Summary: Dunedin Farm offers excellent potential to see the rare, endemic Riverine Rabbit. After a visit to the nearby Karoo National Park, my father (Clide Carter) and I booked a night at the Riverine Rabbit Retreat on Dunedin Farm (Western Cape, South Africa). We had low expectations of seeing the Riverine Rabbit but after some pointers from Johan Moolman (the farm owner) we had great views of one before sunset; and saw another two with Johan the next morning. We extended our stay for another two nights once we realized the potential for other smaller mammals and reptiles. Our trip total of 17 mammals included Aardwolf, Bat-eared Fox, Cape Sengi and Hewitt’s Red Rock Hare. This trip report morphed into a site guide as there is nothing else published and I believe it is most likely the best place to look for Riverine Rabbit.
Riverine Rabbit
Dunedin Farm and Riverine Rabbit Retreat
Dunedin Farm is a working farm owned by Johan and Marietha Moolman. They and their two sons are very keen on the local wildlife and were extremely helpful in giving us a detailed rundown on all the species and locations that they knew of. Manus (13) is especially keen and a local authority on the resident birds which include some Karoo specialties.
The farm is halfway between Beaufort West and Loxton in the Western Cape (South Africa); and is within the Sak River Conservancy. Guests at the farm stay in the Riverine Rabbit Retreat guesthouse which is a very comfortable, fully-contained farmhouse about 5 km from the Dunedin farmhouse (home of the Moolmans).
The Retreat has 5 bedrooms, with space for at least 10 guests. It is set up for self-catering. Rental is very reasonable and rates are per person. For reservations contact Marietha at moolmankaroo@gmail.com
Directions to Dunedin from Beaufort West: Take the N2 road towards Johannesburg. After about 1 km you turn left (north) on the R381 and follow that for 56 km to the Dunedin Farmhouse. It would take about one hour without stops. The first 14 km is sealed road (along the eastern edge of the Karoo NP), followed by 10 km good gravel road through the Molteno Pass. After this gravel section there is a further 32 km (sealed road + gravel) to the Dunedin Farm main gate. Dunedin Farmhouse is 200 m off the main road. Note that the upper parts of the Molteno Pass is worth spotlighting if you stay in Beaufort West when visiting the Karoo NP.
Riverine Rabbit
The farm holds a good population of Riverine Rabbit with ongoing research in the area. Johan mentioned that the best time to see them is at dusk and dawn (and not necessarily at night) and showed us the two key areas (R1 and R2 on the google earth images below) along the banks of the Sak River and its tributaries.
We saw one very well at the R1 area at 6.30 pm; 30 minutes before sunset; it was grooming and foraging about 20 m off the main track. The next morning, with Johan, we walked the road through the R2 area for an hour and saw another two at around 7.15 and 7.30 am (sunrise was 6 am).
Riverine Rabbit rear view
Mammal List
Refer to the new post with 2016-2021 data here.
Reptile List
Refer to the new post with 2016-2021 data here.
Bird Records
Birds seen in 2016 included Rufous-eared Warbler, Lark-like Bunting, Karoo Eremomela, Spike-heeled Lark, Karoo Lark, Black-headed Canary, Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, Ludwig’s bustard, Rufous-cheeked Nightjar, Karoo Thrush. Cape Eagle Owl roost at Dam Hill. Verreaux’s Eagle nest at Eagle Nest Cliffs.
Wildlife Sites
Key sites are marked on the two google earth maps (in the trip report). The first map shows the northern area around the retreat; the second shows the southern area. For mammals I suggest focusing on the areas around Dam Hill, R1, T1 and the Retreat.
Revised maps and site notes (including 2018 and 2021 data) is shown here.
Google Earth image of southern area