Londolozi is famed for its incredible wildlife, but the landscape itself tells an equally fascinating story. The koppies that run across the northern part of the reserve are a standout feature to anyone who passes by or climbs to the top. There’s an exhilaration I feel every time I reach the summit of Ximpalapala Koppie, with ancient rock beneath my feet and the vast wilderness stretching out before me. Whether it’s sharing stories with friends over sundowners at Southern Cross Koppies or just pausing for a quiet moment, these rocky outcrops invite us to reflect on the powerful forces that have shaped this land.

I often think back to an unforgettable evening spent sleeping under the stars atop Ximpalapala Koppie. Waking up to the sunrise, coffee in hand, with the reserve spread out below—it doesn’t get any better than that. It’s in those moments that I truly connect with this place, feeling like a small part of its ancient history.

What exactly are koppies?

Koppie | ˈkɒpi |

noun  South African

A small hill in a generally flat area.

The word “koppie” comes from Afrikaans, meaning a small, usually rocky hill. It’s a term widely used in Southern Africa to describe these rugged formations. Rising above the landscape, they are formed when softer rock erodes away, leaving behind the harder, more resilient rock. Here at Londolozi, the koppies offer not just spectacular views but also serve as important landmarks for wildlife and explorers alike.

One of my favourite sights is watching a Northern Avoca Male Lion stroll across the open crests, with Ximpalapala Koppie standing proudly in the background. These koppies aren’t just scenery; they’re woven into the fabric of life here.

A Glimpse Beneath the Surface

As you stand on the top of Ximpalapala Koppie or Southern Cross Koppies, you might not realize there’s more to the story than what meets the eye. It turns out that these koppies share a deeper connection, lying along the same line—a dolerite dyke that runs through the reserve. This dyke stretches from the Northern Drakensberg Mountains to the Lebombo Mountains in the east, hinting at a fascinating geological history.

After recently diving into this geological discussion with a guest, I reached out to habitat manager Chris Goodman who not only knows the lay of the land like no other but his enthusiasm to share his knowledge is unparalleled. He eagerly pulled up this aerial photo which clearly shows the dolerite dyke running across the reserve taken during the 2016 drought.

The Backbone of the Landscape

At Londolozi, these koppies are primarily composed of granite and dolerite—two very different types of rock with unique histories. Granite, found in places like Ximpalapala Koppie, formed around 3 billion years ago from slow-cooling molten rock deep beneath the Earth’s surface. This gave it a coarse, grainy texture made up of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Over time, natural forces such as wind and water eroded away the surrounding softer rock, leaving the harder granite standing proud. It’s why Ximpalapala, with its striking rounded boulders and rugged contours, remains a prominent feature on the landscape.

Another amazing summer Sunset from Southern Cross koppies, with the northern Drakensberg mountions on the horizon.

Ancient Origins

Dolerite, on the other hand, tells a different story. A dolerite dyke runs through the northern section of Londolozi, linking various koppies along a linear path. This rock was formed about 180 million years ago during a period of volcanic activity when molten magma intruded into existing cracks in the Earth’s crust. Unlike granite, dolerite cools relatively quickly, resulting in a finer-grained texture. It’s dark colour and mineral richness, with elements like iron and magnesium, give it a stark contrast against the paler granite.

Soft clouds stream across the sky one morning above the Manyelethi River. There is a granite extrusion that lies in a west-east line through the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The tips of it can be seen in the form of rocky granite outcrops, locally known as “koppies”. In this image, one can see how the boulders in the foreground align with further koppies to the east.

The alignment of koppies along this dolerite dyke is no coincidence; the dyke’s presence created a natural line of resistance to erosion, allowing these koppies to persist while surrounding areas wore down over time. Essentially, what you’re seeing is a ridge of tougher rock standing the test of time, with the dolerite acting like a backbone running through Londolozi’s landscape.

The glorious view out across Stwise Koppie

Where Wildlife Finds Refuge

The contrast between the granite koppies and the dolerite ridges adds not only to the visual diversity but also to the variety of plant and animal life. The minerals released as these rocks weather enrich the soil, supporting unique vegetation and creating microhabitats that attract different wildlife. These koppies don’t just provide a backdrop for iconic wildlife sightings; they actively shape the environment and the living tapestry of Londolozi.

A Klipspringer stands statue-like atop a rocky outcrop. Koppies are a niche habitat for them as they are able to bound effortlessly across these rocks because of adaptations to their hooves that aid their grip.

Connecting with the Past

The koppies at Londolozi are more than just scenic landmarks; they offer a window into the deep geological history that underpins this landscape. The dolerite dyke and granite outcrops tell a story of ancient processes that shaped the region, forming natural refuges and influencing the biodiversity that thrives here. From the shelter they provide for the Tsalala Pride to the unique vegetation that grows on their slopes, these rocky outcrops are woven into the very fabric of Londolozi’s wilderness.

Ximpalampala Koppie and the Tsalala Pride are synonymous for many guests and rangers. The pride’s females have used the shelter of the rocks as an ideal den site for their cubs on almost every occasion (2011).

Whether you’re climbing Ximpalapala Koppie, enjoying sundowners at Southern Cross Koppies, or simply gazing out at the horizon, you’re connecting not just with the present but with a timeline stretching back millions of years. These koppies remind us that this land has seen countless sunrises long before our time and will continue to do so long after. So next time you find yourself atop one, take a moment to pause and appreciate the incredible forces that have shaped the view before you. The story of Londolozi is etched into every rock and ridge; all you have to do is look a little closer. Stay tuned for a slightly deeper geological dive into Koppies.