Melville Koppies is a Nature Reserve and a National 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 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 like this for hundreds of years.

Melville Koppies Central Open Days are on the first four Sundays of each month. Park in Marks Park Sports Club in Judith Road, Emmarentia (see map below). The walks start at the advertised time, and the gates are then closed.

The hikes on MK West are on the first Saturday of each month at 8:00. Park in Third Avenue Westdene, off Arundel Road. Socialised dogs on leads are welcome. The hike starts promptly at 8:00.