Welcome to Chelmsford

Chelmsford Resort lies 23 km from Newcastle in northern KwaZulu-Natal, just off the N11 between Newcastle and Ladysmith. It is a short, three-hour drive from Johannesburg.

Chelmsford Nature Reserve surrounds the Ntshingwayo Dam, which lies on the iNgagane River and is the third largest dam in KwaZulu-Natal.

The surrounding grasslands and acacia veld are the playground of several large game, including wildebeest, hartebeest, springbok, and blesbok.

The Reserve makes a wonderful day’s outing for those taking a break from the Battlefields route, or for those who want to enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors and the excitement of windsurfing, canoeing and jet-skiing.

Ntshingwayo Dam is a renowned fishing destination, with carp, barbel and scaly being the most popular fish caught.

Chelmsford Accommodation

  • 4 bed chalet

    Interleading fully equipped self-catering chalet with open plan kitchen, lounge and dining area, as well as two bedrooms and a bathroom.

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  • Sandford Campsite with plug points

    There are 24 campsites that accommodates a maximum of six people each. The communal ablution block has hot and cold water. All campsites have plug point with the exception of 6 campsites.

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  • Leokop campsite

    Each campsite accommodates a maximum of six people and has braai facilities. The communal ablution block has hot and cold water. All campsite has plug point with exception of 6 campsite.

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Facilities

  • Kitchenette
  • Ironing board
  • Catering services
  • DSTV (limited)
  • Hotspots
  • Exhibition/convention floor
  • Restaurant
  • Room service - full menu
  • Courtyard
  • Lounges/bars
  • firewood
  • Airport Shuttle Service
  • Complimentary breakfast
  • Valet cleaning
  • Car hire

Internet

Free! WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking

Private parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 28.80 per day.

Activities in Chelmsford

  • Ntshingwayo Dam is a renowned fishing destination, with carp, barbell and scaly being the most popular fish caught.

  • There is also a 1000 ha game park, which is well stocked with a range of Highveld game. Bird and game- viewing are particularly rewarding. Visitors may game from their own vehicles or requested a guided game drive by prior arrangement. Sailing, power boating, water-skiing and swimming are all popular pastimes on the 3 400 ha dam.

  • Visitors are free to walk or cycle anywhere within the game park as there are no dangerous animals.

  • A shop with bait, liquor, wood and other basic provisions is open daily.

  • Ample facilities for day visitors are available, including playgrounds and boat launching ramps.

  • Medical assistance, police and all other amenities are available at Newcastle, about 26 km away.

    • Chelmsford Useful Information

  • No noise is allowed in the camping and chalet areas. Limited noise at the picnic areas, no noise after 19:00.

  • Certain sections of the reserve may be closed to the public for management reasons and entry to these parts therefore is forbidden.

  • Credit cards are accepted.

  • Fires are strictly prohibited other than in designated braai areas.

  • It is an offence to kill, injure, capture or disturb any animal or bird, or cut, damage, uproot, destroy or remove any wood, flower or plant.

  • No pets are allowed into the reserve. Visitors are not permitted to introduce or release any animal into the reserve.

  • Permits to the campsites are required by all visitors.

  • All boats must be registered with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Life jackets must be carried and preferably worn at all times when on the water.

  • A copy of the boating rules is available at the reception office. Power-boat skippers are required to be in possession of a valid skipper’s licence.

  • No quad bikes/motorbikes allowed.

  • Entrance gates to the reserve open and close at the following times: 06:00 - 19:00.

  • Medical assistance, police and all other amenities are available at Newcastle, about 26 km away.

    • Chelmsford Contacts

    Chelmsford: +27 (0) 76 159 2960.
    Duty phone : +27 (0)761592960 
    Central Reservations: +27 (0) 33 845 1000
    Book online: https://bookings.kznwildlife.com/MakeABooking.aspx
    E-mail: bookings@kznwildlife.com

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