Golden Gate Highlands NP: Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Centre closed 02–13 March 2026

last update 09 March 2026

SANParks announced that the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre at Golden Gate Highlands National Park re-opens on 10 March 2026! The floors have been fully repaired. 

------- 

Visitors planning a trip to the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre, located within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in South Africa's Free State, are advised that the centre will be temporarily closed from Monday, 2 March to Friday, 13 March 2026. This closure is required to carry out essential floor repairs, ensuring the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all future visitors.

During this period, guests are encouraged to explore other attractions within Golden Gate Highlands National Park, including scenic hiking trails, picnic spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities. SANParks apologizes for any inconvenience and appreciates visitors’ understanding while the necessary maintenance is completed.

The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre, which only opened to the public on 22 June 2025, offers a fascinating insight into the prehistoric world, showcasing life-size dinosaur exhibits, fossil displays, and interactive learning experiences for all ages. Once reopened, it promises an enhanced visitor experience, making it a must-visit destination for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about South Africa's rich paleontological heritage.

 

Subscribe for updates:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa. 

SANParks announces entry fees for Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre at Golden Gate Highlands National Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has officially announced the entry fees for the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre, located within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State, South Africa.
The world-class facility, which opened to the public on 22 June 2025, offers a fascinating journey through South Africa's paleontological, archaeological, geological, and cultural heritage. Through immersive and interactive exhibitions, visitors can explore the ancient history of the Maloti-Drakensberg region — a landscape once roamed by dinosaurs.
During its opening period, free entry was granted to all visitors until 30 September 2025. From 01 October 2025, the following admission fees apply:

Entry fees for the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre:

• South African Citizens:
• Adult: R110.00
• Child: R70.00
• South African Groups:
• School (up to 60 pax): R25.00
• Pensioner: R70.00
• Southern African Development Community (SADC):
• Adult: R150.00
• Child: R75.00
• SADC Groups:
• School (up to 60 pax): R50.00
• International Visitors:
• Adult: R250.00
• Child: R125.00
• International Groups:
• School (up to 60 pax): R100.00

Set against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park's iconic sandstone cliffs, the centre perfectly complements the park’s natural beauty and geological significance. Covering around 340 km², the park is famous for its golden-hued cliffs, diverse wildlife — including black wildebeest, eland, and the endangered bearded vulture — as well as its spectacular hiking trails and panoramic mountain vistas.

Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or family traveler, the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre offers a unique educational experience that connects the ancient past to the breathtaking present-day landscapes of the Maloti Mountains.

 

Subscribe for updates:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa. 

Golden Gate Highlands National Park: Free entry to the new Kgomomodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that entry to the new Kgomomodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre, located within Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State, will be free for all visitors until 30 September 2025.
This initiative aims to promote environmental awareness, foster interest in South Africa’s paleontological heritage, and encourage broader public access to national parks and conservation areas. School learners, university students, nearby communities, and residents of the Thabo Mafutsenyane District Municipality are expected to benefit most from this limited-time offer.
To gain free access, visitors must present a valid form of identification at the entrance.

Set against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park's iconic sandstone cliffs, the Kgomomodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre offers a unique educational experience, highlighting the prehistoric past of the region and the rich biodiversity of the present.

Free State: New dinosaur interpretation centre to open in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park!

The South African Department of Tourism and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) are set to launch the new Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in in the Free State, South Africa, on 22 June 2025.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and Environment Minister Dion George will officiate the opening of this world-class visitor attraction, which showcases paleontological, archaeological, geological, and cultural heritage through interactive exhibitions.
Funded with R120 million from the European Union (EU) via National Treasury, the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre aims to boost tourism, increase park visitation, and support local economic development and job creation. Managed by South African National Parks (SANParks), it features exhibition halls, lecture spaces, a coffee and curio shop, children’s activity areas, and modern infrastructure.
The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre celebrates the discovery of the oldest known dinosaur embryos, offering a unique educational experience for visitors. The launch will also include the graduation of newly trained tourist guides linked to the project.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is renowned for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, which take on a golden glow in the sunlight. Spanning approximately 340 km², the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black wildebeest, eland, and the endangered bearded vulture. With its scenic hiking trails, rich cultural heritage, and stunning Maloti Mountain views, the park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

South Africa: Renovations underway at Highlands Mountain Retreat in Golden Gate Highlands National Park

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that construction is currently underway at Highlands Mountain Retreat, located in Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State, South Africa. The renovation project began on 30 January 2025 and is expected to be completed by 30 October 2025. While the retreat remains open for bookings, SANParks advises visitors that construction activities will be ongoing during this period.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is renowned for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, which take on a golden glow in the sunlight. Spanning approximately 340 km², the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black wildebeest, eland, and the endangered bearded vulture. With its scenic hiking trails, rich cultural heritage, and stunning Maloti Mountain views, the park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Highlands Mountain Retreat, a secluded and luxurious accommodation option within the park, offers eight self-catering log cabins perched high in the Maloti Mountains. Guests can enjoy spectacular panoramic views, peaceful surroundings, and a true escape into nature. Despite the ongoing renovations, visitors can still experience the beauty and tranquility of this mountain retreat.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park: New "Godumodumo Dinosaur Centre" is almost complete!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the construction of the Godumodumo Dinosaur Centre in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is at its tail-end phase. The launch of the state-of-the-art interpretive centre is expected towards the end of this financial year. The Godumodumo Dinosaur Centre is a legacy project that was funded by the National Department of Tourism (NDT) through its Tourism Infrastructure Development Fund in 2018. It will serve as an iconic tourist attraction modelled on the narrative interpretation of the paleontological, archaeological and geological evidence found at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is located in north eastern Free State in South Africa. The National Park covers an area of 340 km² and is known for its dramatic golden, ochre, and orange-hued, deeply eroded sandstone cliffs. The Free State's only national park is home to mongooses, eland, zebras, and over 100 bird species.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park: SANParks has cancelled the Golden Gate Classics 2020!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Golden Gate Classics 2020 has been cancelled due to the uncertainty regarding COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in South Africa. Usually held in December, the Golden Gate Classics is a weekend of Classical and Jazz music held under the stars at the foothills of the majestic Maluti Mountain Range in Golden Gate Highlands National Park. According to SANParks Managing Executive: Tourism Development & Marketing, Hapiloe Sello, SANParks is looking forward to be hosting the Golden Gate Classics at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in 2021 again.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is located in north eastern Free State in South Africa. The National Park covers an area of 340 km² and is known for its dramatic golden, ochre, and orange-hued, deeply eroded sandstone cliffs. The Free State's only national park is home to mongooses, eland, zebras, and over 100 bird species.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released a new destination video showcasing Golden Gate Highlands National Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released a new destination video showcasing Golden Gate Highlands National Park in South Africa's north-eastern Free State. Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains, the National Park's most notable features are its golden, ochre amd deeply eroded sandstone cliffs and outcrops as well as its numerous caves and shelters displaying San rock paintings. Golden Gate Highlands National Park consists of 340 km² and is home to a variety of wildlife, including Bearded Vulture, Bald Ibis, Black Wildebeest, Eland and Oribi.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is located close to the villages of Clarens and Kestell, in the upper regions of the Little Caledon River. The National Park is situated 320km from Johannesburg, 330km from Bloemfontein and 350km from Pietermaritzburg. Accommodation in the National Park is available at the Golden Gate Highland Hotel, the Glen Reenen Rest Camp, the Highlands Mountain Retreat, the Basutho Cultural Village, the Noordt Brabant Guest House and the Wilgenhof Environmental Education Centre.

South Africa: Golden Gate Highlands National Park opens new interpretation centre!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has opened a new interactive interpretation centre in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State. Located in the reception of the Glen Reenen Rest Camp, the "Glen Reenen Interpretation Centre" showcases the natural history, palaeontology, geology and cultural history of the park, offering an additional activity and attraction in the National Park. The exhibition was put together by SANParks Honorary Rangers in cooperation with SANParks. The "Glen Reenen Interpretation Centre" is free for all visitors.

South Africa: Annual tariff increase for two National Parks!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the annual tariff increase for Marakele National Park in Limpopo and Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State. The entry tariffs and other related tariffs for both National Parks are set to increase on 01 November 2017.

Marakele National Park - new fees

• daily conservation fee for adults: R48/person (South African citizens)
• daily conservation fee for childern under 12 years old: R24/person (South African citizens)
• daily conservation fee for adults: R96/person (SADC nationals)
• daily conservation fee for children: R48/person (SADC nationals)
• daily conservation fee for adults: R192/person (international visitors)
• daily conservation fee for children: R96/person (international visitors)
  

Activities such as morning/sunset drives will be R260/person whilst guided walks will go up to R350/person from R325/person.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park - new fees

• daily conservation fee for adults: R48/person (South African citizens)
• daily conservation fee for childern under 12 years old: R24/person (South African citizens)
• daily conservation fee for adults: R96/person (SADC nationals)
• daily conservation fee for children: R48/person (SADC nationals)
• daily conservation fee for adults: R192/person (international visitors)
• daily conservation fee for children: R96/person (international visitors)

• Rhebok Trail - R195 per person (only Adults)
• Horse riding - 1 hour ride: R110; 2 hour ride: R165 
• A tour to the Basotho Cultural Village will now be as follows: 
• Cultural Tour: R60 per person for South African citizens and R80 per person for foreign visitors  
• Herbal Trail: R60 per person for South African citizens and R80 per person for foreign visitors 
• Museum Tour: R60 per person for South African citizens and R80 per person for foreign visitors

Clarens & Golden Gate Highlands National Park promotional video

Have you ever been to Clarens? Is it already on your route map for your next holiday in South Africa? If not, watch the short promotional video about Clarens and neighboring Golden Gate Highlands National Park made by South African Tourism. We are pretty sure that, after watching the video, you might defo consider visiting Clarens and the park on your next trip to or around South Africa. Enjoy!