In the wake of COVID-19, many holiday destinations have been striving to recover by finding innovative ways to attract visitors.
However, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is embracing this challenge by highlighting one of its most extraordinary assets—its dinosaur heritage.
Long before the Eastern Free State became South Africa’s breadbasket, it was home to prehistoric creatures whose remains are now embedded in the park’s rich geological layers.
Park Manager Paddy Gordon highlights that while Golden Gate has long been known for its breathtaking landscapes and biodiversity, its collection of dinosaur fossils, footprints, and other paleontological treasures is now taking centre stage.
“These fossils, dating back to a time before the Jurassic period, offer critical insights into early dinosaur evolution and have drawn the attention of researchers worldwide,” said Gordon.
“People from around the world are studying our dinosaurs. They are older than the dinosaurs that we know from the Jurassic period, and they give answers to a lot of questions that palaeontologists have had. Even our rock formations and geology are also studied by people around the world.”
The park’s ancient rock formations have preserved a remarkable record of prehistoric life, from skeletal remains to the traces left by massive creatures that once roamed the land. “Scientists studying these fossils have uncovered groundbreaking evidence that is reshaping our understanding of early dinosaurs, making Golden Gate an essential site for global paleontological research.”
Recognising the significance of these discoveries, the park is almost in the final stages of completing its state-of-the-art Godumodumo Dinosaur Centre. This initiative aims to educate visitors about South Africa’s prehistoric past, offering interactive exhibits, fossil displays, and guided tours that bring the ancient world to life. By creating an engaging experience for tourists, the park hopes to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the country’s paleontological heritage.
The dinosaur centre is a legacy project that was funded by the department through its Tourism Infrastructure Development Fund in 2018.
Gordon explains that Godumodumo is a fearsome monster in Basotho folklore. According to legend, when the Basotho people were still a small nation, the monstrous Godumodumo swallowed them whole, trapping them in its vast belly. They remained inside until a brave hero, Moshenyana Senkatana, defeated the creature and freed his people.
Gordon described the inspiration behind the dinosaur building’s design, saying, “The building itself represents the dinosaur. When you step inside, it’s as if you’re being swallowed by Godumodumo. Before you exit, you’ll realise you’ve been inside the belly of the beast.”
“But the true challenge isn’t escaping—it’s overcoming fear. It wasn’t Godumodumo that consumed the nation, but their own fear. Conquer that, and you free yourself from the monster.”
Beyond its scientific value, the park remains committed to conservation, protecting the diverse ecosystems that have flourished here for millennia. While safeguarding present-day biodiversity is crucial, preserving the stories of the past is equally important. The dinosaur fossils found at Golden Gate offer a unique way to connect visitors with both natural history and scientific discovery.
As tourism destinations worldwide work to regain momentum, Golden Gate Highlands National Park is leveraging its prehistoric wonders to attract travellers, researchers, and adventure seekers alike. By stepping back in time to the age of dinosaurs, the park is positioning itself as a must-visit location for those eager to explore one of South Africa’s most fascinating and ancient landscapes.
Watch a video of Paddy Gordon as he takes us through the Golden Gate Highlands transformation and explains its rich dinosaur heritage below:
