- Bourkes Luck Potholes
Bourke's Luck Potholes are without doubt a major icon, but when thrown in together with the likes of the Three Rondawels, God's Window, the Blyde River Canyon and numerous magnificent waterfalls, one can become immune after a while.
If you can, begin your wander around Mpumalanga with Bourke's Luck Potholes, for they are without doubt incredible. Essentially they're the result of decades of swirling eddies of water where the Treur River meets the Blyde River, the tumult of which has caused extensive water erosion over time. The result is a series of cylindrical rock sculptures that look as though they would be more comfortable on the moon.
To see these geological wonders (it is no surprise to learn that they've made it onto Frommer's 500 places to take your kids before they grow up) that are an amazing array of white, yellow and dark brown eddies of colour because of the soil present in the water, you'll need to travel roughly 35 kilometres due north of Graskop on the R532.
They are on the Panorama Route and are one of the major tourist attractions in South Africa, so best get there ahead of the bus tours. A series of metal bridges take you right above them, if photographs are a high priority, whilst walkways around the ridges allow you various angles and viewpoints from which to take your snaps.
There is also an ancient believe that if you toss a coin in one of the many pools and make a wish it will actually come true. Try it maybe you are lucky.
Their strange name, in case you were wondering, comes from the gold digger, Tom Burke, who staked a nearby claim.
- Lisbon Falls
Is actually one of the most dramatic and scenic waterfalls in the Mpumalanga region on the Panorama Route. It is situated in the heart of the waterfall area of Mpumalanga, where the number of these dramatic falls exceeds that of anywhere else in southern Africa. Being located just north of Graskop and outside the ever-popular Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Lisbon Falls is convenient and accessible to locals and to visitors from all over the world
Lisbon Falls is 94 metres, or 308 feet, high, which makes it the highest in the province. Much like the Berlin and Mac Mac Falls, the Lisbon Falls are named for the foreign miners that settled in the region during the gold rush - in this particular case, a handful of Portuguese pioneers hence the name Lisbon after the capital of Portugal. The river splits into three streams before crashing down the rock face in thick forces of water. Curtains of mist assail the observers on the viewing deck, showering visitors with sheer wet magic.
For the more adventurous, a climb down to the base of the gorge may prove a rewarding experience. There is no demarcated trail or route to follow, so it may be an arduous feat for the inexperienced or unfit and can take up to an hour. If relaxation and absorbing the natural beauty of this destination is more appealing, pack a picnic basket and kick back under the shade of a tree. You will definitely not be disappointed with the bird life in the area.
- Berlin Falls is 80 meters high waterfall.
- God’s Window is a fantastic viewing point on the Escarpment with a sheer cliff Height of 700 metres. On a clear day, you can see the Lebombo mountains forming the border between South Africa and Mozambique within the Kruger National Park.
- Wonder view:You get the same view as at God’s window however you do not require to climb 800 steps to see it.
- Pinnacle: A free-standing pinnacle of mountain on route to God’s Window
- Pilgrims Rest: This historical museum town that is also a heritage site attracted a rush of prospectors in 1873. It is fun to visit this town, don’t pay to much attention to the hawkers and car washers, they can be intrusive at times, just stay calm and tell them politely you are not interested in their produce or support them if you like, they are also supporting families. You can take photo’s dressed up as Gold diggers from the 1880’s at Kuzzulo’s emporium, visit the numerous museums, the Gold panning site, book a tour through the graveyard and visit the Robber’s grave. Have some scrumptious pancakes and milkshakes at The Stables.
- Forest Falls
- Mac Mac Falls
- Mac Mac Pools: Pack a picnic basket and take the family to this splendid site for a lunch, also take your swimsuit and towels with as you can dip in the crisp pools and explore the cave behind the waterfall.
- Jock of the Bushveld walking trail
