The treats that await you
There is loads to be discovered on these hikes so come and see for yourselves.
A morning exploring the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Heritage Site is proving very popular among Joburg residents.
On August 30, despite the chilly cloudy start, almost 100 enthusiastic explorers in their family or friend groups traversed the 55 hectare koppies. “I never realised there was this amazing place in the middle of Joburg,” said one visitor.
When you reach the gate you’ll be given a map that you can use to follow the numerous paths that criss-cross the koppies. These take the walker through grassland, forested areas, alongside the river and up to the top of the koppie where on a good day you can see to the Magaliesberg, to Brixton and Braamfontein.
Displays on view at the lecture hut give details about the hunter gatherers that first lived there hundreds of thousands of years ago and the early farmers who were smelting iron from ore-bearing rocks long before gold was discovered in Joburg. You can see one of the furnaces that was unearthed in the 1960s that has been carefully reconstructed.
Diagrams and display boards explain how the smelting was done. If you’re observant you’ll notice different groups of stone-walling scattered across the koppies: the remains of these settlements.
There is a connection to Joburg’s gold-mining history too. Louwrens Geldenhuys who bought part of the farm Braamfontein in 1886, tried his luck at finding gold. Blasted quartzite rock remains as a sign that the gold content wasn’t sufficient to warrant mining.
There is way more to discover so come and see for yourselves.
Save these dates:
September 13, 20 and September 24
Numbers will be restricted. Booking and prepayment, non-refundable, are essential. Park opposite the entrance at Marks Park Sports Club, Judith Road. Security will be patrolling the koppies while you are walking.
Cost is R80 for adults and R40 for scholars. All donations are used for the maintenance of the Koppies.
These mornings are proving very popular so please send your notification of payment to secure your booking.
Email names and cell phones of your group to wendavid@mweb.co.za. Any questions? Phone 011 482 4797 for more details.
Banking details: Account holder – Melville Koppies, Nedbank Campus Square branch 158105, account number 1581 017 421. Reference: your name date and date you are booking for.
Please send proof of payment to wendavid@mweb.co.za
Conditions for outings – controlled access only:
• Arrive from 8am and depart by 11.30am
• Booking and prepayment only
• Walk at your own risk
• Masks covering nose and mouth, are compulsory and must be worn all the time.
• Stay on the paths
• Keep a 3m social distance (except for people who have travelled together)
• Children must be under the control of parents – no running about.
• No dogs, litter, smoking (fire hazard), alcohol, picking plants, braai or picnicking allowed
• Wear sturdy shoes with a tread, a hat and bring water.
• Please note that the benches and toilets are not sanitised.
• Bring your own sanitisers.
• Maps will be supplied on the day
