Bourke’s Luck Potholes

Have you heard of Bourke’s Luck Potholes?

The unusual name comes from a gold prospector, named Tom Burke, who in the 1880s correctly predicted that large deposits of alluvial gold would be found in the area. Unfortunately he staked his claim in the wrong area, and did not strike it rich!

This is a natural water feature that is situated near the beginning of Blyde River Canyon. Years and years of erosion of the soft bedrock of the river, from the swirling whirlpools, created these unusual, large cylindrical potholes, which resembles an incredible lunarscape. The rock formations have beautiful hues of white, yellow and dark brown. This is from the soil present in the water.

One can hike here, horse ride, or simply drive through and view this incredible rock formation with many cascading waterfalls.

Photograph compliments of wikimedia.org