“There’s nothing to see,” said recent visitors to Melville Koppies.
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That was before David Carstens, one of Melville Koppies’ guides, took them under his wing and opened their eyes.
He pointed out the ridges of Melville Koppies formed around 2.9 billion years ago, just a little later than South Africa’s oldest rocks near Barberton.
They learnt and saw for themselves how the Koppies’ quartzite ridges became tilted after an asteroid struck near Parys creating the Vredefort Dome.
And he described the metal-working skills the first farmers had, skills that enabled them to pick out ore-bearing rock, create their own charcoal for the smelting and know the heat of the furnace just by looking at the colour of the flames.
Book a 90-minute tour by calling 079 532 0083 on a Sunday morning to learn more about the geology, heritage and nature of the Koppies.
Melville Koppies Central is open every Sunday. Entry costs R80 for adults and R40 for children.
Income is used for the maintenance of the Koppies.
There are several paths to explore including a self-guided 5km scenic hiking trail and a self-guided 3km Heritage Trail.
Security on the Koppies is provided and guests can park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park in Judith Road, Emmarentia.
For more information contact wendavid@mweb.co.za or call 079 532 0083.
Alternatively, check out www.mk.org.za
