Melville Koppies launches augmented reality iron age experience

Johannesburg’s oldest heritage site is getting a futuristic makeover. Starting May 3, the ancient iron smelter at Melville Koppies Nature Reserve will come alive through Augmented Reality (AR).

While the furnace was last fired over 500 years ago, visitors can now use their smartphones to witness a 3D recreation of the smelting process, watching exactly how iron-bearing rocks were transformed into tools by the farmers who called this ridge home since the 1300s.

The tech meets the trenches

This "digital resurrection" is a collaboration between the University of Johannesburg’s Metaverse Research Unit (led by Izak Potgieter) and the Friends of Melville Koppies.

Beyond the AR experience, the site features upgraded signage that paints a clearer picture of Johannesburg’s pre-colonial history. It turns out the Koppies weren't just a scenic lookout; they were a bustling industrial hub for a network of farming settlements that spanned the greater Joburg area for centuries.

Opening day details

To celebrate the launch, special guided tours will delve into the history of the site:

• When: Sunday, May 3
• Tour times: 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM (or explore solo at your own pace)
• What to bring: Your smartphone (fully charged!) and walking shoes.
• Logistics: Park at Marks Park on Judith Road; security is provided on the Koppies.

Plan your visit

The reserve is a nonprofit gem, with entrance fees directly funding the conservation team that maintains this urban wilderness.

 Time Out Tip: The gates are open every Sunday from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. If you can’t make the launch, mark your calendars for Mother’s Day Storytelling (May 10) or the 8km Guided Hike (May 31).