South Africa’s newest cultural treasure, the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre, is officially open and locals can visit for free until September.
Free State, South Africa (23 June 2025) – Tucked into the sweeping sandstone cliffs of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, is a new centre celebrating South Africa’s prehistoric treasures. On 22 June 2025, the brand-new Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre officially opened its doors, offering South Africans a chance to walk alongside ancient giants and explore the prehistoric past in one of the country’s most scenic settings.
The name “Kgodumodumo,” meaning “something very large” in Sesotho, couldn’t be more fitting. This striking, state-of-the-art centre is more than just a museum, it’s a time capsule brought to life. Through interactive exhibits and cutting-edge displays, the centre brings together palaeontology, archaeology, and geology in ways that spark curiosity and ignite young imaginations.
It’s the kind of space that makes learning feel like an adventure. Kids can marvel at fossils, students can engage with world-class scientific research, and curious adults can rediscover the wonder of a world long gone, all within the dramatic backdrop of the Free State’s Maluti Mountains.
And here’s the best part: SANParks has thrown open the gates to the centre, announcing free entry for all South Africans from now until 30 September 2025. Whether you’re a school group, a student, a family from a neighbouring village or a road-tripper chasing culture, this offer is a celebration of access, education, and pride in our shared heritage.
To take advantage of the free access, simply bring a valid form of South African identification. For communities adjacent to the park and the Thabo Mafutsenyane District Municipality, this initiative offers a rare and meaningful opportunity to connect with our deep-time history, without barriers.
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ICA Live Art Festival Returns to Cape Town's Streets, Gardens and Public SpacesThe centre is already being hailed as a triumph of education, science, and inclusive tourism. So if you’ve ever wanted to meet a dinosaur (or just impress your inner child), now’s your chance. The Kgodumodumo Centre isn’t just a new destination, it’s a roaring reminder of just how rich South Africa’s story really is.
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