Melville Koppies Nature Reserve
Gauteng
Lace up your hiking boots and head out to explore the wild, rocky terrain of Melville Koppies Nature Reserve. This stunning natural setting is very accessible, as it lies right in the centre of Joburg.
During spring the hills are sprinkled with small indigenous flowers and come winter, the grassy slopes turn golden. Panoramic views of Joburg’s skyline can be enjoyed from the top of the koppies.
An interesting spot to visit is the National Heritage Site of two Iron Age furnaces and kraal walls. In 1963, artefacts were discovered from Stone Age camps dating back 250 000 years. And even the rocks are significant. Geologists estimate that some of the rocks are between 3.2-billion and 2.7-billion years old.
Over 200 resident bird species will keep ardent birders ticking off their lists and guided bird walks are on offer. A variety of small mammals including mongoose, civet, hare, and hedgehog occur here.