Type reservoir Basin countries Zimbabwe Surface area 2,632 ha (6,500 acres) | Primary outflows Manyame River Max. width 8 km (5.0 mi) | |
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Lake Chivero is a reservoir on the Manyame River in Zimbabwe. It was formerly called Lake McIlwaine in memory of Sir Robert Mcllwaine, a former judge of the High Court and founder of Zimbabwe's soil and water conservation movement
It is a lake southwest of Harare. The lake was constructed over two-and-a-half years and opened to the public in 1952. The dam wall is 400 metres long.
This water body is Harare's main water supply. The water is also used for irrigation purposes and commercial fishing.
Some of the fishes that are found in the lake are Common Grass carp, Tigerfish, Black bream, Clarias gariepinus, Yellow fish, Green headed bream and it is regarded as one of the most important lakes in Zimbabwe.
The lake and hinterland are protected as Lake Chivero Recreational Park. The lake was designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance on 3 January 2013.