‘You get to hike right in the City’, was the common surprised refrain of the hikers, many of whom normally travel longer distances each week to satisfy their hunger for the open air and challenging trails.
Hikers get to see the City from all angles as they follow the trail that clambers up and down the Koppie’s ridges. There’s the view north to the skyscrapers of Rosebank, Sandton and Randburg and way in the distance the little bumps of Magaliesberg.
Then east to the cooling towers of Kelvin power station, south to Braamfontein and Joburg’s first skyscrapers and west to the old police flats in Sophiatown.
Melville Koppies Central is open every Sunday from 08:00 to 11:30. Cost is R80 for adults and R40 for children with season tickets at R500 per adult available. Season tickets are not transferable.
Use a map of the numerous paths and just explore wherever your feet take you. Or you can follow a self-guided 5km scenic hiking trail, a self-guided 3km Heritage Trail and if you want to know more about the culture, heritage and nature to be seen, you can book for a 90-minute guided tour starting at 08:30 sharp from the reception hut in Judith Road.
Book on wendavid@mweb.co.za or call on 079 532 0083. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park in Judith Road, Emmarentia.
Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za or visit www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see visit the Facebook page.
