Bourke's Luck Potholes — Attraction in Thaba Chweu Local Municipality

A Disgrace to Tourism – What’s Happening at Bourke’s Luck Potholes?

I’m deeply saddened and honestly quite shocked by the current state of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a place that was once a jewel of Mpumalanga’s natural beauty. The management here is a complete embarrassment.

They charge R75 per person to enter, which would be understandable if the site were well-kept — but what you get in return is a mess. The toilets are absolutely revolting – they don’t flush, the stench is unbearable, and it genuinely makes you want to hold your breath. When we tried to alert the management, we found a staff member asleep at his desk. After waking him up, instead of taking action, he handed us a piece of paper that said “out of order” and asked us to go put it up ourselves. I was in disbelief. I walked away in shock, wondering how a site that attracts tourists from all over the world could be this poorly run.

Hoping to find some peace in the beauty of the potholes, I took a walk along the foot trail, only to be confronted with the heartbreaking sight of illegal miners (zama zamas) digging around the river. The landscape is being destroyed right in front of our eyes, and it feels like no one is doing anything to stop it. What used to be a peaceful, awe-inspiring destination now looks like it’s fading into neglect and exploitation.

We returned to the info desk and asked if they were aware of the illegal mining – they said yes, but claimed they couldn’t do anything about it. We then pleaded with them again to at least put up the “out of order” sign at the toilets so tourists wouldn’t continue using the broken facilities, and they dismissed it, saying it wasn’t their responsibility.

This is unacceptable. Bourke’s Luck is supposed to be a pride of South Africa’s natural heritage, yet it’s being run into the ground by people who clearly don’t care. If this is how we treat our treasures, how can we expect the world to respect them?

Management and relevant authorities urgently need to step in and restore order, dignity, and care to this incredible location – before...

Bourkes' Luck Potholes is one of the most popular stops along the Panorama Route in the Mpumalanga Highlands of South Africa. It is located along R532 around 15km south of the famous Three Roundavels viewpoint and 35 km north of Graskop.

Opening hours are 7am to 5pm and entry is R63 per adult. Within you'll find plenty of parking, picnic tables, kiosk, curio stalls, public toilets, information and interpretation centre.

Here you follow a well marked trail around 6-8 minutes to where the Treur and Blyde River converge and fall over a crag and into a narrow gorge. There are three pedestrian bridges over the gorges allowing excellent views of the cylindrical potholes and river flowing below.

Note: Visits during midday are perfect. When the sun is directly overhead, there are no shadows on the gorge walls, allowing good photos of the potholes below.

In addition to seeing the famous pothole formations, there is a nice area of slowing running river and cascading pools with small fish. You can walk around them, dip your feet in the pools to enjoy the cool water and simply enjoy your time in a casual manner.

For those interested, there is a Belvedre Walk (permit and entry fee required). This is a longer day hike so you'll need to start early and allow adequate time if this is something you are interested in.

Overall, we have enjoyed stops at the Bourkes' Potholes when touring around the Panorama Route. It is a pricy stop but the scenery and unique geology you will find here makes the stop well worth it. Allow 30+ minutes minimum...

Breathtaking Visit to Bourke's Luck Potholes

Visiting Bourke's Luck Potholes on the Panorama Route was an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves nature’s raw beauty. The view here is truly one of a kind, and the natural formations left me in awe. It’s a wonder that feels both surreal and humbling, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular stop on the Panorama Route.

The potholes themselves, carved over millions of years by the swirling water of the Blyde and Treur Rivers, create a stunning display of smooth, round hollows set in striking rock formations. The sight of the water flowing through these natural sculptures is mesmerizing, and the landscape surrounding them adds to the sense of peace and awe.

I suggest spending enough time to fully take in the area. There’s so much to appreciate beyond just the potholes themselves. The hiking trail around the site offers a closer, more intimate experience of the beauty. Walking along it, I felt more connected to the land and its geological history. The views from different angles reveal just how much natural artistry has shaped this area.

If you're planning to visit, definitely take the time to walk the trail. It allows you to enjoy the surroundings at a slower pace and get the most out of this incredible natural wonder.

In conclusion, Bourke’s Luck Potholes is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Panorama Route. Whether you’re a geology enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates stunning views, this place will leave a...