After finishing off the Sudwala Cave Tour, I decided to go and see what the Sudwala Dinosaur Park has to offer. Little did I know I was about to step back millions of years into a prehistoric world hidden within Mpumalanga’s lush landscape.
History
The Sudwala Dinosaur Park, situated adjacent to the ancient Sudwala Caves in Mpumalanga, South Africa, was the brainchild of Mr. Theo Owen (1927–2013). The initiative was officially launched in 1972, leading to the park’s grand opening in 1977.
Interestingly, the park was named in honor of Mr. P.R. Owen (1900–1972), who had been instrumental in constructing the access road to the Sudwala Caves during the late 1950s. Without his vision, accessing this remarkable area would have remained a challenge for visitors.
The park’s main attraction consists of numerous scientifically-themed, life-size models of prehistoric animals, including dinosaurs, ancient reptiles, and representations of prehistoric man. These impressive exhibits were sculpted by the talented artist Jan van Zijl, who is also recognized for his work on the former South African 2-cent coin.
Many of the models were sculpted near Johannesburg, with some even making an initial public appearance at the Rand Easter Show in 1976 before being permanently housed in the park’s characteristic lush, sub-tropical forest garden setting. It’s fascinating to think these giants once stood in an exhibition hall before finding their forever home among the greenery.
The Entrance
The entrance of the dinosaur park features a rather unique dinosaur skull that made for some striking pictures. The weathered concrete skull serves as the perfect introduction to what lies ahead, and I couldn’t resist snapping a few shots before heading to the entrance gate.
As I moved towards the pay point, I was greeted by a friendly individual who gave me the rundown of how everything worked, the cost involved, and he also happened to be the cashier. His enthusiasm for the park was evident, and he mentioned that the walk-through typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend at each exhibit.
I paid the R80 entrance fee, we took a picture together, and into the park I went.
Into the Prehistoric World
Stepping into the park felt like entering a different realm. The pathway wound through a dense, subtropical forest where the air hung heavy with humidity and the canopy above filtered the sunlight into dappled patterns on the ground. The sound of rustling leaves and distant bird calls created an unexpectedly immersive atmosphere. It’s not hard to imagine these ancient creatures once roaming through landscapes just like this.
As I followed the designated walkway, dinosaurs began appearing through the foliage. Some were small, perched near ground level, while others towered above the treeline. The strategic placement of these models among the vegetation was genuinely impressive—you’d round a corner and suddenly find yourself face-to-face with a massive predator or a gentle herbivore grazing among the ferns.
The Dinosaurs Themselves
The variety on display is remarkable. Early in the walk, I encountered a family of Stegosaurus, their distinctive back plates rising above the undergrowth. The attention to detail in van Zijl’s work is evident even decades later—you can see the texture in their skin, the individual plates, and the threatening tail spikes.
Further along, the undisputed star of the park revealed itself: a massive Tyrannosaurus Rex, frozen mid-stride with its mouth agape, displaying rows of fearsome teeth. Standing beneath this apex predator, even knowing it’s a sculpture, sends a genuine thrill down your spine. The scale is absolutely right, and it dominates the space around it.
I was also impressed by the Diplodocus, its long neck stretching up into the tree canopy. The sheer size of this gentle giant is something photos can’t quite capture—you need to stand beside it to truly appreciate the engineering feat of creating and installing such a massive structure.
The park doesn’t just showcase the famous dinosaurs either. There are lesser-known species, prehistoric marine reptiles, and even early mammals. Educational plaques accompany each exhibit, providing information about the species, their time period, and their characteristics. While some of the signs show their age with faded text, most remain readable and informative.
Condition and Maintenance
It’s worth noting that these sculptures have been standing for nearly 50 years, and it shows in places. Some models display weathering, cracks, and faded paint, which honestly adds a certain authentic, rugged quality to them. The park management has clearly made efforts to maintain the exhibits, with evidence of repairs and repainting some models.
The pathway itself is well-maintained, with clear signage throughout. There are benches placed at strategic intervals, which is appreciated on a warm Mpumalanga day. The route is relatively easy to navigate, though there are some gentle inclines that might challenge very young children or those with mobility issues.
Who Should Visit?
This park is an absolute must for families with dinosaur-obsessed children. The combination of life-size models and the natural forest setting creates a memorable experience that beats looking at pictures in books. I observed three families during my visit, and the children’s excitement was infectious.
For adult visitors and dinosaur enthusiasts, the park offers both nostalgia and genuine appreciation for van Zijl’s artistry. While it may not have the high-tech animatronics of modern dinosaur attractions, there’s something charming about these static giants standing sentinel in the forest.
Photographers will find plenty of opportunities here, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon when the light filters beautifully through the canopy.
Value for Money
At R80 for admission, the park represents reasonable value, especially when combined with the cave tour. Together, they make for a full half-day experience. The dinosaur park alone might feel slightly expensive for a 45-minute to one-hour walk, but the unique nature of the attraction and its historical significance justify the cost.
I’d definitely recommend doing both the cave tour and the dinosaur park if you’re visiting the area. They complement each other well—moving from the ancient geological formations underground to the prehistoric creatures above ground creates a cohesive journey through time.
Room for Improvement
If I’m being honest, the park could benefit from some modernization. Updated informational displays with QR codes linking to additional content, perhaps an audio guide option, or even some interactive elements would enhance the educational value. A small visitor center with fossils or additional exhibits could also extend the experience.
The gift shop, while stocked with the usual souvenirs, felt somewhat limited. More educational materials, books, or quality dinosaur models would be welcome additions.
Final Thoughts
The Sudwala Dinosaur Park is a wonderfully quirky piece of South African tourism history. It may not compete with modern, high-tech dinosaur experiences, but it doesn’t need to. Its charm lies in its authenticity, its beautiful forest setting, and the enduring quality of Jan van Zijl’s sculptural work.
Walking through this prehistoric garden, I found myself appreciating not just the dinosaurs, but the vision of those who created this space nearly 50 years ago. They built something that continues to spark imagination and wonder in visitors of all ages.
Would I return? Absolutely, especially if traveling with children or friends who haven’t experienced it. The Sudwala area offers a unique combination of natural wonder and carefully crafted attractions that you won’t find elsewhere in South Africa.
- Rating: 3/5 stars
- Recommended for: Families with children, dinosaur enthusiasts, anyone visiting the Sudwala Caves, photographers
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for better lighting and fewer crowds
- Allow: 45 minutes to 1 hour for a leisurely walk through the park
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