Top 13 Lakes around Rhodesia

The region, now primarily Zimbabwe, features diverse natural landscapes. You'll find vast plains, river systems like the Zambezi, and significant man-made lakes. These lakes often present spectacular scenery, such as the distinctive half-submerged trees and islands of Lake Kariba, or the beautiful limestone gorge at Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake.

Many lakes in the region are rich in wildlife. Lake Kariba and its surroundings, including Matusadona National Park, are home to elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species, alongside excellent birdlife. Lake Kyle (now Lake Mutirikwi) is known for its wildlife reserve, featuring white rhinos, zebra, giraffe, leopard, and numerous antelopes.

Yes, several lakes have historical significance. Clumber Park, for instance, is a historical site that was once the home of the Duke of Newcastle. Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake is a world heritage site known for prehistoric animal remains and early human presence, including caves named after legendary figures like Robin Hood.

Absolutely. Many lake areas offer activities suitable for families. Langold Country Park Lake provides woodlands, wildlife meadows, play areas, and a cafe. Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake also has a playground and information boards around the lake to engage children. Lake Kariba and Lake Kyle historically offered boating, water sports, and wildlife viewing, which are great for families.

The lakes around Rhodesia offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can find extensive cycling routes, such as those detailed in the Cycling around Rhodesia guide, including routes like 'Worksop to Clumber Lake loop'. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails like 'Clumber Park Lake – Outlaw MTB Trail Start loop' found in the MTB Trails around Rhodesia guide. For runners, there are numerous options, including routes along the Chesterfield Canal Path, as highlighted in the Running Trails around Rhodesia guide. Fishing and boating are also prominent activities, especially on larger lakes like Kariba and Kyle.

Historically, the lakes were popular year-round. For activities like fishing, Lake Kariba permitted it throughout the year. For wildlife viewing and enjoying the outdoors, the dry season (typically May to October) is often preferred as animals congregate around water sources and weather is generally more pleasant for outdoor pursuits. However, the wet season brings lush greenery and can be ideal for birdwatching.

Yes, fishing is a significant attraction. Lake Kariba is renowned for its 'fighting tiger' fish, as well as bream. Lake Kyle (now Lake Mutirikwi) was celebrated for excellent Black Bass and Bream fishing, even hosting international contests. Manyame Dam also offers good fishing prospects.

Boating and water sports are popular on the larger lakes. Lake Kariba offers extensive opportunities for boating, water sports, and houseboat cruises. Lake Kyle was also a popular spot for boating, yachting, and water-skiing, with various clubs and facilities available on its shores. Manyame Dam continues to be used for boat cruises and other water activities.

Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered by the lakes. Many enjoy the spectacular scenery and vastness, especially at Lake Kariba. The excellent wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities are also highly valued. For places like Clumber Park, the extensive traffic-free cycle ways and scenic views are a major draw, while the rich natural and historical aspects of sites like Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake are highly rated.

Yes, several lake areas provide refreshment options. Clumber Park has National Trust cafes, an ice cream van, and a shop on site. Langold Country Park Lake features a cafe, and cafes are also available at Creswell Crags.

The lakes and their surrounding areas, particularly Lake Kariba and Lake Kyle (now Lake Mutirikwi), are excellent for birdwatching due to their diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The varied habitats attract a wide range of bird species, making them prime locations for enthusiasts.

The creation of Lake Kariba involved the construction of the Kariba Dam, completed in 1959, which was considered a significant engineering achievement. This dam created one of the world's largest artificial lakes by volume. Similarly, Lake Kyle was formed by a dam built in 1960 primarily for irrigation, showcasing significant infrastructure development in the region.