Meet you at the Melville Koppies

Many have New Year’s resolutions to be more active or do new things in 2022.

A trip to the Melville Koppies ticks both on the list. The Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Joburg Heritage site is ready to host the public once again on their Sunday morning guided tours of the central section of the koppies.

Tour guide Wendy Carstens and the team at the koppies are thrilled to take visitors on a natural, historic and scenic adventure again.

Carstens said, “The koppies are absolutely lush after all the rain. Everything is green and the grasses have interesting inflorescences [flowers] – velvety, spikey, feathery that bend and sway in the breezes. The protea trees are still in full flower. Edible delicious wild apricots are beginning to ripen and panoramic views from the top ridge continue to be a wow factor.”

The Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Joburg Heritage site is open between 8am and 11.30am on Sundays. Visitors can take a 5km scenic hiking trail at their own pace, a self-guided Heritage Trail with information about the nature and history of the site or a 90-minute guided tour. Maps and notes will be provided for the hikes to ensure one knows where they are at all times.

For the guided tours, hikers will be expected to meet at the reception hut in Judith Road at 8.30am having booked in advance. Carstens added, “Join the ‘First Sunday of the Month 8km guided group hike’ which leaves at 8am sharp from the reception hut in Judith Road. This hike includes Melville Koppies Central and East.”

Costs are R80 per adult and R40 per child which goes towards the maintenance of the koppies. Parking is available at Marks Park Sports Club on Judith Road right across from the koppies.

For more details, 079 532 0083 or wendavid@mweb.co.za