Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve Mpumalanga South Africa

After visiting God’s Window in the Blyde River Nature Reserve Joan and I stopped at this most amazing geologic wonder, Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

Joan at Potholes Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve Mpumalanga South Africa 

Read about the interesting cultural history at Joan’s site here.

Bourke's Luck Potholes Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve Mpumalanga South Africa 

Named after Thomas Bourke who was involved in gold mining in the area.

Bourke's Luck Potholes Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve Mpumalanga South Africa 

Where the Blyde River (“river of joy”) and the Treur River (“river of sorrow”) meet, thousands of years of whirling soil-laden water carved surreal cylindrical rock sculptures.

Bourke's Luck Potholes Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve Mpumalanga South Africa 

This left behind a series of dark pools which contrast with the streaked white and yellow lichen covered rocks. The pools looked rather inviting for a place to soak but a long ways down with fast moving water.

Waterfall at Bourke's Luck Potholes Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve Mpumalanga South Africa

We wandered around for a bit but had more places to visit that day, like the Three Rondawels.