Chelmsford and Ncandu Reserve
Guide to accommodation descriptions
Location of Chelmsford in KwaZulu-Natal
Dams
Chelmsford and Ncandu Reserve
Chelmsford and Ncandu Reserve is situated on the Ngagane River in Northern Natal.
Ntshingwayo Dam (formerly Chelmsford) is the third largest dam in KwaZulu-Natal and offers a tranquil stretch of water suitable for all water sports especially water skiing. Angling is a popular activity with good catches of carp and scalies reported regularly.
The reserve offers good game viewing opportunities and there are large herds of springbok, blesbok and red hartebeeste as well as one of the most viable population of Oribi in the Province.
Chelmsford is one of the few protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal which offers regular hunting opportunities with both meat and trophy packages being offered on tender annually.
Ncandu reserve is situated on the Northern Drakensberg escarpment and is managed as an extension of Chelmsford.
The area consists of steep forest filled gorges, divided by grassy plateaus with trails that wander down through the sandstone cliffs into yellowwood forests and follow the Ncandu river valley with its beautiful waterfalls.
Accommodation
Leokop Chalets - 5 bed
- 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, a lounge/dining room, kitchenette
- Barbeque facilities
- Set close to the water's edge
Facilities
- Shop that sells a limited range of supplies
- No facilities for people with disabilities
Extra Information
- Chelmsford Dam is 70 km from Ladysmith on the Newcastle road, and is well signposted
- The nearest town which has a full range of services is Newcastle - 28 kms away
- Pets are not permitted into the reserve
Gate Times
| Gate Times | Summer (Oct-Mar) |
Winter (Apr-Sep ) |
| Gates Open | 05:00 | 06:00 |
| Gates Close | 20:00 | 19:00 |
| Gates Close Night before public holiday, long weekend and on a Friday |
21:00 | 21:00 |
Office Hours
The office is open from 07h30 to 11h30 and from 13h00 to 16h00
Check in / out
Check Out Time: 10h00
Check In Time: 14h00
Chelmsford Birding
217 species of birds have been recorded at Chelmsford
Habitats
- Short and long grassland areas adjoining the large dam.
- Mud margin on the eastern side of the dam.
- Rocky slopes and acacia veld below the dam wall.
Facilities
- There is a good system of tarred and dirt roads
- Good birding can be enjoyed from a vehicle or boat.
