It rises in the Nemande mountain area and flows through the Maranda area to join the Mwenezi River downstream of Manyuchi Dam, Mwenezi District.

However, the lower Mushawe River bed forms an alluvial aquifer, which generally holds water year-round.

[1] In places, permanent to semi-permanent pools occur, providing habitat for crocodiles.

The dam was built to supply water for irrigation but is currently full of sand.

Water for Maranda (No 1) Business Centre is abstracted from the alluvial aquifer below the Mushawe River, slightly upstream of the photo shown above.