Melville Koppies Nature Reserve

Melville Koppies Nature Reserve

Melville, Johannesburg

Melville Koppies Nature Reserve is one of those gems of open spaces, within the city boundaries, that are often overlooked. It is quite a small reserve but is important for botanical and geological reasons. There is a 2-3 hour hiking trail on the western section of the reserve. The central section of the reserve is a National Heritage Site. Optional guided tours operate during designated times. Parking is available in Marks Park. The other two sections of the reserve are open each day during normal daylight hours. The trail in the western section starts at the gate in 3rd Avenue, Westdene. Maps of the trail are available from the red postbox in 3rd Avenue.

Melville Koppies is a nature reserve and a national Heritage site. It is not available for functions, braais or picnics. Visitors to the reserve can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a pristine environment preserved in the middle of Johannesburg. Keep to the paths so that the indigenous flora and fauna are not damaged.

The friends of Melville Koppies handle the day to day management of the reserve and also run many very informative tours with recognized experts in their particular field.

The rocks in the reserve are between 2,7 and 3,2 billion years old. The geology department of Wits University use the reserve for study purposes.

There is a surprising variety of things to see in the reserve and a brief tour will produce the unexpected, from rocky crags to wooded riverine bush.

Conclusion

Melville Koppies is well worth a visit. You are more than welcome to take your dog along to the east and west section of the reserve (but not to the central section).

www.mk.org.za gives all the up-to-date information on what is planned by the Friends of Melville Koppies. If you would like to lend a hand in maintenance work parties your help would be most welcome.

Maps