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Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Centre Unveils Entry Fees, Enhancing Maloti-Drakensberg’s Heritage Appeal Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Centre Unveils Entry Fees, Enhancing Maloti-Drakensberg’s Heritage Appeal

The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre, South Africa’s latest addition to its heritage attractions, has officially announced its entry fee structure following a successful free entry period. Situated amidst the dramatic sandstone cliffs of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State, this state-of-the-art facility opened its doors to the public on 22 June 2025 and is set to become a major draw for both domestic and international visitors seeking a blend of natural beauty and ancient history.

With the initial complimentary access window concluding on 30 September 2025, the new fee structure comes into effect from 1 October 2025. The pricing strategy reflects SANParks’ commitment to accessibility while supporting the ongoing development and maintenance of this world-class interpretive centre. South African adults will pay R110, with discounted rates for children (R70), pensioners (R70), and school groups (R25 per learner, up to 60 per group). SADC nationals are charged R150 for adults and R75 for children, while international visitors pay R250 for adults and R125 for children. Special group rates are also available for schools from both the SADC region and abroad, further encouraging educational tourism.

This immersive centre is more than just a museum; it is a journey through South Africa’s paleontological, archaeological, geological, and cultural narrative. With interactive exhibitions and hands-on displays, visitors are invited to step back in time to the era when dinosaurs roamed the prehistoric landscapes of what is now the Maloti-Drakensberg region. The centre’s design and curation aim to ignite curiosity and foster a deeper appreciation for the area’s ancient past, making it an ideal stop for school excursions, family holidays, and specialist heritage tours.

The location of the Kgodumodumo Centre within the 340 km² expanse of Golden Gate Highlands National Park amplifies its appeal. The park itself is renowned for its golden-hued cliffs, sculpted by millennia of natural forces, and offers visitors the chance to explore not only the region’s geological marvels but also its diverse wildlife. Guests may spot black wildebeest, eland, and the elusive, endangered bearded vulture soaring above the rugged mountain slopes. The park’s network of hiking trails and sweeping mountain vistas provide a perfect backdrop for the centre, creating opportunities to merge educational excursions with outdoor adventure.

For African travel professionals, the launch of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre represents a significant boost to the region’s growing tourism portfolio. It reinforces South Africa’s position as a destination where natural wonders and cultural heritage go hand in hand. The centre’s focus on the Maloti Mountains’ ancient ecosystems and their evolution over millions of years is a compelling story that resonates with both local and international audiences. It also highlights the region’s role in the broader paleontological and geological history of the African continent.

The availability of special rates for group and educational visits is set to stimulate increased demand from school tours and learning-based travel, a trend on the rise within Sub-Saharan Africa. By blending cutting-edge exhibit technology with compelling storytelling, the centre provides a model for how heritage attractions can engage younger generations. It also creates new opportunities for tour operators and destination management companies to design multi-day itineraries that combine the interpretive centre with the park’s hiking, wildlife, and scenic offerings.

In addition to its educational mandate, the Kgodumodumo Centre is poised to support local economic development. Increased visitor numbers are expected to drive demand for accommodation, guiding services, and community-led tourism initiatives in the surrounding Free State region. This ripple effect is particularly important for rural economies, where tourism revenue can create jobs and foster skills development.

For those crafting new products for the African travel market, the centre’s opening is a reminder of the growing appeal of destinations that connect the past and present. By leveraging themes of Earth’s history, biodiversity, and cultural evolution, the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre offers experiences that differentiate Southern Africa from other global destinations. Its ability to intertwine the story of ancient dinosaurs with breathtaking contemporary landscapes is a compelling selling point, especially for travelers seeking depth and meaning in their journeys.

Looking to the future, this new addition underlines the importance of continued investment in heritage and nature-based attractions across Africa. As demand for educational and experiential travel grows, facilities like the Kgodumodumo Centre will play a central role in shaping the continent’s tourism identity. For industry professionals, there is clear potential to capitalize on this momentum by building partnerships, expanding marketing efforts, and integrating such unique sites into wider regional circuits.

With its official fee schedule now in place, the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre stands ready to welcome visitors from across the region and around the world. Its combination of interactive learning, spectacular scenery, and celebration of South Africa’s deep-time heritage is set to inspire awe and curiosity for years to come, cementing its status as a must-visit highlight within the Maloti-Drakensberg tourism corridor.