Bourkes' Luck Potholes
Bourkes' Luck Potholes
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
933 reviews
Excellent
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Niebla8
Madrid, Spain933 contributions
Oct 2022
Bourke's Luck Potholes are named after fortune hunter Tom Bourke who in 1880 claimed land in this area. Although his claim did not net him a single ounce of gold he correctly predicted that large deposits of gold would be found in the area.
This impressive natural water feature marks the beginning of the Blyde River canyon, the eddies that occur when the River Treur submerges into the Blyde River cause the sand and rocks carried by the water to form these enormous cylindrical potholes in the bed. rocky river. The rocks have layers of yellow, white, brown and red and in the background you can see the famous circular formations. The huge holes carved by river waters look like "Giant Teapots." The ravine in which these holes are located is 30 meters deep but the holes themselves are about 6 meters deep.
The visit costs 130 rand per adult (€7.5). There are discounts for students and for retirees they are 70 rand (€3.5). It is very worth visiting, it is really beautiful, I loved it.
100% recommendable.
This impressive natural water feature marks the beginning of the Blyde River canyon, the eddies that occur when the River Treur submerges into the Blyde River cause the sand and rocks carried by the water to form these enormous cylindrical potholes in the bed. rocky river. The rocks have layers of yellow, white, brown and red and in the background you can see the famous circular formations. The huge holes carved by river waters look like "Giant Teapots." The ravine in which these holes are located is 30 meters deep but the holes themselves are about 6 meters deep.
The visit costs 130 rand per adult (€7.5). There are discounts for students and for retirees they are 70 rand (€3.5). It is very worth visiting, it is really beautiful, I loved it.
100% recommendable.

Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fifi4256
Centurion, South Africa357 contributions
Jan 2020
It has been 10 years since we've been here; with some welcoming changes. A small fee gains you entry to the site, which includes ablutions, a restaurant, museum and curio stalls. The views are as unspoiled and beautiful as it was 10 years ago. We loved each minute spent here. It should definitely be included to your "things-to-do", when you visit Mpumalanga.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
knoesenm
Cape Town Central, South Africa687 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
If this wasn't part of the 2-week trip itinerary, I won't have known about this naturally beautiful site.
It's an easy walk, even in the 35 degree heat, to get to all the viewing platforms and to see the waterfalls. The colour of the rocks are probably what made this so distinct for me.
I can't imagine spending alot of time here, especially in the heat, but having seen the potholes and the falls, was very well worth the visit.
It's an easy walk, even in the 35 degree heat, to get to all the viewing platforms and to see the waterfalls. The colour of the rocks are probably what made this so distinct for me.
I can't imagine spending alot of time here, especially in the heat, but having seen the potholes and the falls, was very well worth the visit.
Written November 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karrst
Pretoria, South Africa4,438 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
This is another amazing natural geological and area of natural biodiversity being allowed to decline.
You know when you are ripped off by the entrance fee that things have gone down hill. There are now two "gates" to enter the potholes. At the first we had to give the make up of our party all of which were seniors. You then pay at the second gate and this is where you get ripped off even though we had ID and pensioner cards we still were charge the full adult price. Even trying to discuss this with the person at the gate was a waste of time as they just totally ignored my questions. TIA.
Then on entering getting to the top of the path to the potholes someone has decided to spoil one of the iconic views of the Panorama Route by putting a big red square in the way.
As always even though there was low water in the rivers the potholes are still spectacular.
However on our return path there was graffiti on the rocks clearly done by local visitors.
So lichens and mosses that have taken years to establish are killed off. AND this is supposed to be in a Nature Reserve.
Don't even bother to go to the little museum at the entrance as this is another attraction that has been left to decline.
Although an area of exceptional natural beauty it is gain not looked after. If I could it would get zero stars.
You know when you are ripped off by the entrance fee that things have gone down hill. There are now two "gates" to enter the potholes. At the first we had to give the make up of our party all of which were seniors. You then pay at the second gate and this is where you get ripped off even though we had ID and pensioner cards we still were charge the full adult price. Even trying to discuss this with the person at the gate was a waste of time as they just totally ignored my questions. TIA.
Then on entering getting to the top of the path to the potholes someone has decided to spoil one of the iconic views of the Panorama Route by putting a big red square in the way.
As always even though there was low water in the rivers the potholes are still spectacular.
However on our return path there was graffiti on the rocks clearly done by local visitors.
So lichens and mosses that have taken years to establish are killed off. AND this is supposed to be in a Nature Reserve.
Don't even bother to go to the little museum at the entrance as this is another attraction that has been left to decline.
Although an area of exceptional natural beauty it is gain not looked after. If I could it would get zero stars.
Written November 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KunoTschumi
Johannesburg, South Africa4 contributions
Apr 2022
A stunning area, beautiful and anazing... however everything else really a big disappointment. The board at the entrance to the parking mentions an entrance fee of R65.00 per person. At the office it suddenly is R135.00 per person because we are foreigners. Restrooms dirty and no running water to wash hands. Unfriendly staff... a real let down. When we mentioned that last time we visited just before the Covid lockdown then entrance was as advertised R65.00 we were told the price went up about 2 years ago. In 2 years no time to updated the admission board? Very disappointed.
Written April 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olivia
Johannesburg, South Africa1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
I went to the Potholes years ago and it was clean and well managed. I was shocked to see the empty water bottles being thrown into the potholes down below. It was overcrowded, the crowd was not controlled allowing too many visitors entry and standing on the bridges. Bridges clearly need some paint and maintenance. People standing on top of rock formations taking photos without a concern for the danger involved - regardless of warnings posted at the entrance.
Bathrooms were clean but more facilities are needed since crowds aren't controlled. A review of bottles and other items that go into the conservation area needs to be undertaken, and people under the influence of alcohol needs to be banned from entering the premises, the risk involved is too high when it comes to the area being visited.
Prices are R75 per adult and R50 per child.
Bathrooms were clean but more facilities are needed since crowds aren't controlled. A review of bottles and other items that go into the conservation area needs to be undertaken, and people under the influence of alcohol needs to be banned from entering the premises, the risk involved is too high when it comes to the area being visited.
Prices are R75 per adult and R50 per child.
Written December 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lungi N
Durban, South Africa71 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
This was my favourite feature on the Panorama Route. The guards at the gate are helpful (there is an entry fee) and staff in general are helpful and friendly. The area is well looked after and maintained. Bourke’s potholes themselves- wow! What a view! You walk about 400m from the parking area and are rewarded with amazing views. There is a trail you can walk on to see the potholes, waterfalls and river from various angles. There are also more challenging hikes for people with permits in the reserve.
Written January 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine G
Nice, France2,134 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
What a fabulous place here. The water, the falls, the holes the water made, the colors of the stones… everything is so nice. We can go and spring on the stones. There’s a big parking and you have to pay to see but it’s not expensive for European people.
Written February 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Régis1972
Lancy, Switzerland19,826 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Bourke's Luck Potholes, located in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve in South Africa. These remarkable cylindrical potholes testify to the power of water and time to shape the Earth's surface. Bourke's Luck Potholes, like many other geological wonders, was formed through a combination of geological processes that took place over an immense period of time. This panorama is incredible and worth a visit. Sublime. The walk is interesting and easy and offers incredible views of this canyon.
Automatically translated
Written October 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mpumi711
Cape Town, South Africa22 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
This is my second time to the potholes and I am impressed with the effort mafe to conserve the area and maintain it. The view points of the canyon and the water potholes are lovely. I love the new sturdier bridge that was installed to help ppl crossover to the potholes. A guided tour should be considered by the municipality for the place. The picnic areas and hawker stalls are also another added advantageous. You can take kids along but not towards the potholes.
Written June 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the area safe to wander around?
Written September 21, 2019
Yes to wandering locally. If you are thinking of a long hike, take advice locally - but you are ok around the first half mile or so from the bus centre. There are guided hikes if you like that sort of thing.
Written September 22, 2019
Hola , les hago una consulta que no termino de entender. Cual es la diferencia de hospedarse dentro del kruger o en las reservas aledañas?. Segun lo que leo en las reservas hay mas chances de ver animales.
Desde ya un millon de gracias
Written March 21, 2019
You won't see many big wild animals in Bourkes Potholes NP. But you'll see a lot in Kruger National Park or the other game sanctuaries.
Written March 21, 2019
Hola buen día..llego a Johannesburgo y alquilo auto allí. Quiero ir en este orden: three rondavels, bourkes potholes y luego quizá pilgrims rest y hacer noche ahí para irme al dia siguiente al kruger. Es demasiado? Me conviene quedarme en bourkes potholes y al dia siguiente ir a pilgrims? Muchas gracias!
Written January 27, 2019
Hola, poderse hacer, se puede hacer. Depende sobretodo de la hora a la que llegues a Johannesburgo. Entre salir de la terminal y alquilar auto, cuenta dos horas. No son gente rapida. Luego tendras 5h hasta Three Rondavels. Y luego en el recorrido de la ruta hasta pilgrims puedes hacerlo en 2-3h contando las visitas. Un poco apurado, depende de la hora de llegada del vuelo. Vigila también los horarios de three rondavels y bourkes. Buen viaje
Written January 28, 2019
Bonjour, est ce que ce site est payant ? Merci
Written October 28, 2018
Bonjour,
Oui, l’entrée est payante, 50 rands par personne, soit environ 3,50 €. Il y a un grand parking à l’entrée du site à titre d’information.
Bonne visite.
Cordialement.
Written October 29, 2018
What are the hours of opening and closing? Can they be entered very early morning sunrise or late for very late sunset photography?
Written October 22, 2018
The official gate times are 07:00 to 17:00 which will allow for sunrise and sunset photo's in winter but not summer.
Written October 23, 2018
Hola,
Muchísimas gracias por esta fantástica explicación. Me gustaría saber, además, cuánto se tarda en realizar la visita a los Luck POtholes. Dispongo de una tarde solamente para ver toda la zona, y me preguntaba más o menos cuánto dura esta parada.
Gracias!
Written August 16, 2017
Tenés suficiente tiempo!. Hacer el recorrido desde Johannesburgo hasta Nespruit te lleva todo el día pero hacer el Blyde River Cannyon, Burke's Holes y LA Ventana de Dios, calcular unas 3 horas incluyendo mirar souvenirs, ir a los servicios, beber algo.
Written December 8, 2017
How long to spend on a visit here?
And is parking readily available / safe?
Written April 19, 2017
Sorry I never answered this before. Not sure about the opening days but it should be. Probably not Christmas day. The walk is manageable for stroller.
Written October 20, 2017
Is this attraction open on 24-25-26 December?
Written July 11, 2016
Is the walk to the potholes manageable with a stroller / baby pram?
Written December 26, 2015
You can try, but the terrain is very uneven.
Written November 2, 2016
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