Hiking Trail Description

	Potholes at Burke's Luck, also visited by the trail

The Blyderivierspoort hiking trail is a 2 and a half day walk from God's Window to Bourke's Luck Potholes with two overnight stops.

The Blyde river Canyon, which is 16 km long and 600 m deep, is the gate through which the Blyde River flows and is one of the great natural wonders of Southern Africa. Excluding Table Mountain, the Blyde River Canyon is the foremost single tourist attraction in South Africa. The trail features include God's Window, with it's stupendous view of the Lowveld and Bourke's Luck Potholes. The trail stretches from God's Window near Graskop to Bourke's Luck and winds alternately through the Blyderiverpoort Nature Reserve, privately owned land and the Blyde State Forest. A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 30 people are permitted. During school holidays it is advisable to book well in advance.

The spectacular view of God's Window at the start of the Blyderivier Hiking Trail

DAY 1: GOD'S WINDOW TO WATERVAL SPRUIT HUT (5,8 km) This section is only 5,8 km long, which is useful should you arrive a bit late at the starting point. The trail winds up to Quartzkop and a short detour to the edge of the escarpment will reveal all the glory of the Transvaal Lowveld far below. I then winds through quarzite rock formations weathered into fascinating shapes by the forces of erosion. It traverses typical treeless mountain grassveld, and common tree fern, reaching heights of 3-5 m can often be seen along streams and is easily identified. The trail then descends to Paradise Pool and, after a gentle climb you will reach Watervalspruit hut, which consists of a number of rooms with bunk-beds, flush toilets and showers. There are also two covered circular fireplaces with benches, tables and large cast-iron cooking pots.

DAY 2: WATERVALSPRUIT TO CLEARSTREAM (13,5 km) The trail descends to the Treur River Valley and Clearstream hut is reached after approximately 13,6 km, which is normally by lunchtime after 4 or 5 hours' easy walking. One of the most inviting pools on any trail is situated below the hut so relax and enjoy the afternoon here, or explore the waterfall further upstream. The hut is similar to the Watervalspruit hut, consisting of two stable-like buildings built in Natural stone, blending in well with the surroundings.

	Blyderivierspoort

DAY 3: CLEARSTREAM HUT TO BOURKE'S LUCK (13,6 km) The trail follows the Treur River closely for a while. The trail passes about a kilometre from the Fann Falls and then runs all the way to Bourke's Luck.