The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre
As part of Project Tugela Falls, a fellow hiker and I had the opportunity to explore Clarens for the day. The morning started early — I departed Pretoria at 05:00, aiming to reach the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre by 09:00.
The centre is about 22 km from Clarens, situated within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. As you drive into the park, the Maluti Mountains greet you immediately—and quite dramatically, I might add. You simply follow the road until the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre appears on your left, right next to the Glen Reenen Campsite.
Being early, we practically had the parking lot to ourselves. The campsite, however, was buzzing—and sure enough, as the morning wore on, people began making their way over to visit the centre. Smart move, really.
Okay, let’s get going.
Walking towards the entrance, you can’t help but notice the magnificent mountain vista behind this beautifully understated building—designed, it seems, to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. It’s the kind of architecture that doesn’t shout but rather whispers, “I belong here.”
The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre showcases the dinosaurs that once roamed this area. Tannie Patricia opened the centre in June 2025, so everything is fresh, functional, and properly looked after. The entrance fee is R110 — not bad at all for a brief step back through geological time.
We started by walking down a long passage lined with fascinating facts dating back 200 million years. This led into a small cinema where a 10-minute introduction video played. It opens with an elderly African woman telling the story of the Basotho people of QwaQwa and the great beast that once roamed their land—”Kgodumodumo, kgodumodumo”—in a way that sends a quiet shiver down the spine.
Afterwards, we were free to roam the centre at our own pace. As you move through the museum, you are educated about everything from the geology of the rocks beneath your feet to the mighty creatures that once called this valley home. All in all, it kept us thoroughly entertained for about two hours before we made our way back to Clarens.
Around the Square in Clarens
Clarens was quite the buzz when we arrived—the Clarens Craft Beer Festival was in full swing, drawing a livelier crowd than usual. We focused our attention around the square, which is essentially the heartbeat of Clarens. Most of the action happens right here.
We had a few quick peeks into shops as we made our way toward The Purple Onion and Die Blou Donki Gallery, which sit conveniently next to one another. The Purple Onion is beloved for its farm-style deli goods and artisanal produce and for what many consider the best view in Clarens—a sweeping mountain panorama enjoyed from its open patio. It’s the perfect spot for a light meal, a good coffee, and a moment to simply breathe in the surroundings. Die Blou Donki Gallery can be accessed from within The Purple Onion. The art on display is made by artists who live in the area — a lovely touch.
Moving on, we made our way clockwise around the square. Next on the itinerary was the Clarens Brewery — or so we thought. The place was packed to the rafters, and we decided to move on. This one will have to wait until next time.
As we continued, my fellow hiker needed to attend to some work matters, so I slipped into The Source, which had some excellent T-shirts on sale. They carry the SENQU brand of clothing, and on my way back to Pretoria I popped in again and grabbed a few for the family. They were a hit. A solid win.
Right next to The Source sits The Square Restaurant. I decided to try their hazelnut iced coffees, and they did not disappoint—absolutely delicious. I didn’t get a chance to test the food, but if the ice coffees are anything to go by, the menu must be worth exploring. I think. It’s now firmly on the itinerary for next time.
Just around the corner, we popped into The Ugly Duckling to browse their collection of antique furniture and assorted curiosities. If hunting for vintage treasures is your thing, this is your place.
Right next door is the Clarens Kooperasie Restaurant. They were kind enough to let us use the facilities without being paying customers—always appreciated. On my way back, I noticed a small stage set up for live entertainment and a waiter carrying a tray of tequila shots to a very happy-looking table. It has the look of a place that gets seriously fun as the evening rolls on. Also one for next time.
Making our way back toward where we started, my fellow hiker had the bright idea to venture down a side alley away from the square—and it paid off. We discovered a bibliophile bookstore selling both new and old books. We had a good browse, a book was purchased, and the lovely lady running the shop made for wonderful conversation about literature and the upcoming Clarens Arts Festival in April. Definitely worth checking out.
The Final Stop: The Platform
Still on route back to where we started, we decided a cold one was in order and settled on The Platform. They brew their own Mohope Beer in-house, and given the busy morning we’d had, the timing was absolutely perfect.
A word of caution, though—especially for those who are not seasoned beer drinkers. I had two of those jugs and felt quite tipsy afterwards. The beer was cold, the atmosphere was lekker, and our waitress was friendly and helpful. We tipped her well on the way out.
Next to The Platform is Clementines Restaurant. We briefly considered it but they were still setting up for the day, and the vibe felt a touch too fancy for where we were at. However, if you enjoy a refined dining experience and find yourself in Clarens, I’d recommend giving them a visit. They’re on the list for next time.
The Platform was our last stop in Clarens for the day, and honestly, it was a fitting one. From there, we grabbed a few things for the braai that evening and made our way to Rustplaas Guest Farm, where the rest of the hiking group had gathered for Project Tugela Falls—but that, as they say, is another story entirely.
Until Next Time
That’s all from me for now.
May this short story inspire you to slow down and explore Clarens a little more thoroughly the next time you visit.
To things worth doing and places worth seeing.
P.S. Remember — just be a lekker human.
