If you want to see nature at its best, visit the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve.
Johannesburg has one of the largest man-made forests in the world, which you can see from the top of the Koppies.
It has many activities, such as the self-guided heritage trail, hiking on a 5km trail or just viewing the beauty of nature.
When Joburg grew from an only mining town in the 1880s, many trees from across the seas were planted, such as oaks, gums and jacarandas.
Sixty years ago, Melville was largely grassland, and as the city grew, fewer fires tore through the Koppies, enabling more trees to grow.
In the reserve, you will find many areas where stinkwood, acacias, wild peach and pear trees and bushwillows provide shade from the sun.
Visits are affordable, with prices from R90 per person and R50 for those under 18, and an annual season ticket per adult is R500.
It also offers safe parking opposite the Melville Koppies entrance at Marks Park sports club on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Security is provided.
The Melville Koppies Nature Reserve operates on Sundays from 08:00 to 11:00. A guided tour at 08:00 teaches why the Melville Koppies is a nature reserve and heritage site.
Also read: Nature Reserves in South Africa with Great Outdoor Activities
Also read: Koppies are calling you to experience their winter grasslands
