Melville Koppies: Fear, Hype, and a Surprisingly Lovely Hike

So, I Finally Braved Melville Koppies (And Survived)

Ah, Melville Koppies — that mysterious green blob that exists mainly as a “be careful” cautionary tale on social media.

I’ve always been curious, but with all the fear-mongering, I wasn’t sure it was worth the risk.

The Myth vs. The Reality

There are apparently two sides to Melville Koppies. The one managed by the Friends of Melville Koppies, is clean, cared for and patrolled by security.

The other… let’s just say I still have no first-hand experience of.

The “Cinnamon” Comeback

My hiking partner for the day — Cinnamon, my work colleague who I haven’t hiked with in forever, because, unlike me, she actually has a life.

She wanted something easy to start, and as fate (or Instagram’s freaky algorithm) would have it, a guided hike at Melville Koppies popped up on my feed a few days before.

So I thought, "guided hike" - safe enough. We’re doing this.

947 Road Race Drama

Due to road closures for the 947 cycle race,

we nearly changed the plan last minute.

But Waze was a champ, and rerouted us through side streets.

A Warm Welcome

At the Marks Park parking, a volunteer from the Friends of Melville Koppies greeted us cheerfully.

She offered us a choice: guided or solo.

Once we confirmed that “solo” didn’t mean

 “best of luck out there, soldier,” we chose self-guided.

I low key regretted not taking the guided hike, because, even without a guide, you can feel the history seeping out of the place. There are random “things” that look like they’ve seen things.

But it was already hot, and my brain’s memory capacity rivals that of a goldfish on my good days.

The Walk (and the Wonder)

We got a map, a pep talk, and a vague sense of direction, which is dangerous, considering Cinnamon and I couldn’t find north if you spun us around and pointed.

The trails are well maintained. The markings are confusing, but it didn't really matter.

You can easily tailor your walk to your mood and can't get lost.

It was fabulous - shaded paths winding past rock formations, then suddenly these open stretches where you get a full 360° sweep of Joburg’s skyline.

A few climbs here and there, but overall an easy, steady walk.

Benches are scattered throughout, perfect for relaxing and soaking it all in.

It reminded me of The Wilds - maybe not quite as lush or scenic, but with more gritty, inner-city charm (less “botanical elegance,” more “urban explorer energy.”)

Beauty and a Bit of History

If you’re more responsible than me  (and let’s face it, the bar’s low), go on the guided walk.

Take notes, ask clever questions, nod thoughtfully.

Then please send me a Grade 3–level summary, because I am absolutely not above outsourcing my education.

.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Believe the Hype (or the Fear)

Would I go back? Honestly, yes. There’s a longer guided hike on the last Sunday of every month, and it’s calling my name.

Melville Koppies is tranquil, well kept, and humming with the kind of warmth and community spirit that only Joburg can pull off.

It’s safe, and a lovely reminder that not everything in Joburg comes with a “proceed with caution” warning.

Just note — they open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 11:30 a.m., so don’t show up at noon with coffee and optimism.

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Okay… say it with me slowly: MELVILLE. Koppies.

COST

R 100, which goes toward maintaining the reserve and paying the 3 full time conservationists.

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

As easy or as long as your ambition allows.

TRAIL LENGTH

Choose your own adventure.

TRAIL MARKERS

Confusing, but somehow fine.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Sweeping Joburg skyline views, shady paths, dramatic rocks, and that weirdly perfect mix of city chaos meets zen forest energy.

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

Lots of open bits, pack water (and salt)

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

Yes! Across the road at Marks Park.

AMENITIES

None that I saw. Bring your own everything.

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

Apparently, a birder’s dream. I saw... trees.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Yes

PET FRIENDLY

Depends who you ask.

ON A FINAL NOTE

To the Friends of Melville Koppies - hats off, truly. It’s people like you who keep places like this alive for people like us.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(NO)SOLO for me, but we saw plenty of solo joggers and walkers.