Melville Koppies Nature Reserve is situated in one of the most eclectic urban areas in the city. This Johannesburg City Heritage Site offers a pristine respite from the hustle and bustle of central Melville and neighbouring Emmarentia. The Koppies are the last conserved remnants of Joburg's ridges before the discovery of gold in 1886. Come and travel back in time by taking a guided tour or group hike of the Koppies as soon as you can. Here are some of the activities offered at the reserve:
Masked Weaver found at Melville Koppies.[/caption]
Sunday morning walks
Melville Koppies is divided into three sections - Central, East and West. Bring the whole family along on a Sunday morning to take a leisurely stroll through the central nature reserve. The walks take place between 08:00 - 11:30, so don't be late. You will be provided with a map and there are information boards along the paths to guide you. The heritage aspects of the reserve are also included on these boards, so make sure to take a minute or two to read them. Small guided tours are offered, as well, at no extra cost. Sounds like an ideal family fun day out to us. Entrance costs R80 per adult and R40 for children. Contact [email protected] for information about guided tours.
Hiking
Melville Koppies East is open daily from dusk till dawn for hiking. Bring your beloved four-legged best friends with you to enjoy the natural outdoors. At about 1km in length, this hiking trail is the perfect length to get in your daily step count. With beautiful views of the rocky ridges at the top, it is also the best way to start your day. Entrance is free and the hiking trail is suitable for children and adults. Amateur hikers may prefer to join a group hike on the western side of the reserve. On the first Saturday of every month, Melville Koppies Reserve hosts a family-friendly hike. Dogs are welcome too, so long as they are well socialised. The hike is about 90 minutes duration and begins at 08:00 sharp. A R30 donation is required to join the hike. All donations go towards maintaining the reserve. Find out more about the monthly hike event from [email protected].
School tours
A trip to Melville Koppies Nature Reserve is an ideal school outing. The reserve offers learners a hands-on learning experience, bringing to life their social sciences, life sciences and life orientation textbooks. The Koppies are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including our national flower, the Protea. The reserve is also an ecological island, attracting an array of mammals, birds and reptiles. Teachers, bring your students to see how many different plant and animals species they can find. There is nothing better than learning first hand in nature, so don't miss out on the opportunity to let your students experience the beauty and history at Melville Koppies. [caption id="attachment_133996" align="alignnone" width="600"] Masked Weaver found at Melville Koppies.[/caption]
