Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Centre Opens with Free Entry Until Sept 2025

To mark the launch and ensure broad access to this national asset, South African National Parks (SANParks) announced that entry to the centre will be free for all visitors until 30 September 2025.

In a landmark moment for South Africa’s cultural and scientific heritage, the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre officially opened its doors on Sunday, 22 June 2025, within the scenic Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State. The grand launch, attended by key government ministers, celebrated not only the unveiling of a world-class paleontological facility but also a commitment to inclusive tourism and environmental education.

Free Public Access Announced Until 30 September 2025

To mark the launch and ensure broad access to this national asset, South African National Parks (SANParks) announced that entry to the centre will be free for all visitors until 30 September 2025. The announcement is expected to significantly increase footfall from schools, universities, local communities, and residents of the Thabo Mafutsenyane District Municipality. Visitors are required to bring valid identification to gain entry.

This free access initiative is part of a broader strategy to democratize access to South Africa’s scientific heritage and to foster greater public interest in natural history, especially among the youth and underrepresented communities.

Government Ministers Highlight Strategic Importance

The launch event was graced by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George. Minister de Lille emphasized the strategic importance of expanding and diversifying South Africa’s tourism offerings beyond traditional safari and coastal experiences.

“Our aim is to create compelling experiences that not only attract international tourists but also ignite local pride and participation,” she stated. “The Kgodumodumo Centre exemplifies this approach by merging tourism with education, science, and cultural heritage.”

Minister George lauded the Centre as an “educational powerhouse” that will serve as a platform for environmental consciousness and inspire future generations to become custodians of the Earth’s natural history. “This facility connects us with our ancient past while helping us reimagine our responsibility to the planet,” he noted.

A Unique Blend of Science, Culture, and Conservation

Developed through a partnership between the Department of Tourism and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the Centre is a cutting-edge interpretive hub dedicated to paleontology, archaeology, and geology. It aims to present world-class scientific knowledge in an engaging, interactive format that is accessible to learners, researchers, and tourists alike.

Inside, visitors can explore fossil displays, life-size dinosaur models, interactive screens, and guided storytelling that reveal the prehistoric life that once roamed the South African landscape. The Centre is expected to become an educational destination of choice for schools and universities, while also enhancing the appeal of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Boosting Local Economy and Park Tourism

SANParks emphasized that the Centre is expected to drive increased bed occupancy in the surrounding areas and contribute to the overall economic upliftment of the eastern Free State. By offering more structured activities within the park, it is anticipated that longer visitor stays and increased tourist spending will create a ripple effect, leading to job creation, skills development, and small business growth.

In addition to its scientific exhibitions, the Kgodumodumo Centre plans to host community outreach programmes, teacher training workshops, and tourism-related skill-building initiatives in the coming months.

A New Era in Heritage Tourism

The launch of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre marks a new chapter in South Africa’s journey to harness its natural heritage for sustainable development and inclusive growth. It represents a bold step toward making heritage tourism more participatory, educational, and impactful.

With free entry offered through September, the Centre invites all South Africans and international guests to explore the ancient world, be inspired by science, and take part in a collective mission to preserve and protect the Earth’s natural wonders.