In the heart of the Free State Province, South Africa has opened one of its most ambitious tourism projects yet. The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in Golden Gate Highlands National Park is now officially open, bringing together science, culture, and history in one powerful experience.
This centre marks a major step forward for cultural and scientific tourism in the region. With support from the Department of Tourism and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the project was made possible by a R120 million investment from the European Union. The goal was clear: preserve the region’s fossil heritage while celebrating the rich traditions of the indigenous BaSotho people.
Located among ancient rock formations over 200 million years old, the facility offers more than just a museum visit. It delivers a fully immersive, interactive experience designed to appeal to every generation. Fossils, archaeological finds, geological exhibits, and cultural storytelling come together in an environment meant to educate, inspire, and spark curiosity.
The centre serves as a key initiative under the Department of Tourism’s Working for Tourism programme and supports South African National Parks’ Vision 2040. It aims to position the Free State as a destination for more than just scenic beauty. The centre will drive transformation, create job opportunities, and strengthen the region’s rural economy.
More than 100 people from nearby communities were employed during construction, with over 90 percent receiving valuable on-site training. The centre now stands as both a world-class attraction and a symbol of community upliftment.
Visitors will find lecture halls, interactive exhibits, paleontological offices, children’s activity areas, a lookout point, and a coffee and curio shop. Local SMMEs will have space to showcase crafts, food, and authentic cultural experiences, creating a ripple effect for local economic growth.
This tourism investment isn’t just about what’s inside the building. It’s about the people outside it. A successful land claim settlement was part of the development, ensuring that local communities benefit directly from the centre’s operations. From employment to training and business opportunities, the ripple effect is already being felt.
Fifteen young people from the area have completed an accredited Tourist Guide Training programme and will soon begin work guiding visitors through both natural and cultural landscapes. This investment in human capital ties directly into South Africa’s broader goals of economic development and youth empowerment.
Expect more than fossils. Expect a journey through time. From the world’s earliest life forms to the dawn of mammals, dinosaurs, and the first humans, the exhibits trace the earth’s deep history. It’s a place where ancient rocks and modern storytelling meet.
Whether you’re a scientist, a student, or a curious traveler, the centre invites you to slow down, learn, and appreciate South Africa’s natural legacy.
The facility is open to both domestic and international travelers. It adds a powerful layer to South Africa’s tourism offerings, giving visitors another reason to stay longer and spend more.
As South Africa commemorates the legacy of the 1976 Soweto Uprising under the theme “Skills for the changing world,” the launch of this centre could not be more timely. It brings history, opportunity, and education together.
With projects like this, the country is showing what it means to build a tourism sector that works for everyone.
Come find your joy where ancient landscapes tell stories that still matter today. The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre is now open.
