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Get lost in nature with our detailed guide to Melville Koppies
I’m a hiking enthusiast through and through. I live for the thrill of exploring new trails and soaking in nature’s beauty.
Melville Koppies is one of those places that just grabs me every time. I can’t get enough of its ancient hills and breathtaking views.
I’ve uncovered some hidden gems here that I can’t wait to share with you. So, let’s lace up those boots and dive into a slice of Johannesburg where history whispers and nature is at its best.
Things to Know
Website: https://www.mk.org.za/
Address: 4 Judith Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg
Operating Hours:
- CENTRAL: Open only on Sundays, 8 AM to 11:30 AM, for guided hikes/walks. No dogs allowed.
- EAST: Open every day, dogs allowed if they are socialised
- WEST: Open every day, recommended for scheduled walks
Admission Fee:
- Adult – R90
- Minors (under 18 years old) – R50
Background
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Melville Koppies is a nature reserve and a Johannesburg heritage site. It preserves the city’s ridges just as they were before gold was discovered in 1886.
Its geology is incredibly ancient, dating back three billion years. Additionally, there’s evidence of Early Stone Age humans camping here 500,000 years ago.
You can even find remains of kraal walls from Iron Age immigrants and check out an iron-smelting furnace that was excavated in 1963. Plus, the indigenous vegetation gives the area a unique and beautiful look.
How to Get to the Melville Koppies
By Bus: You can get to Melville Koppies by taking bus line 71 and alighting at the Barry Hertzog Ave & Gullane Rd stop. Alternatively, you can take bus line C4 and get off at the Main & 4th Avenue West stop.
By Taxi: The base fare for taxis in Johannesburg is approximately R70, with an additional charge of around R9.50 per kilometre. You can ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance on Kloof Road or at Marks Park Sports Club.
By Car: If you’re driving, you can park at the main entrance of Melville Koppies on Kloof Road.
What to Do and See in Melville Koppies
Examine the 3-billion-year-old quartzite rock formations
When you visit Melville Koppies, you’re stepping onto a piece of Earth’s ancient history. This nature reserve lies on the Kaapvaal craton, one of the planet’s earliest crust formations, dating back 3.5 billion years.
As you explore, you’ll encounter impressive quartzite rock formations that tell stories of ancient seas and sedimentation. Look closely, and you’ll see ripple marks from ancient waves and cross-bedding from prehistoric floods.
You’ll also notice dramatic quartz veins running through the rock formations. These veins, shattered by tectonic forces, leave the ground covered in milky white pebbles
Climb to see stunning views of the Magaliesberg mountains
Melville Koppies offers an invigorating rock climbing experience that’s accessible and rewarding. As you ascend the initial hill, you’ll be greeted by the sight of another ridge, beckoning you further into the adventure.
The climbs, while challenging, are not too intense, making them suitable for climbers of various skill levels. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Johannesburg.
Go on a birding and animal-viewing expedition
Melville Koppies is a spot with diverse habitats like grasslands, rocky hillsides, forests, and riverbanks.
Bird watchers can enjoy spotting species such as the crimson-breasted shrike and tawny-flanked prinia, especially in summer. During one visit, I saw swifts and swallows catching insects from the old guard’s hut!
The reserve also hosts mammals like the slender mongoose, African hedgehog, and rock elephant shrew. Reptiles, including the rinkhals, puff adder, and leopard tortoise, add to the wildlife experience.
Visit the ancient iron-smelting furnace and the ruins of early Sotho/Tswana farmers
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I was fascinated by the well-preserved remains of early Sotho/Tswana farmers and the ancient iron-smelting furnace. This furnace is over 500 years old and offers a glimpse into the advanced ironworking skills of the time.
As I explored the area, I couldn’t help but admire the meticulous preservation efforts. Parts of the excavation are now visible under glass near a lecture hut.
The site showcases evidence of continuous human presence dating back 250,000 years!
Take part in a scavenger hunt
Phone: 079 532 0083
Melville Koppies introduced an exciting scavenger hunt to attract more visitors. I decided to give it a go on a cloudy Sunday, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience.
The hunt not only tested my mind and sense of direction but also deepened my appreciation for the area’s natural and historical significance. I found myself exploring hidden corners and learning intriguing facts about the Koppies that I had never known before.
If you’re keen to participate, call the number above for inquiries.
Bring your dog along for a walk in the east section
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Melville Koppies East is a peaceful spot spanning 10 hectares where socialised dogs are welcome. It’s great for leisurely walks among native plants and quiet trails.
Bringing along treats can help with training, and using a gentle leader can make walks smoother if your dog tends to pull.
Engage in weeding to boost the biodiversity of living things at the reserve
I had an amazing experience participating in a weeding session in the reserve. Besides clearing out invasive plants, these lively community events can help you connect with nature in a special way.
To join, make sure to follow the reserve’s Facebook, where they announce the schedule for upcoming community events.
