CHELMSFORD NATURE RESERVE, NEAR NEWCASTLE

Break your journey from Joburg to the coast with a stopover on the banks of the Ntshingwayo Dam in the midst of a swathe of grassveld. In that long grass, you might find the pride of Chelmsford: the oribi. The reserve is home to KZN’s largest population of the fawn-coloured, black-tailed bokkie. Things to do? Drive the Leokop Auto Trail – a well-marked route that takes you through the habitats of blesbok, oribi and zebra respectively, before meandering through a marshy wetland. The vlei is home to lots of birds – see how many of the 210 recorded species you can find (get a bird booklet at the reserve entrance). The trail is usually fine to drive in a family sedan, except if there has been lots of rain. Check at reception before you set off. Now it’s time to play, and the dam is all yours for swimming, sailing (boat permit R100), paddling, water-skiing and kitesurfing. But – as regular visitors will testify – time at Chelmsford is best spent on a camping chair outside your tent, watching your fishing line in the water and waiting for a carp to bite… Stay over: There are four-sleeper chalets at the water’s edge that are serviced daily (from R500 per night). There are also two campsites – Sanford and Leokop – with braai facilities, hot showers and power points (from R80 per person). The small shop in the reserve sells ice, wood, charcoal, cooldrinks and snacks. Day visitors: R30 per adult; R15 per child. Directions: The reserve is about 360 km south-east of Joburg. The entrance is 35 km south of Newcastle via the N11. GPS: S27.95875 E29.90664 Contact: 033 845 1000; kznwildlife.com