Norscot Koppies and Kingfisher Nature Reserve - Image 1
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Norscot Koppies and Kingfisher Nature Reserve

4.4
·235 reviews·Sandton, South Africa

A community-run nature reserve in Fourways, offering a peaceful escape with wildlife, rocky koppies, and historical quarry remnants.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Every 2nd & last Sunday

Reserve is open

CrowdMedium
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Norscot Koppies and Kingfisher Nature Reserve - Image 1

Norscot Koppies and Kingfisher Nature Reserve

Best Time

Every 2nd & last Sunday

Reserve is open

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A community-run nature reserve in Fourways, offering a peaceful escape with wildlife, rocky koppies, and historical quarry remnants.

4.4
(235 reviews)

"A tiny little spot slap bang in the middle of suburbia is an absolute gem."

Vertical photo
TIP

📅 Check Opening Days

Open only every 2nd & last Sunday. Confirm hours before visiting!

💰 Donations Welcome

Community-run, so donations are vital for upkeep. Bring cash!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 235 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rocky Koppies

Rocky Koppies

Various viewpoints

Climb these granite outcrops for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding suburban landscape.

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Throughout the reserve

Spot dassies, duiker, and diverse birdlife in this surprisingly wild urban sanctuary.

Kingfisher Dam & Bird Hide

Kingfisher Dam & Bird Hide

Near the dam

Observe colorful birds building nests and find tranquility at the well-maintained dam.

Historical Granite Quarry

Historical Granite Quarry

Trailside

Discover remnants of the area's past as a granite quarry, with fascinating rubble piles and chips.

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Planning Your Visit

Community-Run Gem

Norscot Koppies and Kingfisher Nature Reserve is a community-run sanctuary. It's open only on specific Sundays, so check the schedule before you go. Donations are crucial for its upkeep, so bring some cash to support the volunteers who maintain this urban oasis.

Unplug and Explore

This reserve offers a peaceful escape from city life. While trails are generally easy, wear comfortable shoes for exploring rocky outcrops and enjoying the diverse wildlife. It's the perfect spot to disconnect and appreciate nature's quiet beauty.

Best Times

When
Every 2nd & last Sunday
Why
Reserve is open
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer months
Why
Lush greenery
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning
Why
Cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Today, we took Lina to a new place. We knew there would be more people, more dogs, more challenge. We also knew she was ready! She took her time, made her space, but never once said no. She would just check it out and then move forward. She is definitely not a fan or joggers though...they move too fast for her liking 😂 We also met a lovely lady and her dog, Bertie. Check out Lina's stories. The...
linabeanthesoidogqueen
1.2K likes • 10.8K views

📅 Check Opening Days

Open only every 2nd & last Sunday. Confirm hours before visiting! Reddit

💰 Donations Welcome

Community-run, so donations are vital for upkeep. Bring cash! Reddit

Here’s some extremely cute doggo’s I met yesterday whilst out and about 🐾📸🩷🐕 If I’ve photographed your dog you can now find your photos in my ‘Out and About’ gallery ☺️ https://bysophiephotography.co.uk/collection/out-and-about-gallery-2025/
bysophiephotography
46 likes • 0 views
Lovely sky the other evening 🌄 and handsome Aslan 😉 #dog #beautifulsky #dogwalk #muzzleddog
aslankangaldog
36 likes • 0 views

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Essential for exploring rocky koppies and trails. Reddit

🐕 Dog-Friendly (Leashed)

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Instagram

Great fun with @pawlas_dog_care this morning at Stour Valley 😍📸🐾🐕 The dogs loved splashing in the river! 🩷
bysophiephotography
35 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📅 Check Opening Days

Open only every 2nd & last Sunday. Confirm hours before visiting! Reddit

💰 Donations Welcome

Community-run, so donations are vital for upkeep. Bring cash! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Essential for exploring rocky koppies and trails. Reddit

🐕 Dog-Friendly (Leashed)

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Instagram

📸 Great Photo Ops

Capture stunning views and wildlife. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(235 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Norscot Koppies and Kingfisher Nature Reserve as a hidden gem offering a peaceful 'bushveld' feel within Fourways. The community-run nature, friendly volunteers, and opportunities to see wildlife like dassies and duiker are frequently praised. While trails are generally easy, some rocky climbs offer rewarding views. It's a cherished spot for a quiet escape.

"Nice park to feel “out in the bush” but in the middle of Fourways…some buck and dassies here and there, nice places for kids to explore and climb rocks etc. Good trails with 16km track. Also nice thst it only opens every 2 weeks only on a Sunday"

Thomas Coetzee

"The norscot koppies is open every second and last Sunday of the month until 5pm. There is no entrance fee but donations are appreciated as it is run solely by the community and a handful of volunteers.

It’s a great place to go for leisurely walk. The “hiking” bit of it is really not challenging at all and is suitable for all walks of life.

It’s incredibly quite - the perfect place to unplug and unwind after a long or even stressful week.

The volunteers are very helpful and friendly and even called be back to watch the duiker feed.

I’ll definitely be going every Sunday it’s open 🌱"

Jade Alberts

"I hiked at Norscot today with a group and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We were greeted by the local residents who look after the reserve and were briefed about the history of the reserve. We were shown some artefacts, fossils from days gone by and we were fortunate to sight a baby tortoise just before commencing on the trails. The paths were neat and clear. There's some huge rocks that you can climb to check out the stunning views. You could pause at the lookout and quietly watch and listen to the colourful birds flying and building their nests. It's a peaceful reserve in the heart of Fourways worth checking out."

Aysha Latib

What People Like

Peaceful 'bushveld' feel
Friendly volunteers
Wildlife sightings

What People Dislike

Limited opening days

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The reserve is located in Fourways, Johannesburg. It's best accessed by car, as public transport options are limited. Parking is available on-site during opening days. Reddit

While it's in the heart of suburbia, the reserve is well-signposted on its open days. Using GPS is recommended for first-time visitors. Reddit

Norscot Koppies is typically open every second and last Sunday of the month until 5 PM. Always check their community updates for the most current schedule. Reddit

No, the reserve is generally only open to the public on specific Sundays. It's a community-run initiative, so weekday access is not available. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available on-site for visitors during the designated open days. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no official entrance fee. However, the reserve is run by volunteers and relies on donations to maintain the area. Contributions are greatly appreciated. Reddit

Donations can be made in cash on-site during your visit. Your contributions directly support the upkeep and conservation efforts of the reserve. Reddit

As there is no entrance fee, advance booking is not required. Simply visit on one of the designated open Sundays. Reddit

Volunteers sometimes offer insights into the reserve's history and wildlife. Keep an eye out for them on open days; they are very helpful! Reddit

The area was formerly a granite quarry, and remnants of this history can be seen throughout the reserve, including rubble piles and granite chips on the trails. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The reserve offers various trails, including a 16km track. While some are easy walks, others involve climbing rocky koppies, making it suitable for different fitness levels. Reddit

Absolutely! Kids can enjoy exploring the rocks, and the generally easy trails make it a fun outing for the whole family. Reddit

You might spot duiker, springbok, and numerous dassies. The reserve also boasts incredible birdlife and a small dam with a bird hide. Reddit

Yes, leashed dogs are welcome. Many visitors share photos of their dogs enjoying the reserve. Instagram

Information on specific facilities like restrooms is limited, but it's advisable to come prepared for a natural environment. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The rocky koppies offer panoramic views, perfect for landscape shots. The dam and bird hide are ideal for capturing birdlife, and the diverse flora and fauna provide endless opportunities. Instagram

Yes, with patience, you can photograph various small animals like dassies and duiker, as well as a wide array of bird species. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for photography. The beautiful skies are also a highlight. Instagram

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of the environment and other visitors. Instagram

There is no information available regarding drone usage. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise, to avoid disturbing wildlife and visitors. Instagram

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