When Is the Best Time
Start the day hike to the Potholes before noon otherwise the stuff doesn't let you pass. After heavy rainfall, the Bourke's Luck Potholes can be flooded. Crowded in summer, early morning and late afternoon less busy. Best sunlight for the beautiful orange colour after midday.
Southern winter, the dry season from May to September is the best time for traveling through the eastern part of South Africa, and it's also low season with fewer tourists, except for school holidays. Days are sunny with low humidity and nights are cold. Fewer mosquito and a very low risk for malaria. The busiest months with most tourists are in southern summer (November to March). This means queuing at the entrance. The rain starts end of October. The scenery gets lush and green, but during summer it’s also hot and humid and heavy rainfalls occur. Our favourite month is September: still dry and temperatures rise.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
Bourke's Luck Potholes are named after prospector Tom Bourke. He predicted gold would be found in this area. He was right but unfortunately, gold was found only nearby his claim. The potholes close to the scenic R 532 are a spectacular work of nature over centuries where Treur River meets the Blyde River. It's worth to have a look and to walk down. The hike is called Belvedere day hike, is 10 km long and last 4-5 hours.
Unfortunately, we arrived at 12.10 pm just 10 minutes too late at the hike entrance. The staff didn't let us pass and they were rude. We combined the potholes with different waterfalls, Blyde River Canyon, and God's Window on the R532 and R534. The facilities are often not well kept. Entrance Rand 65 per person Rand 25 per child in 2021.
Link for a map of the R 532 and the entire area:
