Welcome to JB1 Farm Stay

An malaria-free, semi-bushveld paradise nestled on the banks of the Great Olifants River.

Conveniently located less than two hours’ drive from Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Nelspruit, our farm lies along the R555 between Middelburg and Witbank (eMalahleni), approximately 15 km from Witbank and 20 km from Middelburg, Mpumalanga.

Easily accessible yet wonderfully private, JB1 Stay offers the perfect escape from city life.

In 2017, we embarked on a new journey and found our new home on Kromdraai Farm — the very place you’re visiting today.

Within just 62 days, we built our homestead, workshop, and borehole; fenced the game camp; moved our animals; and gave life to JB1 Safaris.

The name JB1 stands for Jesus Be First — a motto that guides us every day.

Kromdraai Farm boasts over 5 km of pristine riverfront along the Olifants River — a true bass fishing paradise and a tranquil retreat for nature lovers.

Over time, we’ve been blessed to share this special place with like-minded people who appreciate the beauty, peace, and purpose that JB1 Safaris embodies.

We hope you enjoy your breakaway and experience the serenity we’ve come to cherish.

FANIE & MC Oosthuizen

Accommodation – Cottage @ JB1 Stay

Eco-Friendly Comfort in the Higveld

At JB1 Stay, we believe in living close to nature. Our cottage is 100% off-grid, powered by solar and gas, with pure borehole water you can drink straight from the tap.

The Cottage

Our self-catering cottage accommodates up to 6 guests and is designed for both comfort and simplicity.

Layout & Sleeping Arrangements:

• 2 Bedrooms + Loft (serves as a 3rd bedroom)
• Sleeps 4 adults + 2 kids
• Bedding options:
• 1 Double bed + 2 Single beds, or
• 4 Single beds
• Loft: 2 single sleeper couches (perfect for kids)

Facilities:

• Bathroom with shower-over-bath
• Fully equipped self-catering kitchen
• Open-plan lounge & dining area overlooking nature
• Braai (BBQ) facilities + outdoor patio for morning coffee or sundowners
• Linen & bath towels included
• Eco-Friendly Features:
• Solar-powered geyser
• Gas stove for cooking & boiling water
• French drain toilet system

 Camping

 Camping facilities can be arranged on request.

 Come test your gear before that big African expedition.

• ⚠️ No electricity.
• No running water.
• No hot showers.
• Only a long drop.
• Just you, the bush, and the stars.

Activities 

Whether you’re here for birding;  biking – hiking - walks, fishing, hunting, or simply a peaceful family break, our pet-friendly stay offers the comfort of home in the middle of the bushveld.

Birdwatching

The Witbank and Middelburg areas offer diverse habitats, including mountains, streams, dams, and lush vegetation, attracting a variety of bird species.

Common species you may encounter include robins, oxpeckers, kingfishers, hornbills, woodpeckers, shrikes, boubous, and starlings. Be on the lookout for the Bald Ibis.

✅ Tips for a Good Birding Outing

• Go early morning or late afternoon — birds are more active and lighting is better. 
• Bring binoculars, a field guide/app, and preferably a notebook or phone to log sightings.
• Check water levels and habitat conditions  — wetter = more water-birds.
• Explore different habitat zones: wetland, grassland, riverine, woodland.
• Respect the environment: stay on tracks, avoid disturbing birds (especially nesting ones), and pack out your rubbish.
• View the Bird Checklist – at the back of the book

Biking(mountain), Hiking & Walks on the Farm

Enjoy scenic trails through open fields, woodlands, and along streams.

Hiking here gives you a chance to spot wildlife, listen to birds, and experience the peace of nature.

✅ Tips & Guidelines for a safe and enjoyable hike:

• Stay on designated road to protect both yourself and the farm’s wildlife.
• Wear comfortable footwear suitable for uneven terrain.
• Bring water and snacks—trails can be long and the sun can be strong.
• Take your time: enjoy the views, take photos, and observe birds and other wildlife.
• Keep dogs on a leash to protect wildlife and other hikers.
• Leave no trace: carry your litter out with you.

�� Fishing – 5km of riverfront & Dam

Bass haven at JB1 Farm Stay

We’re proud to offer 5 km of pristine river frontage on the Olifants River, providing anglers with a variety of water types and fishing challenges.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, our waters promise action-packed days with strong, fit bass.

On a good day, catching 50+ bass is not uncommon!

Proven Lures & Techniques:

• Plastic Lures: Flukes, speed craws, and stick bait consistently produce results.
• Top Colors: Black-and-blue flake, green pumpkin, and white.
• Technique: Dead-stick plastics on a sensitive 7-foot medium-heavy cranking rod or twitch a fluke-style jerk bait over structure for aggressive strikes.

Topwater Action:

Nothing beats the thrill of a topwater strike! Slow-roll a buzz bait past rocky cover and get ready for heart-pounding action.

Gear Tip: A 7’6” medium-heavy fast-action rod paired with 35 lb. braided line works perfectly.

Record Catch at JB1:

Our biggest bass to date weighed 6.8 kg and measured 74 cm.

After an epic battle, she was safely released to fight another day—true catch-and-release sportsmanship!

Spinnerbaits mimic baitfish being spooked, and they can produce some unforgettable catches.

A slow-rolled spinnerbait accounted for the first-ever 4 kg bass on the river at JB1.

At first, I thought I was into a decent barbel, as she took line rapidly.

Just 20 meters further, she leapt clear of the water, flashing a massive bucket mouth—an incredible sight! After a few heart-pounding moments, the fish was safely lipped, photographed, and released, leaving me with a bruised ego but a fantastic story.

Carp & Barbel

Our river is abundant with carp and barbel, so much so that we believe it may be overpopulated. 

If you don’t eat them yourself, consider sharing your catch with our local farm staff, it’s greatly appreciated!

Record Catch:

The biggest carp caught at JB1 weighed an impressive 10.3 kg!

This fish fell for an artificial lure—a jig head with a small curly tail grub.

She was safely released into the dam near the cottage and is now estimated to be approaching 20 kg.

Catch & Release Guidelines

• Catch and Release Only: Preserve our sport for future anglers.
• Handle with Care: Do not drop fish on the ground.
• Be Quick: Minimize the time your catch is out of the water.
• Photo Tips: Take photos swiftly and support the fish upright until it swims away powerfully.
• Fishing at the Dam: Only permitted after 10:00 AM to allow wildlife time to feed and drink.

Conservation Note:

· Please release all large bass, carp and barbel safely to help maintain the health of our river ecosystem and ensure future angling adventures.

HUNTING

JB1 Stay offers a true Highveld hunting experience, with a wide range of game for hunting enthusiasts.

Hunters are required to bring their own equipment, ensuring a personalized and well-prepared adventure.

We don’t just sell hunts—we provide an exclusive, personal experience.

As a one-man operation, we take pride in working closely with each client, creating a unique and memorable adventure.

By focusing on smaller, family-orientated groups, we can offer full attention and guidance throughout your hunt.

To maintain this personal touch, we accommodate only one group at a time, with no shared facilities or overlapping groups.

This ensures a private, comfortable, and authentic hunting experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Highveld wilderness.

Game & Wildlife

Our property is home to several game species, including:

• Baboon
• Blesbuck
• Duiker
• Jackal
• Impala
• Mountain Reedbuck
• Springbuck

You’ll encounter these animals in their natural habitats, across diverse landscapes of mountains, wetlands, and grasslands.

Hunting Territory Details

• · Territory Type: Fenced
• · Size: 250 ha
• · Landscape: 60% plains, 30% hills, 10% mountains
• · Structure: 90% fields/bush, 2% forest, 8% agricultural land
• · Languages Spoken by Staff: English, Afrikaans

Experience hunting in the Highveld’s stunning scenery, with rolling hills, wetlands, and wide-open grasslands—an adventure designed for those seeking both challenge and tranquility.

Hunting Packages

Annual Hunting Quotas:
Hunting quotas are determined annually based on rainfall, ensuring the sustainable preservation of our fauna and flora.

All game harvesting is carefully managed to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

We offering the following packages please enquire

Magnap Hunt

Father & Son/Daughter Hunt

First-Time Hunter Experience

PET FRIENDLY

Pet Policy at JB1 Stay
• Your fur babies are very welcome — by prior arrangement only. A maximum of 4 small dogs or 2 large dogs per stay.
• We kindly ask that dogs stay off the beds and furniture. However, if your dogs are used to it, please bring your own covers — we understand that muddy paws (just like tired, muddy mountain bikers!) can’t always be controlled.
• Please scoop when your furry poops — it’s the right thing to do! 🐶
Ensure all vaccinations, especially rabies, are up to date, and that flea and tick treatments have been done at least a few weeks before arrival (those pesky critters can appear at any time).
Proof of vaccination card is required with your booking.
• JB1 Safaris has a small, well-fenced garden with an electric wire along the bottom to keep small breeds safely inside. We are located within a game camp, and there are lovely trails guests can explore — dogs must please remain on lead while out and about.