Darwendale is home to two things that a traveller must never miss, Hideaway Fishing Camp, and the Darwendale Recreational Park itself.
The Hideaway Fishing Camp is a scenic destination on the northern banks of Lake Manyame. It services anglers on their quest to catch big bass and provide a relaxing, entertaining getaway for the entire family.
Activities at Hideaway Fishing Camp include fishing, boating, biking, and bird watching, and a host of manmade activities like Weddings, Cocktails, Braais, Family and School camps, just to name a few.
The Darwendale Recreational Park, located 76 kilometres west of the capital city of Harare, Darwendale Recreational Park occupies a total area of 11,200 hectares. Of this area the Lake Manyame water body swallows 8,100 hectares, just under three quarters of the parks total area.
The dam wall is 2 kilometres long and the maximum water depth is 226 metres. It took about three years to construct the dam, from 1973 to 1976. A recreational park was established in 1973 but was officially opened in 1976 with a small area reserved for game.
There one can expect to see some sable, kudu, water buck, bush pig, reed buck, common duiker, warthog, baboon, vervet monkey, oribi and porcupine among other animals. It is also a prime fishing destination, as it attracts local, regional and international fishing enthusiasts particularly during bass fishing which attracts thousands of annually.
The major fish species one can look forward to hauling in are the Mozambique bream, Hunyani salmon, Tiger fish, Barbell, Parrot fish, Bulldog, Spot tail, Bass, Robustus and African mottled eel. Fishing is the main attraction and Fishing tournaments are held frequently with the most distinguished and world renowned being the Bass Masters Tournament.
The camping site is situated close to the launching point for boats making it an ideal camping point for both fishing and water sport enthusiasts. There are communal ablution blocks with bathrooms and showers providing both hot and cold running water.
Water points and braai points are dotted around the camping site, while the lake is only a stone’s throw away for those who may need fresh untreated water. The Parks authorities encourage you to carry along long extension cables in the event that your site may be situated a few metres away from the power point.
The camp site and caravan site share the same ablution facilities. Firewood for your braai and cooking purposes can be purchased from the main park office.
The picnic sites are sprinkled along the north-western shore of the lake. The beauty of the lake can be savoured from the 10 rondavels at the picnic site.
Each picnic rondavel has its own individual braai point. There is also an ablution block in close proximity to all the rondavels.
Attraction: Birds, Fish, Antelopes
Activities: Fishing, Boating, Biking, Bird Watching, Weddings, Braais, Family and School Camps
Bookings: www.hideaway.co.zw