New dinosaur centre set to boost rural tourism in Free State

As part of efforts to diversify the country’s tourism offerings and promote rural tourism development, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille is set to launch a dinosaur interpretation centre in the Free State.

The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre will provide a state-of-the-art visitor experience, nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Tourism, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), South African National Parks (SANParks), and the Free State provincial government.

This R120 million investment, funded by the European Union through the South African National Treasury, represents a significant step forward in the country’s mission to create inclusive, educational and globally compelling tourism experiences.

Ancient bones

The new centre will celebrate Africa’s ancient history, highlighting one of the world’s oldest known dinosaur embryos ever discovered.

With interactive exhibitions that blend palaeontology, archaeology, geology and cultural heritage, the centre aims to awaken curiosity and delight in visitors of all ages.

The BaSotho people and their ancestors have inhabited and explored this eastern Free State landscape for centuries.

Through their deep connection with the land, early BaSotho communities discovered fossil bones and footprints of unknown creatures.

They imagined that these bones and footprints belonged to a mythical beast called “Kgodumodomo” and created stories about them that continue to feature in BaSotho mythology today.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Minister de Lille highlighted the long-term benefits the centre will bring to the community.

Attracting tourists

“We will be able to attract more visitors to the Free State province, which is one of the less-visited provinces,” she stated.

De Lille also emphasised the importance of making the centre accessible to young people, allowing them to learn about South Africa’s history and its ancestors.

She is in discussions with SANParks to ensure that visiting the centre remains affordable for South Africans.

“I am in discussion with SANParks about the pricing structure, and even if there is some income, it must be affordable. We have a very high cost of living, and we must consider all of these factors when deciding on the entry fee,” said De Lille.

Additionally, she revealed that 30 tour guides from the local community, trained by the Department, will be employed full-time at the centre.

“This centre is a symbol of what we mean when we say, ‘Come Find Your Joy in South Africa'," said 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.”