Lake Chivero Recreational Park is a protected area around Lake Chivero within the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Estate.
| Lake Chivero Recreational Park | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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North bank of Lake Chivero |
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| Location | Zvimba District, Zimbabwe |
| Nearest city | Harare |
| Area | 6100 ha |
| Established | 1952 |
| Governing body | Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority |
Contents |
The parks was proclaimed as a national park in 1952, and changed to its current status in 1975.
Typical of high veld vegetation, the park is dominated by brachystegia woodland/ miombo woodland. Brachystegia and Julbernadaglobiflora with associated trees such as terminalia sericea, parinari curatellifolia and monotes glaber createing enough food for browsers.
The animais that are easily sighted in the park are white rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, kudu, waterbuck, tsessebe, ostrich, eland, sable, baboon, monkey, duiker, warthog, bush pig, rock hyrax, scrub hare, spring hare, bush squirrel. The park also has a variety of nocturnals that include civet, genet, black backed jackal, porcupine, slender white tailed mongoose, caracal, pangolin, ant bear, serval, bush baby, night ape and several other species. There is a great variety of birdlife and for the birdwatcher, the Park is a paradise, Included amongst the several bird species are: African Open Bills, Barbets, Bee-eaters, Buzzards, Coots, Cormorants, Doves, Hamerkops, Jacanas, Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Darter, Goliath Heron, fish Eagle, Gloossy Starling and Lilac-breasted roller.
The western boundary of the park is the Manyame Range, a line of ironstone hills in which the dam was built. The remainder of the park is rolling granite countryside, with numerous castle kopjies.
There are several rock painting sites in the park, including one at Bushman's Point, which is readily accessible from a short walk.
Facilities at Lake Chivero include lodges, chalets, caravan and picnic sites. Lake Chivero is electrified and the water is drawn from a borehole. Ail lodges and chalets are fitted with outside lighting and clean water at ail units. Lodges are self catering units that contain bedroom units, lounge and a kitchen. Cutlery and crockery are provided. Presently lodges are only available at the South bank. There are two standard lodges, Sunbird and Stonechat lodges. These are two bed-roomed units. There are 3 exclusive lodges, one located near the tourist office and the other two 1.5 km from the tourist office. Hornbill, the lodge at the tourist office is a two bed-roomed facility. Fish Eagle and Kingfisher lodges are located on a hill 1.5 km from the tourist office. The lodges have a unique view overlooking the plain and lake below. The lodges each have two bedrooms.
There are two types of chalets. Ail chalets have external communal ablution (toilet) blocks. The single chalets are one bed-roomed facilities with a small sitting area. The next level of chalets, are the three roomed ones that boast of two bedrooms, a lounge and a kitchen.
The Msasa caravan and camping site is situated at the North Bank which is about 29 km from Harare using a separa te entrance. The facilities offer braai stands and an ablution block that includes showers both cold and hot water, firewood is also supplied at the spot.
The game park which opened in 1962 occupies around 1 867 hectares which hold a variety of game; most of which was been introduced from the Hwange game reserve. Some of the game was brought in from Lake Kariba during the game rescue operation better known as "Operation Noah".
Game walks are conducted at the tourist's chosen time but they must be booked a day before. A guide takes tourists for a walk for at least an hour but no more than five hours a day per group, unless it is an educational tour. It is important to note that prior arrangement is required before this activity can be carried out.
Horse riding is conducted every day except Mondays, which are dipping days. There are two rides which take place per day, one at OSOOhrs to 0930hrs and the other at 1530hrs to 1700hrs. each ride is 11/2 hours long, ail rides are conducted under the guidance of the parks personnel. Horse rides can not be done when it is raining or promising to rain. Charges for the rides and any details on extra rides can be obtained from the tourist office.
The main and most sought out activity at the park; fishing is conducted ail year round. There are 5 fishing and picnic sites in the park.
Recreational boating is permitted on the lake and there are many private boat hire companies.