The park also known as Lake Mcllwaine Recreational Park was named in memory of the late Sir Robert Mcllwaine, a former judge of the High Court and founder of Zimbabwe's Soil and Water Conservation movement. This water body is Harare's (the capital city of Zimbabwe) main water supply.
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.
Lake Chivero is a habitat for most common fish species that include Tiger fish, Yellow fish, Hunyani salmon, Black bream, Robustus, Green headed bream, Anguilla Nebulosa, Clarius Gariepinus, Oreochromis Niloticus, Common Grass Carp, Barbel,
etc. Popular fishing tournaments are based on species like Common Grass Carp, Barbel and Robustus.
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.
FACILITIES
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
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,
Standard Lodges
There are two standard lodges, Sunbird and Stonechat lodges. These are two bed-roomed units.
Exclusive Lodges
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.
CHALETS
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.
CAMPSITES
Picnic Sites
The Bushman's Point and Public Mooring are undeveloped campsites available in the South Bank.
Caravan and Camping sites
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.
ACTIVITIES
Lake Chivero Recreational Park boasts of a wide array of activities.
Horse Riding
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.
Crocodile Viewing
Conducted between OZOOhrs and 1700hrs. The crocodile ponds are a walking distance from the tourist offices and main rest camp. Charges for the activity can also be obtained at the tourist office.
Game Drive
The activity is open to the public ail year round. Gates are open for game viewing daily from OôOOhrs until ISOOhrs. Ail clients are only allowed to enter the park when driving. Walking and cycling are strictly prohibited unless with express authority and only in the company of a designated park officer. Clients are allowed to drive around the park on their own using designated roads only. If required, a guide can be hired from the tourist office.
GameWalks
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.
VolleyBall
Adjacent to the tennis court. Visitors also have to supply their own balls.
Fishing
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.
Skull, Bone and Snake Identification
This is done mainly at the tourist office where the skulls and bones are housed at a small trophy shed.
Water based activities
The park due to its proximity to a major urban centre provides a lot of water based activities. Recreational activities include yatching, boating, rowing, angling and canoeing. Launching fees apply and visitors will have to consult the tourist office or central reservations office on the prevailing charges.
WHY VISIT LAKE CHIVERO?
-  Ouality fishing spots
-  Proximity to a major urban centre, Harare(capital city)
-  Good game viewing experiences
-  Excellent water based activities