Lakes Chivero and Manyame
Lakes Chivero and Manyame are reservoirs on the Manyame River in Zimbabwe, located southwest of Harare. Lake Chivero reservoir provides the main water supply for the city. Lake Chivero was constructed over two-and-a-half years and opened to the public in 1952. The dam wall is 400 metres long. The water is also used for irrigation purposes and commercial fishing. Lake Chivero Recreational Park covers 3470ha and harbours a range of wildlife species including the white rhinoceros. It is a paradise of birds and home to historical rock paintings that are estimated to approximately 100 years old. Some of the fishes that are found in the lake include common grass carp, tigerfish, black bream, catfish (Clarias gariepinus), yellowfish, and green-headed bream. The lake and hinterland are protected as part of Lake Chivero Recreational Park.
The lakes were designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance, Site Number 2105, on 3 January 2013.
Coordinates 17°54′01″S 30°47′28″E
Primary inflows Manyame River, Marimba River, Mukuvisi River
Primary outflows Manyame River
Basin countries Zimbabwe
Max. width 8 km
Surface area 2,632 ha
Max. depth 27 m
Water volume 250 ×106 m3
Shore length 148 km, Site Area 292.60km2
