Footprints of the Forgotten: South Africa’s Dinosaur Centre Brings Ancient Giants to Life

Where Giants Once Walked

Imagine walking the same ground as creatures who ruled the earth over 200 million years ago. In the heart of the Free State’s rugged Golden Gate Highlands, a brand-new attraction is making that ancient history feel vividly alive.

The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre, opening on 22 June 2025, is no ordinary museum. It’s an immersive visitor experience, built not only to educate but also to honour the land’s deep cultural and scientific significance. And it’s got the fossils – and the folklore – to prove it.

Not Just Bones: A Living Legacy

This isn’t just a place to stare at skeletons. At Kgodumodumo, the past is interactive. Through exhibitions and storytelling, visitors will encounter one of the most exciting fossil records on the continent – including the world’s oldest dinosaur embryos, unearthed right here in the region. The area’s soil, once trodden by giants, continues to reveal secrets buried beneath its rust-coloured layers.

But what makes this centre particularly unique is that it doesn’t start its story with Western science.

Long before palaeontologists arrived with their tools and theories, the BaSotho people had their own understanding of these relics. For centuries, they came across fossils and massive footprints etched into the earth – believing they belonged to a mythical creature known as Kgodumodumo, a beast woven into BaSotho lore.

Now, the centre named in its honour connects modern science with ancient story, bridging local wisdom and global discovery.

Image 1: Pexels

Tourism, Jobs, and a New Chapter for the Free State

Backed by R120 million in funding from the European Union, the Kgodumodumo Centre was developed through a partnership between the Department of Tourism, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, and SANParks. It’s not just a cultural investment – it’s an economic one.

The launch includes the training of new local guides, injecting life into the surrounding community, and aiming to create sustainable jobs in a province that often sits quietly in the shadow of bigger tourism destinations. According to officials, this centre is expected to revitalise visitor numbers to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, positioning the Free State as a must-visit for heritage and nature travellers alike.

‘Locally Rooted, Globally Inspiring’

In a recent statement, Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille called the new centre a milestone for the country.

“Whether your joy is sparked by science, nature, culture, or connection,” she said, “the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre is an experience that brings it all together.”

And she’s right. This isn’t just about fossils. It’s about telling South Africa’s story – from the footprints of dinosaurs to the footsteps of BaSotho herders, from mythical creatures to real scientific wonders.

Social Media Buzz & Public Excitement

Already, early images of the centre’s striking architecture – carved into the landscape with sharp lines and earthy tones – are circulating online. Locals and travellers are posting “can’t wait to go!” comments under SANParks updates, while Free State tourism boards are encouraging road-trippers to make the centre part of their winter itinerary.

It’s more than a building. It’s a symbol of how South Africa continues to lead when it comes to blending heritage with education and community impact.

If You Go

Location: Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State
Opening Date: 22 June 2025
Entry: Included with park entry (SANParks rates apply)
What to Expect: Dinosaur fossils, interactive exhibitions, BaSotho cultural storytelling, trained local guides

History That Belongs to All of Us

South Africa is no stranger to ancient discoveries – from the Cradle of Humankind to the Karoo. But the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre does something different. It invites us to look at the earth beneath our feet not just through the eyes of science, but also through the hearts of the people who’ve walked it for generations.

In doing so, it becomes more than a tourist attraction – it becomes a place of connection, curiosity, and pride.

Also read: Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort: Walk with Africa’s Giants

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Source: The South African

Featured Image: Pexels