CHELMSFORD NATURE RESERVE

Quathlamba

“A mass of Spears. Named thus by the Zulu warriors before the white man came. Today called the Drakensberg, Mountains of the Dragon, a name given by the Voortrekkers. Evocative names, both equally applicable to South Africa’s mightiest mountain range with its spear-like peaks – reminiscent of the saw-toothed spine of a gigantic dragon.”

Panorama April 1966









This blog is all about the Drakensberg Mountains and its Wilderness area, South Africa. I have lost my heart and soul to this area and every single time I hike these mountains, I stand in awe all over again at this magnificent beauty.

"How often in the course of our travels through Kwazulu-Natal do we stop and gaze at the beauty of a distant range of mountains? The Drakensberg stands as a monument to one of the greatest cataclysms the Earth has experienced. As you approach the mountains, you realize why early Zulus called it "Quathlamba", meaning “Barrier of Up-pointed Spears". A cradle of rivers. Listen to the streams as they gurgle from their cradles and you will hear the story of the mountains. You will hear fascinating tales if only you listen! Lie next to a stream and listen to the song of the mountains. The smiling faces of the flowers, dancing in the wind. Venture into the remote valleys or stand on a peak at sunrise or sunset, after snow has fallen, and you will hear a song that you will never forget - the Song of the High Mountain". (DA Dodds)

Hiking adventures, hiking gear reviews, day walks, accommodation, books, articles and photos, all related to these magnificent mountains will feature here.
Should you want to accompany me on a hike or need some information or advice, please make contact with me. I hope you enjoy the articles.
Please visit the archive for some more interesting stories, photos and reviews.

Available in the Archive (Do read it!)

1) Injasuthi to Lotheni - Epic 6 Day Hike

2) Review: Hi-Tec Altitude Pro RGS Hiking Boots

3) Drakensberg Wilderness Hiking - 14 Day Hiking trip - Lotheni Reserve (Part 3)

4) Lotheni - 14 Day Hiking Trip (Part 2)

5) Lotheni - 14 Day Hiking Trip (Part 3)

6) The Bushmen of the Drakensberg

7) Thunderstorms in the Drakensberg Mountains

8)  Before setting out on a hike………..

9)  Cathkin Peak – Drakensberg

10) Why backpack and multi-day hiking

11) Safety in the Drakensberg

12) In the Shadow of Cathedral Peak

13) Injasuthi – ‘well fed dog’

14) Lotheni Reserve

15) Garmin eTrex 10 & 20 Specs and Review

16) The birth of the Drakensberg – The Ancient Rocks

17) Drakensberg Mountains – Rock Art

18) Drakensberg Mountain Reserve Accommodation

19) Drakensberg – Mkhomazi Area – Hikers Paradise

20) Drakensberg – Hiking Kamberg – Highmoor - Kamberg, Exploring the Mooi

       River Valleys

21) Chelmsford Nature Reserve

Please note that all photos on this blog are copyright protected. If you would like to obtain
Photos please make contact with the author, Willem Pelser.

“FOR WHAT IS THERE IN ALL THE WORLD FOR ME BUT WHAT I KNOW AND SEE?

AND WHAT REMAINS OF ALL I SEE AND KNOW IF I LET GO?”

GEOFFREY WINTHROP YOUNG

CHELMSFORD NATURE RESERVE

NEWCASTLE

EKZN WILDLIFE RESERVES

   Situated on the Ngagane River in Northern Natal, Chelmsford is the third largest dam in KwaZulu-Natal and offers a tranquil stretch of water suitable for all water sports especially water skiing. Chelmsford Nature Reserve surrounds the Ntshingwayo Dam, which lies on the iNgagane River.

   Chelmsford Nature Reserve lies 23 km from Newcastle in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, just off the N11 between Newcastle and Ladysmith. The dam is one of KZN’s state dams managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife that are set aside to provide outdoor recreation.

  Turn off the N11 onto the D210 district road heading towards Normandien. The entrance to Chelmsford is on the left, 5 km from the N11. It is a short 3 hour drive from Johannesburg. The Drakensberg is roughly a 2 hour trip away.

     Angling is a popular activity with good catches of carp and scalies reported regularly. The surrounding grasslands and acasia veld is the playground of several large game. The reserve offers good game viewing opportunities and there are large herds of springbok, wildebeest, zebra, blesbok and red hartebeest as well as one of the most viable populations of Oribi in the Province.

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

  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, fishing, canoeing and jet skiing.

   Unique to Chelmsford

Ø Ntshingwayo Dam is a renowned fishing destination.

Ø The Reserve is well stocked with various game species.

Ø It holds the largest population of the rare and endangered Oribi antelope in the province.

Ø Over 200 species of birds occur in the Reserve, including flamingoes, owls, korhaan, a variety of water birds and two species of lark.

Ø It is an ideal venue for sailing, fishing and other water sports.

Ø The Resort offers chalet and camping accommodation.

   Services

Ø All chalets are serviced daily.

Ø All chalets are fully equipped.

Ø DSTv

Ø Cellphone Reception.

Ø Campsites with electricity, hot- and cold water ablutions, braai/barbeque facilities.

Ø Shop with basics.

    Activities

Ø Angling

Ø Sailing

Ø Power boating

Ø Jet skiing

Ø Game viewing

Ø Bird watching

Ø Water skiing

Ø Cycling

Ø Camping

Ø Kite surfing

Ø Canoeing

Ø Swimming

Ø Picnicking

Pricing

For current accommodation and prices as well as other information, call Central Reservations in Pietermaritzburg on telephone 033 845 1000.

Room Description at:

The camp at Chelmsford consists of 8 five bedded fully equipped chalets set close to the water’s edge with beautiful views across the water on to the rolling hills and koppies of northern KwaZulu-Natal. (There is additional rustic accommodation provided at Richgate in four 5 bedded chalets during the Christmas and Easter holidays.)

All chalets consist of 2 separate bedrooms, bathroom and open plan lounge with kitchen. Chalets are cleaned on a daily basis.

Inclusions / Exclusions

Rates Include:

Accommodation, community levy, emergency rescue levy and 14% VAT

Rates Exclude:

Optional excursions

Extra information

Gate Opening and Closing Times: Summer (October to March): 05h00 to 20h00. Winter (April to September) 06h00to 19h00

Office Hours:  Open from 07h30 to11h30 and from 13h00 to 16h00

Distance from Gate to Camp: One kilometer

Check Out Time: 10h00 

Check In Time: 14h00

Shop: The shop sells a limited range of supplies.

Please take note: The nearest town which has a full range of services is Newcastle which is 28 kms away. Pets are not permitted into the reserve.

Facilities for people with disabilities: None

I recently spend a few days at this Reserve and found the accommodation pleasant. I am more a mountain man myself, but I do go to these reserves and explore them. It is a good place to unwind for a while and the Drakensberg is not far away!

The End.

 Willem Pelser (The Mountain Man)