The Chelmsford Nature Reserve, situated on the Ngagane River, lies just 30 kilometres from 5@Partridge Guesthouse. Chelmsford Nature Reserve is the site of the third largest dam in KwaZulu Natal, a wonderful venue for swimming, soaking up the sun and enjoying various water sports.

The Chelmsford dam, which takes three hours to circumnavigate, provides ample carp and bass fishing and a plethora of bird watching opportunities with 217 species of birds.

These include the great crested grebe, comb duck, pink-billed lark, black-bellied bustard, African grass-owl and bigger birds like the yellow-billed duck, greater flamingo, lesser flamingo, whiskered tern, osprey and a resident pair of fish eagles.

The grasslands, apart from providing access to greater mammals like herds of springbok, blesbok and red hartebeest, also provide a chance to spot the blue crane, marsh owl, denham’s bustard and many others.

The Chelmsford Nature 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.

Please note that there is a nominal entrance fee payable at the gate.