From local schools to international visitors, the Melville Koppies has something for everyone
The non-profit heritage site welcomed visitors from near and far so they could better understand the rich history that makes this cherished land.
High school learners from Curro Victory Park and Grade 4s from Parkview Senior Primary visited Melville Koppies on separate occasions to learn about the extensive history of the nature reserve and heritage site.
They felt the razor-sharp edge of a hunter-gatherer tool and bent down low to read a small notice which urged them to examine the hillside and identify a stone wall once built to house the cattle of Joburg’s early farmers.
On a different occasion, tour guides from across South Africa and Namibia who were participants in a two-day Rendzo Network, a pan-African network of independent travel and tourism SMEs, came for a short visit to the Koppies.
Read more: Explore the Melville Koppies with these 2 teen tour guides
They were led up the hill to the restored furnace and shared information about medicinal plants and cultural practices. At the top, Koppies guide, Wendy Carstens, gave them a potted history of the archaeological finds on the Koppies – from prehistoric man to the discovery of gold.
You can explore this heritage site on your own or with friends. It is open every Sunday 08:00 -11.30 (closed 5 October due to a running race). Maybe a leisurely hike is more your speed? Or test yourself on the 5km self-guided trail, book a guided tour or just enjoy the quiet in the middle of a big city.
R100 adults; R50 U18; U5s free. Secure parking at Marks Park, Judith Road. Security on the Koppies is provided.
Details: Wendy Carstens, wendavid@mweb.co.za or 079 532 0083.
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