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Lake Chivero Recreational Park

Lake Chivero Lake Chivero (formerly Lake McIlwaine) is Harare’s backyard wilderness - a recreational park combining wildlife viewing, water activities, and excellent birding just 32 kilometers from the capital. Created in 1952 when the Hunyani River was dammed to supply Harare’s water, the lake and surrounding park have become a vital green space for both wildlife and weekend-escaping city dwellers.

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Why Visit Lake Chivero

Easy Access

Just 30-40 minutes from Harare city center - perfect for day trips or quick escapes

Wildlife Viewing

Game park with giraffe, zebra, various antelope, and sometimes white rhino

Water Activities

Boating, fishing, and lakeside recreation on Zimbabwe’s most accessible lake

Bird Paradise

Over 400 bird species recorded - one of Zimbabwe’s premier birding sites

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What to See & Do

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Wildlife Viewing

Game Park

The game park section of Lake Chivero offers easy wildlife viewing:Animals Present:
  • Giraffe
  • Zebra
  • Wildebeest
  • Impala
  • Kudu
  • Waterbuck
  • Ostrich
  • Warthog
  • Hippo (in lake)
  • Crocodile (in lake)
  • White rhino (occasionally)
Game Drives:
  • Self-drive through game park
  • Tarred and gravel roads (sedan accessible in dry season)
  • Early morning and late afternoon best
  • Waterholes for guaranteed sightings
  • 2-3 hours adequate for circuit
What It’s NOT:
  • Not a Big Five reserve
  • Wildlife density lower than national parks
  • Best for introduction to African wildlife or quick escape from Harare
Entry Points:
  • Main gate for game park access
  • Separate areas for picnics/recreation

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Water Activities

Boating

Options:
  • Sailing (yacht club on lake)
  • Motor boating (permits required)
  • Canoeing/kayaking
  • Sunset cruises (when available)
Note:
  • Bring own equipment or arrange through clubs
  • Hippos present - maintain distance!
  • Life jackets required
  • Some boat hire available at lodges
Best Time: Early morning (calm water)

Fishing

Species:
  • Black bass (largemouth)
  • Bream (various species)
  • Carp
Regulations:
  • Permit required (available at park gate)
  • Catch limits apply
  • Some areas restricted
  • Bank fishing and boat fishing possible
Best Areas:
  • Inlets and bays for bass
  • Deep water for bream
  • Ask locals for current hot spots

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Bird Watching

Premier Birding Site

Lake Chivero is one of Zimbabwe’s top birding destinations with over 400 species recorded:Key Species:
  • African fish eagle (abundant, iconic)
  • Various herons and egrets
  • Kingfishers (multiple species)
  • African jacana
  • Woodland species in game park
  • Raptors including martial eagle
Best Areas:
  • Lakeside for waterbirds
  • Bushland Walk for woodland species
  • Game park for raptors and dry-country birds
  • Msasa woodland areas
Best Time:
  • Early morning (6-9am)
  • Late afternoon (4-6pm)
  • Summer (Nov-Apr) for migrants
Birding Tip: The “Bushman’s Point” area and shoreline trails offer excellent variety. Bring binoculars and bird guide.

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Other Activities

Picnicking

  • Multiple designated picnic sites
  • Braai (BBQ) facilities
  • Shaded areas available
  • Lake views
  • Very popular on weekends
  • Bring own supplies

Walks & Hiking

  • Nature trails through bushland
  • Bird walk routes
  • Walking in game park (with caution)
  • Horse riding available at some lodges
  • Guided walks can be arranged

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Practical Information

Operating Hours:
  • Park: Daily 6:00am - 6:00pm
  • Gates close at 6:00pm - don’t be late!
Entry Fees:
  • International visitors: $10 USD
  • Regional (SADC): $7 USD
  • Zimbabwean residents: $2 USD
  • Vehicle: $2-5 USD
  • Fishing permit: Additional fee
Accommodation Fees:
  • Lodge/cottage rates vary
  • Camping: $10-15 USD/person
  • Book through Parks authority
From Harare:
  • Distance: 32km southwest
  • Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Route: Take road toward Norton, signposted
  • Road: Good tar road to park entrance
Directions:
  • Head west from Harare on Bulawayo Road
  • Turn off toward Norton
  • Follow signs to Lake Chivero/Lake McIlwaine
  • Multiple entry points depending on activity
No Public Transport:
  • Best accessed by private vehicle
  • Taxis can be arranged but expensive for waiting
  • Some tour operators include Lake Chivero
In the Park:
  • Lodges: Self-catering units overlooking lake ($50-100/night)
  • Camping: Designated sites with facilities ($10-15/person)
  • Bushcamp: Basic camping, more remote
Nearby:
  • Imba Matombo: Boutique lodge, upscale ($150+)
  • Various private lodges: Around lake perimeter
  • Harare hotels: Easy day trip
Booking:
  • Parks accommodation: Book through Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority
  • Private lodges: Direct booking
  • Weekends fill up - book ahead
Available:
  • Toilets at main areas
  • Picnic sites with tables
  • Braai stands
  • Basic shop (limited - don’t rely on it)
  • Restaurant (variable operation)
Bring Your Own:
  • Food and drinks
  • Charcoal/wood for braai
  • All supplies for self-catering lodges
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Binoculars
Wildlife:
  • Stay in vehicle in game park
  • Hippos and crocs in water - maintain distance
  • Don’t approach or feed animals
  • Watch for snakes on walks
Water Safety:
  • Bilharzia risk - avoid swimming in lake
  • Use life jackets when boating
  • Be aware of hippos when boating
General:
  • Lock vehicles
  • Don’t leave valuables visible
  • Stay in designated areas
  • Leave before gate closing time (6pm)

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Best Time to Visit

Year-Round Destination: Lake Chivero can be visited any time of year, with different seasonal highlights:Dry Season (May-October):
  • Best wildlife viewing (animals at water)
  • Pleasant temperatures
  • Clear skies
  • Less vegetation (easier to spot animals)
  • Peak weekend crowds (June-August school holidays)
Wet Season (November-April):
  • Best for birding (migrants present)
  • Lush green landscapes
  • Good photography light
  • Afternoon thunderstorms (brief)
  • Fewer visitors
  • Lake levels highest
Optimal:
  • Birders: November-April (migrants)
  • Wildlife: August-October (dry, animals concentrated)
  • Picnics: April-May, September (pleasant weather)
  • Fishing: September-November (bass spawning)

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Combining Lake Chivero

Lake Chivero works well as part of a Harare-area itinerary:

Half-Day Trip

Morning Visit:
  • Leave Harare 6:00am
  • Game drive 6:30-9:00am
  • Birding walk 9:00-10:30am
  • Return to Harare by noon
Afternoon Visit:
  • Leave Harare 2:00pm
  • Arrive 2:30pm
  • Game drive 3:00-5:30pm
  • Leave before 6:00pm gate closure

Full Day

Complete Experience:
  • Early morning game drive (6:30-9:00am)
  • Birding/walking (9:00-11:00am)
  • Picnic lunch at lakeshore
  • Fishing or boating afternoon
  • Late afternoon game drive (4:00-6:00pm)
  • Return to Harare

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Combine With

AttractionDistanceActivity
Lion & Cheetah Park20kmBig cat encounters
Larvon Bird Gardens25kmBird sanctuary
Harare32kmCity attractions
Domboshawa55kmRock art, hiking
Norton15kmSmall town, services

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For Different Visitors

Families

Great For Families:
  • Safe, controlled environment
  • Easy wildlife viewing from car
  • Picnic facilities
  • Open space for kids
  • Educational about nature
Tips:
  • Bring games/activities for quieter times
  • Pack plenty of snacks and water
  • Sunscreen essential
  • Start early, leave early to avoid tired kids at gate closure

Birders

Birding Paradise:
  • 400+ species
  • Easy access from Harare
  • Multiple habitats (water, woodland, grassland)
  • Can see 100+ species in a day
Tips:
  • Arrive at dawn
  • Walk the nature trails
  • Shoreline early morning is best
  • Bring scope for waterbirds
  • Summer months for migrants

Weekend Escape

Harare Residents:
  • Quick getaway from city
  • Camping or lodge accommodation
  • Braai with friends/family
  • Stress-free nature time
Tips:
  • Book accommodation ahead for weekends
  • Arrive Friday afternoon
  • Game drives Saturday/Sunday morning
  • Leave before crowds on Sunday

Photographers

Photo Opportunities:
  • Wildlife in natural setting
  • Lake reflections
  • Bird photography
  • Dramatic skies (especially rainy season)
Tips:
  • Golden hour best (6-8am, 4-6pm)
  • Telephoto for wildlife
  • Boat-based for waterbird shots
  • Rainy season for dramatic clouds/light

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Lake Chivero vs Other Options

FactorLake ChiveroMukuvisi WoodlandsImire
Distance from Harare32km8km100km
Wildlife varietyMediumLowHigh
Big catsNoNoNo
RhinoSometimesNoYes (black rhino)
Water activitiesYesNoNo
BirdingExcellentGoodGood
PicnickingExcellentGoodLimited
AccommodationYesNoYes
Best forDay trips, weekendsQuick nature fixRhino, elephant

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Visitor Tips

Local Knowledge:
  • The “game park” loop takes about 2 hours at leisurely pace
  • Fish eagles are most active early morning - listen for their distinctive call
  • Bushman’s Point picnic site has the best lake views
  • Weekends get crowded - arrive early for parking at popular spots
  • The “Snake Park” section near entrance is worth a quick stop
  • Hippos often visible at certain viewing points - ask rangers for current locations
Important Notes:
  • Do NOT swim in the lake - bilharzia risk and crocodiles present
  • Gates close at 6pm SHARP - don’t get locked in
  • Bring everything you need - on-site facilities are limited
  • Keep vehicle doors closed in game park - baboons can be bold
  • No walking in game park without ranger escort

Harare

Zimbabwe’s capital - more day trip options

Domboshawa

Rock art and hiking near Harare

Chinhoyi Caves

Spectacular caves 2 hours from Harare

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Quick Reference

InformationDetails
Location32km southwest of Harare
Entry Fee$10 USD international
Hours6am-6pm daily
Time NeededHalf day to overnight
Best ForDay trippers, birders, families
WildlifeGiraffe, zebra, antelope, hippo, crocs
ActivitiesGame drives, birding, boating, fishing
AccommodationLodges, camping available
Last updated: January 2025