At a Glance
- South Africa launches a dinosaur heritage centre to boost tourism and science in the Free State.
- New Kgodumodumo Centre showcases oldest dinosaur embryos, drawing global palaeontology attention.
- Tourism and education to benefit as South Africa expands its heritage and science tourism appeal.
South Africa has officially launched the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre, a groundbreaking heritage facility located in Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State.
Unveiled on June 22, 2025, the centre stands at the site where Massospondylus dinosaur eggs—the oldest known fossilised dinosaur embryos—were discovered.
Backed by the European Union and developed by South African National Parks (SANParks) in partnership with the Department of Tourism, the facility is set to become a major palaeotourism attraction.
Experts say the centre is poised to boost regional tourism, support education, and promote South Africa’s global standing in palaeontology.
Africa’s oldest dinosaur site gets new life
The discovery of the Massospondylus embryos, published in a leading scientific journal, has placed Clarens and the broader Free State region on the global science and tourism map.
The new interactive heritage centre features world-class exhibits exploring South Africa’s prehistoric legacy, cultural diversity, and geological wealth.
“This gives palaeontology enthusiasts and global travellers a new reason to visit South Africa,” said Rosemary Anderson, National Chairperson of FEDHASA, adding that the centre showcases the country’s ability to blend scientific excellence with tourism innovation.
Tourism and science intersect in Free State
The centre’s opening reflects the government’s efforts to diversify its tourism portfolio beyond coastal and wildlife attractions.
“This is more than a tourism development—it’s a celebration of science, heritage, and storytelling,” Anderson noted.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, who presided over the launch, highlighted the centre as part of a broader national strategy to unlock sustainable, high-impact tourism ventures.
De Lille emphasized that investments like this can spur local job creation, community engagement, and renewed international tourism interest in the Free State.
Positioning South Africa as a global heritage leader
Already hailed as the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa’s scientific legacy expands further with this new addition.
“We’re not only the birthplace of modern humans—we’re now central to understanding prehistoric life,” Anderson said.
The Kgodumodumo Centre is expected to become a flagship site for science tourism in Africa, drawing academics, tourists, and school groups from across the globe.
