Take some time out in Melville Koppies
Melville Koppies guides are on standby should visitors want a bit more information.
Every Sunday there’s a steady stream of about 30 to 40 people visiting Melville Koppies.
Most are newbies who’ve never savoured the delights of this little Nature Reserve and Heritage Site before. In family groups or small groups of friends, they wander in from 8am and are out by 11.30am, they pay at the gate, all masked up and raring to go.
Some are happy to just wander around the many paths, self-guiding themselves with the contour map that they’re given, retracing their steps if they get a bit lost and stopping at the lecture hut.
You can read the many information boards about the history of the people who once lived there, the geology, the plants and animals.
The restored furnace, protected under glass, and last fired in the mid 1800s, is just one of many bits of evidence demonstrating that the first farmers enjoyed this koppie from about the 1300s. Melville Koppies guides are on standby should visitors want a bit more information.
“We need to come here to connect with our past,” said Stan Bodibe, a recent visitor who came with his friend Tebogo Mafisa.
They were fascinated by the site of what is thought to be a camp of the first residents on the koppies – the hunter gatherers.
Stone tools like scrapers have been found on this spot that’s nestled against a slope that is protected from the bitter southerly wind in winter. The camp has unfettered views north across what were once grass plains teeming with game.
For those who are more interested in birds, the cuckoos are back from their holidays in the north, calling incessantly in the hopes of finding a mate. There’s the ‘Piet my vrou’ call of the red-chested cuckoo and the Diederik Cuckoo – Google its call.
You are very likely to hear one and if you’ve got binoculars with you, try and spot it. Its emerald green and white feathers with red eyes will be worth your time.
Take note:
Due to the current pandemic, our usual calendar of guided tours and hikes is temporarily suspended. You don’t have to plan ahead. Just arrive from 8am on Sunday morning, self-guide yourself and be out by 11.30am.
The koppie will be open until December 20. Secure parking at Marks Park and security on Melville Koppies is provided. Pay at the gate. Cost is R80 for adults and R40 for learners (please try and bring exact amounts).
If you are a group of 10 or more, EFT beforehand and email names and cellphone numbers of your group to wendavid@mweb.co.za or phone 011 482 4797 for more details or visit www.mk.org.za
