About
Lake Mutirikwi Recreational Park is the national parks reserve wrapped around Lake Mutirikwi, the old Lake Kyle, about 30km east of Masvingo with Great Zimbabwe just to the south. It covers some 169 square kilometres and holds more than twenty-five mammal species, white rhino among them, along with buffalo, eland, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, waterbuck and hippo.
Game viewing is self-drive in your own vehicle, and the lake is known for its bass fishing, so bring your own boat and tackle. Horse riding and guided walks are also run here. Visitors who enjoyed it mention the lake views and a relaxed drive, and one was happy doing the game drive alone. Another liked the camping facilities but found animal numbers limited.
Go in with your eyes open about the roads. One group that visited around Easter gives a detailed, angry account: park roads badly maintained, signs unreadable, no maps left at reception, and damage to five of their cars. They also say staff were unhelpful when they came back to complain, and that they saw little game beyond a glimpse of a rhino. Ask at the gate which routes are passable before you set off. It holds 3.9 from 41 Google reviews.
Good to know
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance