On 22 June 2026, the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre (KDIC) in Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP) celebrated its first anniversary, marking one year since officially opening its doors on 22 June 2025. The milestone coincides with another significant achievement which is welcoming its 100,000th visitor. This is against a total of 101 100 visitors thus far recorded visiting the centre.
Mr Pieter Kemp and his family of five (5) from Parys in Free State province were recorded as the 100 000th visitors on the KDIC register. In addition, since its opening in June 2025, the dinosaur centre has welcomed 272 schools and 40,317 learners and educators.
The facility also boasts a coffeeshop and bistro named Phoka that has been contracted to a local entrepreneur. It is currently employing around 20 staff members who are members of the local community.
The Centre has established itself as a leading cultural, educational, and scientific attraction, drawing visitors from across South Africa and beyond. Located in the heart of the Free State, the facility showcases the region’s rich paleontological heritage through immersive exhibitions, interactive displays, and world-class scientific interpretation.
The Centre offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Africa’s ancient past through exhibits focused on palaeontology, archaeology, and geology. Among its highlights are fossil displays and interactive experiences that bring prehistoric life alive, including one of the oldest dinosaur embryos ever discovered.
Over the past year, the Centre has played an important role in promoting heritage awareness, supporting education and research, and contributing to tourism growth around GGHNP. The attraction has also generated opportunities for local communities through job creation, skills development, and increased economic activity linked to South African National Parks vision for the future conservation.
Surrounding communities and local businesses have experienced significant positive spin-offs since the opening of the dinosaur centre. Guest house operators and farm-stay owners report increased visitor numbers, with many guests describing the experience as exceptional. A noticeable shift in visitor behaviour has also emerged. Whereas many visitors previously included the dinosaur centre as an activity while already travelling in the area, an increasing number are now choosing the area specifically because of the centre. This demonstrates that the centre functions both as an additional attraction and as a primary motivator for travel.
As the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre enters its second year, it remains committed to inspiring curiosity, advancing public understanding of science and heritage, and providing a world-class visitor experience that celebrates Africa’s remarkable prehistoric story.
Guided tours are available for those looking to gain deeper insights into the centre’s exhibits and the region’s rich paleontological history. Bookings may be made by calling +27 (0)79 336 9290.