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Melville Koppies
Melville Koppies is a ridge-top nature reserve in Emmarentia with indigenous highveld plants, Iron Age remains and city views, open with guided and self-guided walks on Sundays.
At a glance
- Type
- Nature reserve and heritage walk
- Area
- Emmarentia, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Official site
- mk.org.za
Good to know
- Guided walks
- Self-guided trails
- Iron Age furnace
- Free secure parking
- Children's storytelling
Why we recommend it
Melville Koppies is a rocky ridge between the suburbs of Melville and Emmarentia, protected as a nature reserve and looked after by the volunteer group Friends of Melville Koppies. It is described as the last conserved remnant of Johannesburg's ridges as they looked before the discovery of gold in 1886, and walking here gives a rare picture of the landscape the city grew on.
The geology goes back about three billion years, and people have used the ridge for a very long time. Early Stone Age people camped here as long as 500,000 years ago, and there is a Late Stone Age living floor. Within the last thousand years Iron Age farmers settled on the slopes, and their stone kraal walls can still be seen on the northern side. An iron-smelting furnace excavated in 1963 is one of the highlights of the heritage trail. The vegetation is entirely indigenous, with highveld grasses, wild flowers and trees, and from the top there are views across the Johannesburg skyline.
The reserve opens to the public on Sundays from 08:00 to 11:30, except at Christmas and New Year. You can follow a self-guided 5km hike or heritage trail, explore freely, or book a guided tour of 90 minutes or more, which starts at 08:00 sharp from the reception hut on Judith Road. On the last Sunday of each month there is an eight-kilometre group hike from 08:30, and on the second Sunday there is storytelling for children, plus a scavenger hunt for younger visitors.
Entry is paid at the reception hut by cash or card, with reduced rates for under-18s, free entry for under-fives and a season ticket for regular visitors. Book guided tours in advance by phone or by emailing the Friends of Melville Koppies. Wear proper walking shoes, as the paths are rocky and uneven in places, and bring water, a hat and sunscreen, as there is little shade.
Free secure parking is available opposite the entrance at Marks Park Sports Club on Judith Road. Afterwards, Melville's 7th Street, with its cafés and restaurants, is a few minutes away, and the Johannesburg Botanical Garden at Emmarentia Dam is close by too, so it is easy to make a morning of it.
Melville Koppies FAQs
When is Melville Koppies open?
On Sundays from 08:00 to 11:30, except at Christmas and New Year.
Is there a guided tour?
Yes. Guided tours of 90 minutes or more start at 08:00 sharp from the reception hut and should be booked in advance.
How much does it cost?
There is an entry fee for adults, a lower rate for under-18s and free entry for under-fives, paid by cash or card.
Where do I park?
Free secure parking is opposite the entrance at Marks Park Sports Club in Judith Road, Emmarentia.
What can I see?
Indigenous highveld plants, Iron Age kraal walls, an excavated iron-smelting furnace and skyline views.
Are there longer hikes?
Yes. An eight-kilometre group hike runs on the last Sunday of each month from 08:30.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. There is storytelling on the second Sunday of the month and a scavenger hunt.
What should I wear?
Sturdy walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen; the paths are rocky and there is little shade.