Lake Mutirikwi (Lake Kyle) Recreational Park

Situated 30 km southeast of Masvingo, in the southeastern part of Zimbabwe, lies Lake Mutirikwi Recreational Park (formerly Lake Kyle Recreational Park). The park stretches across 16 900 hectares, of which 9 300 comprise Lake Mutirikwi (when at full capacity).

Constructed between 1958 and 1960, Lake Mutirikwi is the third largest manmade body of water in Zimbabwe, following Lake Kariba and the Tokwe Mukosi Dam. Fed by the Mbebvi, Matare, Popoteke, Umpopinvani, Makurumidzi, and Shagashe Rivers, the lake provides irrigation to the sugar cane farms in the southeast Lowveld.

The park is flanked by the 1 455 m Beza mountain range in the north. The rolling plain that lies between these mountains and the lake ends in an area of fragmented hills, which splits Lake Mutirikwi into an eastern and western section.

The lakeshore features four deltas in the middle section of the area and is divided by deep estuaries. The medieval city of Great Zimbabwe, Africa’s second largest stone edifice, dominates the south side of the park, whilst Masvingo lies to the west.

Vegetation in the park is a combination of dense and open forested areas, grassy plains, rugged hills and patches of
riverine plant species. It is home to over 25 species of wild mammals, some of the more common breeds being white
rhino, buffalo, zebra, eland, hippo and wildebeest. Less prolific species include sable, steenbok, antbear and bushbuck.

Abundant birdlife keeps birding enthusiasts occupied for hours, in the hope of glimpses of rare species such as the
African Cuckoo Hawk, Wood Pipit, Miombo Rock-thrush and the Green-capped Eremomela. In the absence of elephants and predators, the environment showcases undamaged vegetation and a thriving game population.

ACCOMMODATION:
Self-catering chalets (called lodges in Zimbabwe) can accommodate between two and eight people per night. The semi-shaded campsite is situated on the banks of the lake and has a central lapa, braai spots and ablutions with running water (hot water not guaranteed).
The dam wall is on the southern section of the lake, near Clevers Lakeside Resort. Visitors can walk over the dam wall to see the lake from close up, but ask at the tourist office about payment first. There is also a day visitors’ picnic site at the wall, as well as St Andrew’s Chapel, the smallest chapel in Zimbabwe (seats 12).

If you don’t have a boat, you can stay at one of the lodges along the northern shores of Lake Mutirikwi, outside the national park, from where you can fish and easily visit the park as a day visitor. Opposite the tourist office is the crocodile pond, where visitors can observe these ancient creatures from close up.

ACTIVITIES:
Recreational activities offered by the park include guided walks, game viewing and fishing. Visitors are required to use their own vehicles for game viewing (a scout can be hired at the tourist office to accompany you), as well as their own boats and tackle for fishing. The lake boasts approximately 20 fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers. Fish species include Black Bream, Beira Barb, Eastern Bottlenose, Smallmouth Yellow Fish and Mozambique Bream.

PICNICS:
Day visitors may use Mutirikwi Picnic Site, on the edge of the lake, where there are some braai facilities.

ROADS:
Roads leading to the park are tarred and in reasonable condition, however vehicles with high clearance and 4WD are required to navigate the park in the rainy season, between November and March.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
As there are no shops in the park, visitors should have sufficient provisions for the duration of their stay. Large supermarkets and fuel stops are available in Masvingo, approximately 25 km from the park.

“This is one of Zimbabwe's National Parks. We camped here in November 2012. It was cheap and the campsite had a stunning view over the lake. The facilities and offices are extremely old, but clean and the rangers and staff very friendly. The ablution block was clean, but the water supply was cut off. The staff brought 2 huge water containers with fresh water so that we could use it to flush the toilets as well as for cooking and washing. We went to look at the lodges at the camp. Everything was old, but well kept. There was no electricity supply, but the attended said that it would be repaired soon. She was very proud and showed us around.” - Mietsie Visser, 2013/01/14

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