When you come on a 1.5 hour guided tour of Melville Koppies, you will focus on something that will take you away from the everyday stresses that we all bear.
Mole-rats flourish on Melville Koppies. With upper and lower Bugs Bunny teeth and without eyes, they are more suited to lives underground than on the surface.
Their teeth easily munch through roots, bulbs (especially all those spring bulbs you covet in your garden) and tubers but what makes obstacles for them on the Koppies are numerous white quartz pebbles that can be found just below the surface.
You’re unlikely to see a mole-rat but you’ll spot their little mounds of white pebbles as if a child has been manufacturing fairy gardens. Hidden in the burrows are pair of mole rats who reign over a colony of about 14.
Unlike humans, the old female is the one that reproduces for the entire colony. The young ones are expected to babysit the very young and to help find food for the elders.
Melville Koppies Central is open every Sunday between 08:00 and 11:30. Choose from a 5km self-guided hike, a guided tour (book on 079 532 0083 or be there by 08:30), a 3km self-guided heritage trail or just take a map and guide yourself along with the extensive network of paths. On the first Sunday of the month join a guided 8km hike starting at 08:00 sharp.
Costs are adults R80 and children R40. The season ticket for a year per adult is R500 (not transferable). Funds are needed to meet the maintenance budget of R22 000 per month.
Security on the Koppies is provided. Park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park in Judith Road, Emmarentia.
Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za or call 079 532 0083 to find out more. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see or https://www.facebook.com/melvillekoppies.
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