Bourke's Luck Potholes image

Bourke's Luck Potholes

Tourist attraction

One of the Best Places To Visits in Thaba Chweu Local Municipality


Address

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Moremela, South Africa

Contact

+27 13 769 8926

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (6.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 7 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 7 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 7 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 7 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 7 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 7 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 7 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beautiful (15) water (14) visit (13) walk (12) potholes (12) area (10) shoes (9) nice (9) entrance (9) nature (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 simone j. 1 year ago on Google
    The views are breathtaking and we were lucky to have the best weather. We would suggest wearing comfortable closed shoes as it is a bit of a walk to the potholes with lots of rocks and uneven surfaces along the way. If you're visiting on a hot day, carry a hat or cap as it can get intense. Be sure to visit the museum on your way out, it is very informative and would be interesting for kids. Entrance fees vary and are dependent on the season you visit. Important to note, there will be a different fee for foreign visitors.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sharief S. 2 years ago on Google
    I literally drove 5 hours to see this attraction for myself, after seeing it only in pictures - and it was so worth it 👌. If it were not so far from home, I'd visit more frequently. Absolutely an amazing attraction with rock pools that you can swim in. The park is clean, has curio shops and a restaurant. I think I also saw a picnic area for day visitors. Entry fee was R60 pp.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Cecilia G. 1 year ago on Google
    Area is kept clean, relatively safe, there are some stalls as well as a shop for takeaways. The area itself is beautiful. P.S- Did you know, this is the 3rd largest canyon in the world...
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jacques Theron (. 2 months ago on Google • 309 reviews New
    Always enjoy stopping over at the Potholes, many tall tales of hidden gold to spies hiding in the fall during the war time... The place is well kept and the shop on site usually has something to quench your thirst while the locals have plenty of stalls for those looking to take home a souvenir or two...

  • 3/5 Jaco De W. 2 months ago on Google • 173 reviews New
    The natural beauty of the potholes is breathtaking. Walkways are easy to navigate, and the views from the bridges are awesome. It's a pity though that the museum at the start of the mini-trial looks run-down; I'm sure some of the money earned from entry fees could be allocated to upgrading this museum, and to also include facts about Bourke's Luck as well (why the name, history of the potholes, how and over how many millennia were the potholes formed etc). Also, I would have expected the area to be litter-free, please have the staff clean up the odd paper etc lying around. And also take a bit of effort to sandblast the couple of graffiti off the rocks. Hide the ugly pvc pipes next to the walkway. Bottom line: very much worthwhile to visit, but can be so much better with a bit of effort.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Theo H. 7 months ago on Google
    It was really fun and I enjoyed climbing on rocks there. Their was a cultural appreciation dance happening when we got there, which was cool. The view into the river was very nice as well.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Stephan G. 2 months ago on Google • 66 reviews New
    This is a really beautiful sight to see. The entrance is R75 per person (for South Africans, SADC and International have different rates). Quite a bit of parking and also some stalls from the locals selling art. It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes to walk on the rocks. There are parts that are wheelchair accessible. This is really a beautiful sighting with so many view points.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nerisha C. 2 months ago on Google • 183 reviews New
    Beautiful part of South Africa to visit. It does take a bit of a walk over uneven terrain so make sure to wear suitable shoes. You can walk all the way to the water and even soak your feet if you like! Entrance is R75 per person over the age of 12 and R35 per pensioner. Children under 12 also need to pay as well. There is safe parking on-site. You could even pack a picnic if you feel inclined.

  • 5/5 blessing b. 5 months ago on Google • 60 reviews
    Nature’s natural wonder! Amzing to see and study the rock formations in the area. Can be quite crowded on Saturdays so better be there early! Pathways have been built to accommodate prams and wheel chairs but not all the way past the potholes! Also small entrance fee at the gate but well worth the price as well!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angelene K. 2 months ago on Google • 160 reviews New
    Must stop to view the potholes. Wear comfy shoes, preferably flat shoes or takkies as you will walk through some rocks. Stunning views of the potholes. Perfect for the entire family and amazing to see God's work with nature. It is so beautiful that if you visit the area again, you would want to ensure seeing it again. You can spend a good hour at this spot.

  • 5/5 Tshego M. 2 months ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    Absolutely beautiful. There was no wait time and there is plenty of parking. There are parts that are wheelchair accessible. Come in shoes that you can easily take off and put back on, and dip your toes in the cool water.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 nkhabs k. 2 weeks ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    Nice for family outing/picnic.. kids loved it.. better u bring your portable braai stand and make own food.. food from the cafe is Not anything to write home about.. i would not recommend..
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rene C. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful and natural formations of sand stone pools formed many years ago. It happened during a time that gold was found around the area. It's an incredible sight, especially being so high up on the walk way bridges and looking down. The trail leads to small cascades of water gently flowing onto some more rock formations. There is an entry fee to pay if you are a South African national as well as a slightly higher fee for internationals (R130pp). There is a small cafe selling coffee, soft drinks, ice cream treats, hamburgers and chips, toasted sarmies and chips. They take cards but bring some cash as there are also traders with hand made locally produced souvenirs...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tobias_mzee 2. 4 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    What a beautiful place. Affordable entrance had such a good experience worth visit again. It took my heart to the next level of loving Nature and you meet good people make friends easy such a good place to visit i loved it so much
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jayden B. 11 months ago on Google
    A wonderful experience with clean and maintained grounds, the only downside to the outing was the public toilets. As a place that is a tourist attraction I expected cleaner toilet facilities with toilet paper and running water for flushing and washing hands. The waterfall is peaceful and allows you to dip your feet in comfortably. Entrance fee: R65 per adult and R25 for pensioners. Is partially wheelchair accessible and an easy walk. Definitely worth the visit and ticking off the bucket list.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Remofilwe M. 2 years ago on Google
    Went here on sunny day , very nice place ! Very cute for pictures there’s a few bridges over the potholes , and some hiking trails . Cost is about 65ZAR for an adult and they do have card machine , a restaurant, arts and crafts , a museum and picnic area for a braai . All round great family day . Also very close to other attractions such as the blyde river canyon, Gods window .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shahar G. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s really a beautiful place but it’s expensive if you compare it to the other sites in the area. There’s toilets, restaurant and gift shops. I would recommend. The price is 130R per adult.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Colin P. 1 year ago on Google
    Omw this is amazing. This is were you see the true strength of what running water and a but of sand can do to rock. It definitely a sight to go and explore and see a bit of nature's art.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nico S. 2 months ago on Google • 88 reviews New
    Bourke's Luck Potholes is one of the most popular stops on the Panorama Route, with good reason - it is quite beautiful and definitely worth a visit. The walkways are well set out and gives one the opportunity to view the potholes from all possible angles. The big downside, and the reason why I only give it 4 stars, is the fact that it was ridiculously busy. I visited at probably the busiest time of year (between Christmas and New Year), so it is understandable. But I had to queue for an unacceptable amount of time to get into the site. The payment system they have in place is wholly inadequate for handling such a vast amount of people, which from my perspective, can easily be rectified.

  • 4/5 Jesse S. 1 month ago on Google • 34 reviews New
    Amazing what nature can do! Was a bit dry when we went but still incredible. Not a hectic walk at all, but you cross two bridges that are very high. Entrance is not bad and they have a nice little shop to get something to snack on or drink. The African ladies dancing there is the reason the one star fell away, they can be a bit rude if no money is given to them.

  • 5/5 Nunu B. 2 months ago on Google • 34 reviews New
    No long queues for entry , there is restaurant and park in the facility , maximum entry fee 70- 150 depends on tourist / citizenship

  • 5/5 Chandrika V. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely stunning and a must see when in Mpumalanga. The Potholes and Blyde River Canyon are next to each other. You can join the masses and share in the experience of dipping your feet in the Potholes.

  • 5/5 Gareth Preiss (. 5 months ago on Google
    An amazing site with some incredible geological formations! Ablution blocks are busy being upgraded, one of them almost complete. It is a pitty litter isn't being picked up around the picnic sites.

  • 5/5 Adriaan D. 3 months ago on Google New
    What an incredible sight to behold in nature. Reasonable price for entrance and lots of walking and views to behold. There’s also a restaurant and braai facilities available. There’s also some curios shops/kiosks to buy from.

  • 5/5 Lindelani Evans M. 4 months ago on Google
    Beautiful work of nature. Nothing like works of man. Best seen live than in pictures. The place to be for nature lovers.

  • 4/5 Rhoudia M. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is beautiful, surrounded by natural elements, made me feel real outdoorsy. Great for hiking, picnics, and braais. Family friendly.

  • 4/5 Tshidi M. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place, sound of water and the interesting rock formations was lovely to see, vome ready to take your maritime taking it all in. The support/ safety rails could use a "facelift" a little renovation but otherwise cool place. It is highly recommended you where comfortable shoes, carry drinking water, wear hat and sunblock if you visit in summer.

  • 5/5 Napo M. 2 years ago on Google
    Our second shot left with my December. Beautiful breath taking Potholes 😍 . Read the history on the sidewalks very interesting.

  • 5/5 portia nombuso t. 6 months ago on Google
    Aahh man what a beautiful experience, this place will command you to stop and listen to nature. I guarantee you one thing, you'll definitely find yourself sitting on a rock 🪨 with your shoes off, feet in the water, and just taking in the vews.

  • 4/5 Ntokozo T. 2 years ago on Google
    I've been here twice before (school trip and family vacation), but coming on my own has made me appreciate the beauty of this place more

  • 5/5 Elena V. 2 years ago on Google
    There is no word powerfull enough to describe how beautiful it is here. A true piece of art, created by God.

  • 5/5 Caty S. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful place. Not really wheelchair accessible. Lots of fun to walk through

  • 4/5 Matshidiso K. 2 years ago on Google
    A wonderful experience for the family. They do draw in crowds so best to go as early as possible. The walk back up has an incline that was challenging, but not impossible for my elderly mother.

  • 5/5 Nick H. 1 year ago on Google
    This was one of the highlights of our trip and a must if you are in the area.Safe parking and about 600m or more walking down to the falls very easy but coming back a little bit more tough.

  • 3/5 Konstantinos K. 8 months ago on Google
    The place is quite nice but, to me personally, it's something that can be skipped if you're in a tight schedule. There is a beautiful gorge with a small river crossing it and in there, you will see those interesting hole formations. The surroundings are nice as well and you'll also find restaurants and shops. The entrance fee though is relatively high.

  • 5/5 Lawrence A. W. 8 months ago on Google
    These are amazing geologic formations, invoking wonder in the face of the timescale of their formation. Nice spot for a family walk and a chance to take in a natural marvel.

  • 5/5 yusuf p. 8 months ago on Google
    During our recent visit to Bourke's Luck Potholes, we were treated to a geological marvel that left us in awe of nature's artistic prowess. Located within the iconic Blyde River Canyon in South Africa, this geological wonder surpassed our expectations and provided a captivating experience. The sheer beauty of the smooth, swirling rock formations, sculpted by centuries of rushing water, was a testament to the awe-inspiring forces of nature. The surrounding scenery only enhanced the allure of Bourke's Luck Potholes. The picturesque landscape, with its lush vegetation, rugged cliffs, and cascading waterfalls, created a breathtaking backdrop for the potholes. The constant rush of water, the invigorating spray, and the symphony of natural sounds further immersed us in the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. The entrance fee is quite expensive at R65 but well worth the experience.

  • 4/5 Seif K. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a lovely place to picnic for the day. You can go very close to the water and enjoy the majestic view of this beautiful water feature. Make sure to wear grippy shoes as you climb over alot of rocks. Something really amazing and a must see.

  • 5/5 khethiwe G. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow very nice views, amazing work of the lord, it helps me connect with nature and god. The atmosphere the views wow . Its breath taking. We paid with card at the gate. Lot of parking space evrything is so nice. Accomodates kids etc .family outing.

  • 5/5 DJ Nico B. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place. Natural water erosion from 2 rivers into one. Worth every cent.

  • 4/5 Michael M. 9 months ago on Google
    Again, a star dinged only because of the distance involved to jump between each viewpoint. Allot yourself a lot of time if you're planning on visiting the 3 Rondovals and God's Window as well. Despite the damage done by mining (even the drilling of tunnels), this recovery by nature is impressive. Beautiful now so imagine what it was years and years ago. Cross the right bridge down and you'll first hit the many mini-pools with younger folk skipping and hopping between the sometimes slippery rocks. These pour into the deeper pools and river, something you'll notice only as you leave to cross the other bridge to get back. The etching of water both in the pools and the rivers walls is a impressive as it is colorful. You'll find yourself taking more pictures than you anticipated.

  • 4/5 Matthew S. 9 months ago on Google
    A nice place to visit if you're in the area. I wouldn't travel too far out of my way to see it, but we were hiking nearby and thought it was worth pulling in. Quite beautiful, but not a lot to see.

  • 4/5 Ivan R. 8 months ago on Google
    Very interesting natural phenomena with great views. Inside the premises there are curio shops, a cafe, museum and traditional dancers. Entry price for South Africans is 65 rand per person and is more for other SADC nationals and even more for other international tourists. The bathrooms were ok, but could be cleaner. The potholes are wheelchair accessible on clearly marked paved trails.

  • 5/5 bongiwe b. 1 year ago on Google
    The park is well maintained and very clean. There is a museum that has information about the history of tourist attractions in Mpumalanga and there is other facilities such as shops, a restaurant and toilets. There is an entrance fee that you need to pay.

  • 5/5 Ales T. 2 years ago on Google
    A nice place is convenient for a walk also available for a wheelchair. There are a few directions that are around the waterfall and is easy to see the beauty of this place. In the front of the main entrance gate is also located a small store/restaurant where you can eat or grab some drink. Good to see this place🚀

  • 5/5 Charlene C. 1 year ago on Google
    R35 entrance fee. Absolutely breathtaking! Friendly staff and good services like bathrooms etc. The potholes is the most amazing thing I have ever seen.


Call +27 13 769 8926 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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