Heritage Day hike and tour of the scenic Melville Koppies

Over 90 people attended the Heritage Day group hike over all three sections of the Melville Koppies.

While many used Heritage Day as an opportunity to rest or have a braai, a group of over 90 people used the day to enjoy a hike over the scenic Melville Koppies.

The tour was facilitated by the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Wendy Carstens of the reserve said the heritage walk was a huge success.

She said, “The weather was perfect and the koppies looked beautiful despite the lack of rain.”

Melville Koppies is a Nature Reserve and a Johannesburg City Heritage Site.

Those who have hiked or toured the Koppies have witnessed some of the breath-taking views on offer.

Those in attendance on Heritage Day got to see a panoramic view of the city of gold.

Carstens said when you look north you can see Magaliesberg, in the south, you can see Melville, Brixton and Westdene.

Looking towards where the sun rises one can see the hills of Westcliff and in the direction of where the sun sets, the views of Sophiatown.

Melville Koppies Nature Reserve has employed workers to keep the koppies in excellent condition.

Carstens said, “We employ three full-time workers who I supervise and work with. I’ve been looking after the koppies for 21 years – no council funding or workers.”

The nature reserve encourages the public to join them for an organised tour and/or hike. Their website has dates of their upcoming hikes, costs and contact details.

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