Welcome to JB1 Farm Safaris

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 Safaris 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 Safaris

Eco-Friendly Comfort in the Higveld

At JB1 Safaris, 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

Please Note

 Hot Water → Left Tap  -  Please wait a few minutes for the Gas or Solar heating to start.

Gas stove → Turn left and pusch in to exnight.

Unplug and unwinding → there’s no TV or radio here, just the sounds of nature

Housekeeping only provided for stays longer than 2 nights

We are a smoke-free property. Thank you for respecting our space.

 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.

TRAIL MAP & DETAILS

Trail Name        Distance Estimated time        Difficulty Highlights

Dam                  3km                                         1 hr   Easy  Dam, birdlife, wildlife & picnic sport

Woodland Walk

4 km                  1.5 hr                                      Easy  Harsh sunlight, open fields, grass birdwatching

Hilltop Trek  

5 km                  2 hr                                        Moderate Panoramic views, wildlife & wildflowers

Sunset Ridge  

6 km                 2.5 hr                                      Moderate Sunset views, wildlife spotting

Biking to the river

12km                                                               Easy  

✅ 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.

Optional:

You can provide a map of trails with estimated distances and difficulty levels so visitors can plan their hikes.

If you like, I can draft a printable, rustic-style sign or brochure for your farm’s hiking trails that matches your JB1 Safaris branding.

It could include icons for difficulty, estimated times, and scenic spots.

�� Fishing – 5km of riverfront & Dam

Bass haven

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. We encourage the taking of fish under 3 kg.

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 Safaris 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.

Magnap Hunt

A great challenge for any seasoned hunter, designed to test skill, strategy, and versatility.

This hunt provides a balanced and exciting experience, combining game hunting, fishing, and bird shooting in one adventure.

• Group Size: Designed for a maximum group of four hunters.
• Timing: Hunts may take place from sunset to sundown.
• Requirements: Each hunter must:

Shoot one blesbuck

Catch one fish

Shoot one bird in flight

Father & Son/Daughter Hunt

We specialize in first-time hunter experiences, providing a memorable adventure for fathers and sons—or daughters.

Share the thrill of the hunt and create lifelong memories together.

First-Time Hunter Experience

Our absolute favorite! This package is designed to introduce new hunters to the sport safely and enjoyably, focusing on skill development, confidence, and the joy of a first successful hunt.

Hunting Rules & Terms

1. Introduction

These rules apply to all hunting parties on [Farm Kromdraai JS292, Witbank, Mpumalanga,1035]. By entering the property and taking part in the hunt, you accept and agree to these terms.

2. Firearms & Ammunition

a.  Hunters must bring and use their own firearms and ammunition.
b. All firearms must be legally owned, licensed, and transported according to national and provincial law. Proof of license and identification must be presented on request.
c. Firearms must be shot-in / sighted-in at the farm in a designated safe area before any hunting activity begins.

3. Selection of Animals

a. The landowner or authorized farm representative will select which animals may be taken.

Hunters may not shoot unapproved animals.
b. Species, age, sex, or individual animals may be reserved for conservation or management purposes.

4. Wounded Animals & Dispatch

a. Hunters will pay the full price for any animal wounded but not recovered.
b. The farm reserves the right to humanely dispatch any wounded or dangerous animal to prevent suffering or risk to people, stock, or dogs.

Hunters will be notified as soon as possible.

c.  The landowner of farm representative has the last say in this matter. Blood or no blood on the ground.

5. Safety & Conduct

a. All hunters must follow instructions from the farm representative, guides, or owners.
b. No shots may be taken except under clear, safe conditions and with confirmation from the landowner or farm representative/guide when required.
c. Alcohol and recreational drugs are strictly prohibited while hunting. Intoxicated individuals may be removed from the property and forfeit payments or deposits.

6. Dogs & Equipment (Optional)

Hunters bringing dogs must ensure they are trained, under control, and vaccinated.

Owners are responsible for any damage or injury caused by their dogs.

7. Legal Compliance & Insurance

Hunters must comply with all applicable hunting, firearms, and wildlife regulations.

Hunters are responsible for obtaining permits and carrying their own insurance and medical coverage.

8. Payments & Charges

Full payment, trophy fees, and penalties (including wounded or lost animals) are as outlined in the booking invoice or farm fee schedule. Failure to pay may result in legal action.

9. Liability & Indemnity

Hunters participate at their own risk. The farm and its staff are not liable for injury, loss, or damage except where required by law. Hunters agree to indemnify and hold the farm harmless against claims arising from their actions or negligence.

10. Termination & Removal

The farm may refuse service or remove any person for rule violations, unsafe conduct, or unlawful behavior. No refunds will be issued unless required by law.

11. Acceptance

By booking and paying a deposit or signing below, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these rules.

Hunter name: _____________________
Signature: _____________________
Date: ______________

Farm representative: _____________________

PET FRIENDLY

· YOUR FUR BABIES are very welcome with prior arrangement; ONLY 4 small dogs or 2 large dogs, per stay.   

· We do not allow dogs to be on the beds or furniture but if your dogs are used to it please ensure that you bring your own covers as we know muddy paws cannot always be controlled. (Just like tired muddy mountain bikers).  

· DRY-CLEAN WILL BE CHANGE IF NOT USED.

· Dogs must be socialized, neutered, house trained and pose no danger to other animals and our doggies.

· Owners must bring their own pet bedding

· We ask that you DON'T leave your pets unattended or locked up in your unit.

This is very stressful for your pet as it's in an unfamiliar environment.

· Please scoop when your fury’s poop. (It’s the right thing to do!).

Make sure that the vaccinations (Rabies) are up to date and that the necessary flea and tick treatments have been done at least a few weeks prior to arrival as these nasty creatures can pop out at any time. 

PROOF OF VACCANITION CARD WITH BOOKING.

· No excessive barking or aggressive behavior allowed

· Witbank do have a pet friendly mall at Ben Fleur with a Mug and Bean to go and drink something along with your fury. (Just enquire beforehand).

Please ensure that they are leashed for their safety and yours while out exploring.

· JB1 Safaris takes no responsibility for any animal or human staying with us for any injuries or illnesses you or your animals may incur while visiting us.

· JB1 Safaris has a small garden which is very well fenced with electrical wire at the bottom for small breeds not to get through.  We are in a game camp with trails that can be followed on lead.