The Lake Chivero and Manyame Recreational Park is a typical “high vlei” environment, dominated by miombo woodlands which provide ideal habitat for several animal species including the white rhino Ceratotherium simum, the plains zebra Equus quagga, and the ground pangolin Smutsia temminckii. Serving as the main source of water for the city of Harare and its neighbouring towns, the wetland is of great hydrological importance to the country. It provides an ideal breeding and feeding environment for over 400 bird species including 20 species of migratory waterbirds. At the peak of the dry season, more than 20,000 waterbirds can congregate on the two lakes. The Site is an Important Bird Area and is known to host one of the highest densities of African fish eagle Haliaeetus vocifer in Africa. Human activities in the Site include water sports, game viewing, bird watching, fishing and subsistence farming. The biggest threats includes water hyacinth invasion, pollution and siltation caused by the growth of human settlements in the catchment area.

Last publication date: 01-02-2016