camping fees range from $8-15 per person per night, with caravan sites costing $15-25 per night. Advance booking is essential for weekends and holidays. Bring your own camping equipment as rentals are limited.

Getting There

Lake Chivero Recreational Park is easily accessible by road from Harare, located just 32 kilometers southwest of the capital city. Take the A5 highway towards Bulawayo and follow the clearly marked signs to the park entrance. The journey typically takes 45-60 minutes by car depending on traffic. Public transport options include commuter omnibuses from Harare's city center, though having your own vehicle or hiring a taxi/tour operator is more convenient for exploring the park. The roads are generally in good condition, making it accessible for most vehicles year-round.

Getting Around

Within Lake Chivero Recreational Park, having your own vehicle is highly recommended as the park covers a large area with various activity zones spread around the lake. Self-drive game viewing is popular and allows flexibility to explore at your own pace. Walking is possible on designated trails, but distances between major attractions can be significant. Some lodges and activity operators provide shuttle services to their facilities. Boat transport is available for accessing different parts of the lake, and several operators offer boat transfers as part of their activity packages.

Where to Stay

Lake Chivero Safari Lodge
Kuimba Shiri Bird Sanctuary Lodge
Pamuzinda Safari Lodge
Lakeside camping sites
Caravan parks near the dam wall
Harare city center (day trip option)

Food & Dining

Dining options within Lake Chivero Recreational Park are primarily centered around the lodges and recreational facilities, which offer both local Zimbabwean cuisine and international dishes. Most accommodations provide meal packages featuring traditional braai (barbecue) experiences, fresh fish from the lake, and locally sourced ingredients. The lodges typically serve buffet-style meals with options for vegetarians and special dietary requirements. For day visitors, several picnic sites with braai facilities allow you to prepare your own meals, and it's common to bring supplies from Harare. Some boat operators and activity centers have basic refreshment facilities, but bringing your own food and drinks is advisable for longer stays.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Harare

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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The Three Monkeys Harare

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Café de Paris

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NoodleBox Harare

4.8 /5
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The Kitchen

4.6 /5
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Ocean Basket Highland Park

4.6 /5
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Oak Tree

4.5 /5
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Lake Chivero Recreational Park is during Zimbabwe's dry season from April to October, when wildlife viewing is optimal as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is less dense. The weather is pleasant with warm days and cool nights, perfect for outdoor activities. Water sports are enjoyable year-round due to the lake's consistent water levels, though the dry season offers the most comfortable conditions. The wet season (November to March) brings lush scenery and excellent bird watching opportunities, but some roads may become challenging and wildlife can be more dispersed. For fishing enthusiasts, the period just before and after the rains (March-May and October-November) often provides the best catches.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy better wildlife viewing opportunities, as weekends can get busy with local families and groups
Bring binoculars for wildlife and bird watching, as the park is home to over 240 bird species including fish eagles and various water birds
Pack sun protection and insect repellent, especially during the warmer months, and always carry sufficient water for outdoor activities as facilities can be spread out across the large park area

Explore Activities in Lake Chivero Recreational Park