Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
TUCKED quietly between the towering Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe and the vibrant city of Chimoio in Mozambique, Lake Chicamba emerges as one of Southern Africa’s most breathtaking, yet underrated destinations.
This spectacular body of water, born from the historic Chicamba Dam, is fast becoming the crown jewel of Manica Province, offering a blend of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, water-based adventure, and cultural discovery.
Located to the east of the town of Manica, and fed by Buzi River, Lake Chicamba spans an impressive 160-square kilometres.
Its calm, blue waters stretch across coves, inlets, and hidden river lines, making it a perfect setting for exploration, relaxation, and ecotourism.
Whether you are seeking the thrill of fishing, the quiet serenity of canoeing, or the joy of birdwatching, Lake Chicamba has something for every kind of traveller.
With the world prime tourism event Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Travel Expo set for early September, Lake Chicamba is well-positioned to shine as a premier cross-border destination.
Its strategic location near Zimbabwe’s eastern border and Mozambique’s growing tourism network makes it ideal for inclusion in travel circuits exploring both countries.
Fishing enthusiasts will find rich waters teeming with bass, bream, and catfish, while boat trips around the dam wall — arranged by local guides — provide a unique vantage point for appreciating the lake’s natural beauty.
On land, nature trails snake through the surrounding woodlands, inviting visitors to discover flora and fauna that thrive in this untouched corner of Mozambique.
The ecosystem surrounding Lake Chicamba is alive with biodiversity.
Along the shores and in the nearby bushlands, visitors can often spot giraffes, zebras, ostriches, velvet monkeys, antelope, and more.
The area is also a haven for birdlife, making it a photographer’s paradise and a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
With a variety of lodges and self-catering accommodations dotting the lakeshore, as well as accessible roads even for small vehicles, Lake Chicamba is both inviting and convenient — a perfect getaway for families, couples, or solo travellers.
More than just a scenic lake, Chicamba is home to one of Mozambique’s most important hydroelectric dams.
Originally known as the Oliveira Salazar Dam, it was completed in 1968, and stands 75 meters high and 194 meters long.
The dam harnesses the energy of Revué River to generate 44 megawatts of power, providing vital electricity to the industrial hubs of Beira and Chimoio.
Today, the dam stands, not only as an engineering feat, but as a symbol of the region’s blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity.
What makes the lake even more extraordinary is its proximity to the Eastern Highlands, particularly the Bvumba (Vumba) and Chimanimani Mountains, which straddle the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border.
These highlands are a visual marvel, with misty peaks, cascading waterfalls, and lush evergreen forests that provide a striking contrast to the placid waters of the lake.
Bvumba (Vumba) and Manica areas share various alluring mountains, with the Castle Beacon being the highest point in the Bvumba Mountains Range, rising to an elevation of 1 911 metres.
The mountainous range offers beautiful scenery, waterfalls and hiking trails.
The slopes leading towards the impressive granite dome, contain good example of a montane evergreen forest.
The trees and boulders in the forest leading to the site receive regular mist and rain throughout the year, making the flora rich in epiphytic and lithophytic ferns and flowering plants.
Just a short distance from Lake Chicamba lies one of Mozambique’s most sacred and fascinating heritage sites, which is Chinhamapere.
Nestled within the forests near the town of Manica, Chinhamapere is home to some of the region’s best-preserved hunter-gatherer rock art, depicting human figures in trance, with bows and arrows, hinting at spiritual rituals that continue to hold meaning for the local Shona communities.
For those interested in culture and history, this site offers a rare glimpse into the ancient soul of southern Africa.
