Friends of Melville Koppies

Melville, Johannesburg, South Africa | Phone: + 27 11 482 4797 | E-mail: fomk@mk.org.za

50th anniversary: 1959 - 2009

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MELVILLE KOPPIES

Proclaimed a Nature Reserve in 1959, the Melville Koppies 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 250 000 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 the same for hundreds of years.

Melville Koppies is managed by a volunteer committee in cooperation with Johannesburg City Parks. There are regular open days and guided walks.

General information, walks and hikes in 2009:

1. Open days on MK Central

MK Central has controlled access. From December 2008 we have had to introduce an new policy whereby visitors are asked to walk in a group, accompanied by guides and a guard. These walks begins shortly after opening time, and the gates are then locked.

We deeply regret having to take this step, and hope to return to the old policy of allowing visitors to choose between a guided walk or a self-guided stroll.

Suggested donations are R20 per adult and R10 per scholar for guided walks. Donations are used for the maintenance of the Koppies by the volunteer committee.

Park opposite the entrance at Marks Park Sports Club in Judith Rd, Emmarentia.
GPS coordinates are 26* 09' 59,5" S and 28* 00' 15,8" E

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Group visits may be arranged on other days. Email Friends of Melville Koppies or call 011 482 4797.

NOTE. The reserve is not available for functions, picnics, braais etc.

2. Organised walks on MK West

This 100ha section is open daily from dawn to dusk.

It is public open space so take sensible precautions: don't walk alone, and leave all valuables at home. Socialised dogs with leads are welcome.

A trail has been marked out with white arrows. Pamphlets for this trail are available in the red post box at the 3rd Ave entrance.

The MKMC organises courtesy walks on the first Saturday of every month. Walks leave from 3rd Ave off Arundel Rd in Westdene at 8am sharp. Socialised dogs with leads are welcome. The walk takes about 90 minutes.

This is a hike over rocky terrain, not a stroll, and is not suitable for young children. We have to keep the group together for security and control.

A R20 donation per person is welcome. Donations are used for the maintenance of the Koppies by the volunteer committee.

FUTURE DATES AND TIMES:

2009:

3 January, 7 February, 7 March, 4 April, 2 May, 6 June

Tours to the African Independent Churches, which worship on MK West, can be arranged. Details 083 266 9949.

Mountain bikes are not allowed anywhere on Melville Koppies.

3. MK East

This is a small (10ha) well maintained section which is open daily from dawn to dusk. The views over to the south and east of Joburg are stunning. Socialised dogs with leads are welcome here. It is public open space so leave ALL valuables at home.

Park in:

- Kloof Rd, off 7th Ave in Melville where there is 24 hr security. (26* 10' 22,3" S and 28* 00' 28.2" E)
- Opposite the BP garage in the dead end off 8th Ave and Rustenburg Rd, Melville ( 26* 10' 26,5" S and 28* 00' 46,8" E).
- At the Zambesi Rd entrance, Emmarentia (26* 10' 16.5" S and 28* 00' 39,3" S). There is security here on weekdays in the morning until 9am and in the late afternoon from 4pm until 6pm, and on Saturday morning until 9am.

Mountain bikes are not allowed anywhere on Melville Koppies.

4. Cross Koppie hikes at 8am from Marks Park

FUTURE DATES AND TIMES:

Friday 01 May 2009 08:00
Thursday 24 September 2009 08:00

These walks traverse all three sections of the Koppies, so dogs are not allowed. They last for at least three hours, so come prepared with strong shoes, a hat, and something to eat and drink.