I have actually spent a few weekends at Phikwe Lake, and while the water is...

I have actually spent a few weekends at Phikwe Lake, and while the water is certainly the main attraction, what really stood out to me was how the surrounding Mopane woodland creates this incredible natural amphitheater effect. The hills catch the sound in a way that makes bird calls echo across the water. If you go early in the morning, around 6 AM, you can hear African fish eagles and sometimes even see them diving for bream. That is a rare experience for a man-made lake.

One practical tip: bring your own shade. The trees near the shoreline are mostly young Mopane saplings that do not provide much cover after about 10 AM. We learned that the hard way our first time. A simple pop-up gazebo or even a large beach umbrella makes a huge difference. Also, the water level varies a lot depending on how much pumping is happening from the nearby mine operations. I have seen it low enough that old concrete foundations were visible near the eastern edge. That is a good reminder that this lake is not natural, but it is still worth visiting for the contrast between industrial history and peaceful recreation.

If you go on a weekday, you will practically have the place to yourself. The locals mostly come on weekends for braais and swimming. The water is surprisingly clear for a mining-related body of water, though I would not call it pristine. It is safe for a swim but I would rinse off well afterward.

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Robinson Aylin @aylinrobinson3636

Okay the bit about the eagles echoing off the hills at 6am sold me. I'm usually not a morning person but that sounds worth dragging myself out of bed for. Random question - do the mopane trees get those massive caterpillars on them? I've heard they're a thing in some parts of Botswana but no idea if they're by the lake.
2 days ago

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