South Africans have been truly excited by the opening of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre, seeing 9,000 people visit since its opening in June.
Free State, South Africa (25 July 2025) – The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre has roared to life thanks to South Africans’ keen interest in prehistoric giants. 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.
Since then, the centre has celebrated success, with 9,000 feet through the doors. The intriguing attractions and history-rich exhibits were undeniably popular, and with school holidays, the centre has seen a great influx of youth, eager to learn about South Africa’s dinosaurs.
As children, we all have moments of wonder, finding dinosaurs to be truly fascinating subjects. For so long, this history has been from sources outside of South Africa, but now, we have a resource to tap into that is all local and proudly South African!
With subjects focusing on palaeontology, archaeology, and geology, South Africa’s young minds can dream big and be inspired by the sciences. A massive draw is the display of one of the world’s oldest known dinosaur embryos ever discovered.
It is with thanks to collaboration that this project has come to life. An R120 million investment, funded by the European Union through the South African National Treasury, has given rise to the country’s mission to create inclusive, educational, and globally compelling tourism experiences. The milestone is a big celebration for the Department of Tourism, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), South African National Parks (SANParks), and the Free State provincial government.
Not only does the centre create space for young minds to explore history, but it draws visitors to the breathtaking landscapes of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park too.
“This centre is a symbol of what we mean when we say, Come Find Your Joy in South Africa,” said Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille.
“Whether your joy is sparked by science, nature, culture, or connection, the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre is an experience that brings it all together in a way that is locally rooted and globally inspiring.”
There is a rich history in these landscapes. Long after dinosaurs roamed our lands, the BaSotho people and their ancestors inhabited and explored the eastern Free State landscapes.
It was through their deep connection with the land that the early BaSotho communities discovered fossil bones and footprints of unknown creatures. They imagined that these bones and footprints belonged to a mythical beast, “Kgodumodomo”, and created stories about them that still feature in BaSotho mythology today.
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.
However, the centre is not just about the past; it is an investment in the future. As part of its broader impact, the launch included the graduation of newly trained local tourist guides. Boosting skills development, job creation, and tourism-led economic growth.
If you have not been there yet, there is so much to discover. There is free entry for all South Africans from now until 30 September 2025.
Come find your joy in South Africa, where ancient wonders meet modern marvels at the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre. To find out more, check the website here.
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