These bizarre cylindrical holes were carved into the rock by whirlpools at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers. Bridges span the rivers, providing impressive views. There’s a small museum providing information on the canyon’s geology, flora and fauna, a busy cafe and an 80m-long lichen trail.
©Jonathan Gregson/Lonely PLanet
Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Top choice in Blyde River Canyon
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
3.7 MILES
This stunning 260-sq-km reserve centres on the 30km-long Blyde River Canyon, where epic rock formations tower above the forested slopes and eagle-eye…
6.89 MILES
The area's highlight, with a staggering view of these enormous rounds of rock, their pointed, grassy tops resembling giant huts carved into the side of…
25.4 MILES
With four luxury lodges and the Big Five in residence (as well as occasional passing wild dogs and great birding), 13,000-hectare Kapama gets all of the…
4.69 MILES
Affords stunning views up the canyon, to the glistening Blydepoort Dam at the far end surrounded by forested slopes. The rocky cones of the Three…
Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
19.42 MILES
A few clicks south of Hoedspruit along the R40 and attached to the Kapama Private Game Reserve, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre was set up to…
18.83 MILES
This glass viewing elevator travels 51m down the sheer cliffs of Graskop Gorge, with views of the Big Swing opposite, to an elevated forest boardwalk,…
16.53 MILES
Just southeast of town along the Graskop road is the open-air Diggings Museum, where you can see how gold was panned. You need to visit on a tour, which…
14.87 MILES
A viewpoint offering amazing vistas. Take the trail up to the rainforest (300 steps), where you might spot rare birds, including the elusive loerie, on…
Nearby Blyde River Canyon attractions
1. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
3.7 MILES
This stunning 260-sq-km reserve centres on the 30km-long Blyde River Canyon, where epic rock formations tower above the forested slopes and eagle-eye…
4.69 MILES
Affords stunning views up the canyon, to the glistening Blydepoort Dam at the far end surrounded by forested slopes. The rocky cones of the Three…
6.89 MILES
The area's highlight, with a staggering view of these enormous rounds of rock, their pointed, grassy tops resembling giant huts carved into the side of…
12 MILES
Crashing down the cliffs, this waterfall is at its most impressive in summer (October to March), when there is most water.
13.04 MILES
This waterfall is a highlight of the Blyde River Canyon area, especially in summer (October to March), when the water flows hardest.
14.87 MILES
A viewpoint offering amazing vistas. Take the trail up to the rainforest (300 steps), where you might spot rare birds, including the elusive loerie, on…
14.97 MILES
Stone Age relics have been found in these caves, which were discovered in 1923 and named after dripstone formations that echo when tapped. The one-hour…