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Natural formation · Graskop, Mpumalanga
Bourke's Luck Potholes
Cylindrical holes carved by water into the rock, at the meeting of the Treur and Blyde rivers, at the start of the canyon, with walkways over the rapids.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Bourke's Luck Potholes
Bourke's Luck Potholes are at the point where the Treur River flows into the Blyde River, at the start of the canyon. Over thousands of years, stones and sand carried by the current swirled in eddies and drilled cylindrical holes into the rock, some several meters deep.
The name comes from Tom Bourke, a 19th-century prospector who searched for gold there and predicted there would be much metal, finding almost none; the gold appeared farther south. The rivers' names also have a story: according to tradition, a group of voortrekkers named the first Treur, sorrow, when they thought another group was lost, and Blyde, joy, when they were reunited.
A path leads from the visitor center to bridges and walkways over the potholes, from where you can see the dark water and the yellow and red rock. The center has an exhibit about the canyon's geology and nature.
It is the central stop on the canyon visit, between God's Window and the Three Rondavels.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Best time
In the morning, with fewer visitors. In summer the river runs stronger and the potholes fill more.
How to get there
It is on the R532, about 35 km north of Graskop, in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. There is an entrance fee for the reserve.
Tip
Wear shoes with good grip: the rocks near the walkways are slippery. Swimming in the potholes is not allowed.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bourke's Luck Potholes
What are Bourke's Luck potholes?
Cylindrical holes carved by the water in the rock, at the confluence of the Treur and Blyde rivers.
Why is the place called Bourke's Luck?
Because of Tom Bourke, a 19th-century prospector who searched for gold there.
How far is Graskop from Bourke's Luck?
About 35 km via the R532, roughly a 40-minute drive.