You don’t have to drive all the way to Magaliesberg to hike. Drive at least 30 minutes from most neighbourhoods and you’ll find Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Heritage Site.
Open on most Sunday mornings from 8am to 11.30am, and with Covid-19 safety regulations in place, you can come in your family/friend group and choose your own route with a map provided along one of the many well-maintained paths that criss-cross the Koppies.
If you were to step on every path you’ll have hiked almost 7km. Walk all around the inside perimeter of the reserve and you’ll add another 2.5km. No-one’s done it before. Can it be done in three and a half hours? The paths take you through varied terrain and indigenous vegetation. Steep, rocky inclines will get your hearts pumping and challenge your balance, gentle grassland slopes will clear your head, and forested areas by the Westdene Spruit will cool you down. Don’t risk drinking from and cooling off in it – it’s a reminder that you’re hiking in the city. Bring your own snacks and drinks.
Perfect for families with young children, the many paths enable you to choose the ones you can all manage and to test yourselves just a little. And if lockdown has made those jeans just a little tighter than they were in February, make a Covid-19 resolution to come and hike. Who knows, maybe you’ll be one of those whose first hike was on Melville Koppies and now they’ve conquered Everest Base Camp, Machu Pichu and Mount Kilimanjaro.
For those that are still tentative about going out into the world that’s opened up in Level 1, Melville Koppies’ hikes tick all the Covid-19 safety boxes. Pre-pay for your hike, wear a mask, and sanitise as you enter. There’s little chance of finding yourselves getting close up and personal with people whose viral status you don’t know.
Head there on 4, 11, 18, 25 October at R80 for adults, R40 for scholars.
Details: Wendy, wendavid@mweb.co.za or 011 482 4797.
