Bourke's Luck - Stunning Natural Water Feature
You don’t have to be a geologist to appreciate the beauty and intricacy of Bourke’s Luck in South Africa. This impressive natural water feature has taken Mother Nature centuries to carve. As the waters of the Treur River plunge down into the Blyde River Canyon, these delicate and decorative potholes in the bedrock of the river continue to slowly change face. Bourke’s Luck is, in many aspects, the best part of the Blyde River Canyon and it should simply not be overlooked.
Bourke’s Luck is the ever-impressive start of the Blyde River Canyon. It is located at the point where the Treur River (‘river of sorrow’) meets with the Blyde River (‘river of joy’) and the swirling, giggling whirlpools are perhaps a fitting representation of this fact. Over the years the sand and rock carried by the Treur have grinded large, cylindrical potholes into the river’s bedrock. This has resulted in the fascinating phenomenon which has made Bourke’s Luck famous. These cylindrical rock sculptures are beautiful to look at and often visitors ponder over their formation. And, as they are at the very beginning of the Blyde River Canyon they make an excellent first stop as you explore this pristine natural area.
It is interesting to note that the potholes are named after a rather unsuccessful gold digger who once staked his claim nearby. Tom Burke was perhaps one of the first prospectors to proclaim that the surrounding area would yield gold. Unfortunately for him, he never found it – though hundreds of others did. His small gold mine proved to be completely fruitless but his legacy lives on at Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
On arrival most visitors start by stopping at the small visitor centre which provides information about the canyon’s origins and the flora and fauna. Then you may take the 700 meter walk to view these fascinating and unusual potholes, crossing bridges and navigating the footpaths that have been laid out to facilitate this. After visiting Bourke’s Luck, most visitors enjoy either of the 5 km trails which branch off from the site and take them through the canyon. The trails are known as the Interpretative Trail and the Bushman Nature Trail and both are equally enjoyable. So visit Bourke’s Luck and discover these fascinating watery potholes for yourself.
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