Visit a World Heritage Site
MELVILLE – There's nothing like taking a long and refreshing hike, and where better to do this than at a historical landmark.
The Melville Koppies are one of the city’s most beautiful landscapes, and one of the nature reserves the city is most proud of.
The koppies cover 150 hectares across a wild, rocky mountain range covered with indigenous fauna and flora making it the perfect setting for a hike, a photo shoot or picnic with the family.
The site also holds many artifacts of high interest such as an ancient furnace, a site which sees a number of school tours taking place throughout the year.
Another main attraction is the stunning 360° view of Johannesburg and its surrounds that can be seen from the highest point of the open range.
The koppies are made up of west and east sections, in addition to the central koppie which was named a World Heritage Site – one of major historical significance given that people have lived there since the Stone Age. It was named a heritage site because its ridges are estimated to be 2.9 billion years old and it is the last remaining mountain range that has not been excavated or destroyed since the discovery of gold in the late 19th century.
While this does sound like the perfect place to head to at this very moment, there are some rules when visiting the reserve. The east and west koppies are open daily for hikes and tours, but it is advised that people who want to explore the west side do so with one of the guided tours rather than on their own.
Dogs on leashes are also welcome on both sides, provided that they are friendly and well-behaved.
The heritage site at the central koppie is only accessible with a planned tour guide and no dogs are allowed in this section of the reserve.
It’s time to find those running shoes at the back of your closet and set a date to explore the Melville Koppies.
