Melville Koppies Nature Reserve

Melville Koppies is a Nature Reserve and a Johannesburg City Heritage Site. It is the last conserved remnant of Johannesburg's ridges as they were before the discovery of gold in 1886. Its geology goes back three billion years. Stone tools show that Early Stone Age man camped here as long as 500 000 years ago. There is a Late Stone Age living floor. Within the last 1 000 years Iron Age immigrants arrived, and remains of their kraal walls can be found on the northern slopes. In 1963 an iron-smelting furnace was excavated and can be seen today.

The vegetation of the Koppies is entirely indigenous and is a remarkable example of the richness of highveld grasses, flowers, and trees so close to a city centre. These ridges have looked like this for hundreds of years.

Things you need to know...

Melville Koppies CENTRAL is always locked and has CONTROLLED ACCESS ONLY for people on hikes or walks on Sundays between 8am and 11:30am. No dogs allowed.

Melville Koppies EAST is open daily for walks and socialised dogs are welcome.

Melville Koppies WEST is open daily but it is advisable to walk only on scheduled walks. Do not take valuables onto EAST or WEST as these are public open spaces.

No braais, camping, picnicking, radios, mountain bikes or vehicles.

Melville Koppies CENTRAL 2025

The iconic Nature Reserve and Joburg Heritage site

Sunday morning options only - 8am to 11.30am every Sunday
(except Christmas and New Year)

1. A 5km scenic hiking trail at your own pace. Maps provided.

2. A self-guided Heritage trail with information about the nature and history. Maps and notes provided.

3. Just explore ... maps of trails provided.

4. Join a 90-minute (or longer) guided tour starting at 8.00am sharp starting from the reception hut in Judith Road. Please book for these on 079 532 0083 or wendavid@mweb.co.za.

5. Eight kilometre Group guide-led hike on the LAST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH. Starts at 8.30am sharp from Marks Park Sports club in Judith Road. Come a little before 8:30am to register. R100 pp and R50 under 18.

6. TBA An event by Rabbie Serumula inspired by nature, love and healing on the SECOND SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH from 10am to 11am.

7. Melville Koppies scavenger hunt for children and the young at heart. Take photos with your phone when you find something on the map provided.

INFORMATION

Parking: Secure free parking opposite the Koppies' entrance at Marks Park Sports Club in Judith Road, Emmarentia.

Walk across Judith Road to the Koppies' entrance.

Costs for all activities: (for maintenance of the Koppies). Cash or card.

* R100 per adult and R50 under 18

* Free under 5 years

* Booked guided tours R100 per person

* 12 month Sunday Season Ticket R500 per person and R250 under 18

* Pay on the day at the reception hut.

Times: 8am to 11.30am every Sunday only and extra security is provided.

Melville Koppies CENTRAL has controlled access only. No dogs allowed.

Please book for big groups and guided tours on Sundays and midweek tours.

Queries and bookings: 079 532 0083 or email wendavid@mweb.co.za

Make a donation

Any amount, however small, helps us fund the conservation work.

Our banking details are:
Nedbank
Campus Square Branch, code 158 105
Account holder: Melville Koppies Management Committee
Account number: 1581 017 421

Email us or use your email address as a reference so that we can acknowledge your donation.

We are a registered PBO so donors can get tax redemption for large donations. Notify wendavid@mweb.co.za for PBO letters.

Updated by Barbara Shaw.
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Melville Koppies Nature Reserve

Johannesburg, South Africa

Friends of Melville Koppies: Phone: +27 11 482 4797 or 079 532 0083 Email: wendavid@mweb.co.za