Melville Koppies Nature Reserve image

Melville Koppies Nature Reserve

Tourist attraction Nature preserve Heritage preservation

With geology going back 3 billion years, this landmark reserve boasts remnants of Stone Age living. People often mention views, walk, hike, Beautiful, Melville, Johannesburg, nature, history, great, people,


Address

4 Judith Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg, 2195, South Africa

Website

www.mk.org.za

Contact

+27 79 532 0083

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (465 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 8 to 11:30 am
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: views (14) walk (12) hike (12) Beautiful (11) Melville (10) Johannesburg (10) nature (9) history (8) great (8) people (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Brendon F. 2 years ago on Google • 216 reviews
    If you in the mood to take a walk and embrace nature and don't want to travel far, then I suggest walking the paths of Melville Koppies, you will have to pay when entering the reserve but there are plenty of paths to choose from that will lead you all over the place, the view from the top of the koppie is quite vast and you pretty much have a full 360° from Randburg to Sandton and central Johannesburg. Discover the rich archaeological history and see the ruins, just know that it's relatively short and only if you zig zag and repeat a few turns you can work up to 5.5km, moderate to steep hike so take extra water
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Noah M. 1 year ago on Google
    Cool hiking trail. Views are serene.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Martijn V. 6 years ago on Google • 179 reviews
    I thoroughly enjoyed the guided tour. The guides are passionate about the park and insanely knowledgeable about it's history and the Nature that lives freely there.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anushka 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing! Go on the guided tour! It was so informative, inspiring and wonderful to be in nature in the middle of Joburg.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nokuthula 2 years ago on Google • 38 reviews
    A good place to go daily with my kid and dogs for a easy trail walk, some fun on the rocks and magnificent views of the joburg, rosebank and sandton cbd skylines. You can find an open access gate from some of the streets at the back of Melville (I use the one on Cnr 4th Str & 9th Ave).
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cedric Madove S. 2 years ago on Google • 214 reviews
    It's great place just need security in place to ensure the safety of people, it's quiet chilled and mind calming . With lovely flowers and great rocks......u can go there for mind relaxing routines

  • 5/5 Mathabatha S. 5 years ago on Google • 20 reviews
    A beautiful climb and walk. Short enough to do it anytime during the day and steep enough to get some exercise. Snap some amazing 360 views of Johannesburg and finish with breakfast/brunch or lunch at Pablo’s Eggs Go Bar or Social Cafe.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zachary S. 5 years ago on Google • 147 reviews
    The pups we are house sitting for LOVE this park. It’s mainly off leash and all the dogs run wild. There are bikers, runners, people just strolling around. If you wanted a picnic I’m sure it would make a great day with a visit to the neighboring botanical gardens. We are here almost every day and might like it more than the dogs.

  • 5/5 Cedric J. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice save place to walk with your dogs on a leash in the evening
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mila de V. 7 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    Indigenous fauna and flora meets tangible prehistoric history at this remarkable nature reserve. From a casual stroll with your hound (Melville Koppies East & West) to a proper trek through the foliage to magnificent views of Jo'burg's skyline/surrounds, the Koppies offers all.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dumisani Baloyi s. 3 years ago on Google
    It's a really good place for Reflection and meditation a
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Derrin L. 3 years ago on Google
    Some great views of Jhb and Sandton.it was difficult to find an open entrance, there's an entrance on Kloof Rd. Very quiet and peaceful spot in the middle of the bustling city. Probably a good idea to go with a group of friends for security reasons.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Billy M. 2 years ago on Google • 3 reviews
    An amazing place and a start for first time Hikers. Safe, undisturbed sites. Nice trails. And the reception is warm and friendly.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas M. 4 years ago on Google
    It is hard to imagine that there is such an unspoilt place right in the middle of Joburg. We joined one of the guided walks, which was not only very informative, but a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon out in nature. .... and all of that just 5 minutes from our home
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Catherine R. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved it! Nice way to see a panoramic view from Sandton to JHB. Dog friendly.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laila H. 9 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    What a rich place… with the help of outr guide I could transfer myself back in time when the Khoisan travelled through the lands and then when the farmers settled. Also gained an appreciation of what goes into needs to be controlled to keep a nature reserve as close to nature as possible… Highly recommend this place..
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adrienne M. 3 years ago on Google
    On Sunday gate is open in the morning opposite Marks park. Park at Marks park and cross the road. Beautiful walk on paths with map available. Very friendly and helpful guides on site if you want guiding. Security guards inside. Natural viewsite setting. Beautiful rocks and plants
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tania R. 2 years ago on Google
    A lovely place for a walk or run with stunning views of Joburg, a bit of peace and serenity in the the vibrant suburb of Melville.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gaëlle G. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful views of the city, lively clean air, clean park, friendly people.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mandy V. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely well preserved Nature reserve for a quick morning hike while learning a bit about some of the history in Johannesburg.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Maya B. 1 year ago on Google
    The location was beautiful and well maintained but I can’t say the same about the people there, unfortunately. Arrived at 11am, was told I wouldn’t be able to walk around even though there were 30 mins left. After protesting, they gave me a map for which I thanked them profusely and then I walked around for 30 mins. When I got back to the gate at 1130am, an old white man proceeded to shout at me for being late (I wasn’t), for not doing what I was “told” (??? I came to walk around, not to be told to do anything), for making them wait (i didn’t) and for not paying (no one ever asked me to pay and I was there for less than 30 mins anyway). The way he spoke to his Black coworker was also truly revolting. Moreover, the hours are ridiculous anyway - 8am-1130am on Sundays when most people are at church?? This is a public resource, not private land - and I didn’t see any white attendees being shouted at like I was - truly unacceptable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thashen N. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and safe park, well laid out and easy to navigate. You will find stunning views of Joburg from the top. Don't forget to take money for the entrance fee.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lionel B. 4 years ago on Google
    A walking treat to see jozi with a slice of history included.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard J. 1 year ago on Google • 40 reviews
    Incredible place. The guided tour was great. David had so many interesting facts about the biodiversity and history of Melville Koppies. There was security provided and parking at Melville Sports club. Walk is relatively easy. Fascinating place!

  • 5/5 Neil Van Der M. 3 months ago on Google • 9 reviews New
    If you in the mood to take a walk and embrace nature and don't want to travel far, then I suggest walking the paths of Melville Koppies, you will have to pay when entering the reserve but there are plenty of paths to choose from that will lead you all over the place, the view from the top of the koppie is quite vast and you pretty much have a full 360° from Randburg to Sandton and central Johannesburg. Discover the rich archaeological history and see the ruins, just know that it's relatively short and only if you zig zag and repeat a few turns you can work up to 5.5km, moderate to steep hike so take extra water

  • 4/5 Favoured M. 2 years ago on Google
    I expected high mountain, but it's a good hike I enjoyed.

  • 5/5 Hayley D. 2 years ago on Google
    Really nice hike in the middle of Johannesburg. The volunteers looking after the place does an amazing job.

  • 4/5 Melusi M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice place for photoshoots, dog walking and miniature hiking.. Best for off road running for too.

  • 5/5 Tanusha J. 2 years ago on Google
    Great to breakaway for a bit, I felt safe and it's a perfect walk/hike for beginners. Beautiful scenery as well!

  • 1/5 Cassidy L. 2 years ago on Google
    showed up eager and excited for our hike on a beautiful Sunday - only to find out its R80 per person, when we got there. Never in my life have I experienced having to pay so much money just to be outside .

  • 1/5 Callin F. 1 year ago on Google
    Would NOT recommend. My partner and I had barely been walking for 20 minutes when we were robbed by two men at gunpoint. Area is definitely NOT SAFE!

  • 5/5 Sebastian van 't H. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow. This beautiful Melville Koppies (EAST) Nature Reserve takes my breath away. We have been before in WEST that is the biggest with 100 Hectare. Visit all three of them, EAST, CENTRAL and WEST. With our without a guide. Better with a guide we think. Either way it is a pearl of a location in the middle of Johannesburg.

  • 5/5 Ursula K. 1 year ago on Google
    Ohhhh maan what a great hike. My first ever. Thought I wasn't going to make it,but hey I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Fantastic tour guide, great views of Joburg. ♥️🤩

  • 5/5 Tony L. 1 year ago on Google
    Well worth visiting. Security is present 8-11.30 Sundays. R90 per visit or R500 for the whole year!

  • 4/5 Jennifer C. 4 years ago on Google
    As most people are away in December we had the east side mostly to ourselves. The place was clean and the people well behaved as is the norm for nature lovers. No access to the west side at all and only one gate open on the east side. After the rains we had a spectacular view of the surrounding areas that I'd never seen before. Photos cannot did the place justice - our eyes are far superior. Credit to our Grand Creator Jehovah for things humans try to imitate.

  • 5/5 Kelly 4 years ago on Google
    The guided hike was quite epic. I got to meet some really interesting people. Beautiful lookout points.

  • 4/5 BRENDON J. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice little reserve

  • 4/5 Mark R. 4 years ago on Google
    Only safe in groups and well armed. Otherwise you're toast.

  • 5/5 Karen D. 4 years ago on Google
    Melville koppies is a very special place. It has cultural significance and it's a wonderful example of how Joburg would look without its "urban forest" - which is mainly made up of exotic trees. Joburg is blessed to have this green lung.

  • 4/5 Nisha S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great outdoors. Wear comfortable shoes and plenty of sunblock.

  • 5/5 Ronewa R. 3 years ago on Google
    Best hiking spot in town

  • 4/5 Thingahangwi M. 4 years ago on Google
    It's great

  • 4/5 Byron-Mahieu van der L. 3 years ago on Google
    Spacious greenbelt just north of JHB CBD. Glorious views and vistas. Really worth joining the Friends of Melville Koppies group to get access to gated areas. Some beautiful birds and other indigenous fauna. Lovely rock formations. Take a breather from the urban rat-race and visit this reserve.

  • 5/5 Warren M. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice hike, we managed to get in 4km following the trial from numbers 1-30. Trails are well marked and easy to follow. The views are amazing. Historical markers are few and far between but interesting enough. Go for the hike and the amazing views. Hiking is easy difficulty for someone with some physical fitness. I would say if this is your first hike in a while then it'll be medium difficulty, but really not too challenging. Perfect for a chilled sunday :)

  • 4/5 Warren C. 3 years ago on Google
    Safe.... Neat and clean... Security are visible.... And noisy on cell phones at times😊

  • 5/5 Aréte M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to walk in the heart of Johannesburg.

  • 4/5 Rafiq P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great to get out on a Sunday morning.

  • 5/5 eric d. 3 years ago on Google
    It's a nice place

  • 3/5 Mark T. 3 years ago on Google
    Aa

  • 5/5 Maria C. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely place to walk your dogs

  • 5/5 Bronwyn M. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome

  • 4/5 Sinethemba M. 3 years ago on Google
    Sundays are the best because of football 🙂

  • 2/5 mohammed k. 3 years ago on Google
    Not relaxing bit of a stress as atmosphere seems tense

  • 5/5 Chen L. 3 years ago on Google
    A secret garden in Johannesburg CBD. A place not to be missed when visiting Johannesburg, South Africa 🙂👍

  • 5/5 Thami R. 3 years ago on Google
    It is the nearest Kruger national park though there ain't any game

  • 4/5 Michael O. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely this time of the year (late November)

  • 5/5 Pierre van der H. 3 years ago on Google
    Worth a visit! Spectacular vistas across Johannesburg.

  • 4/5 Thandokazi M. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome hiking trail. Plenty to see and rich in JHB history

  • 5/5 Jacques Du t. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful nature needs to stay clean

  • 5/5 Michael B. 4 years ago on Google
    A wonderful day trip. Enjoyed it with the whole family. Sunscreen and water necessary.

  • 5/5 tshiko n. 4 years ago on Google
    Nature

  • 5/5 Trevor N. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful views

  • 5/5 Kuben N. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful surroundings and views

  • 5/5 Joyful M. 4 years ago on Google
    Most wonderful hikes

  • 4/5 Njabulo N. 4 years ago on Google
    Really nice place to go too.... Just needs more visible entrances.

  • 4/5 Earle S. 4 years ago on Google
    Loverly for walking and fresh air

  • 5/5 Imelda G. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Tony M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great for walks

  • 4/5 Sean M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great views of Jozi.

  • 5/5 Songezo M. 4 years ago on Google
    Refreshing scenary


Call +27 79 532 0083 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Last updated:
()