Tropika Island of Treasure S12 on SABC 1

Everything to know about Tropika Island Of Treasure

September 22, 2026

The wait is almost over! Tropika Island Of Treasure is returning to screens this Wednesday, 23 September at 9PM on SABC 1 for its highly anticipated 12th season, bringing a fresh group of celebrities and everyday South Africans together for an adventure that promises big challenges, unexpected twists and a shot at R1 million.

This time around, the long-running reality competition is heading to the spectacular Réunion Island, giving viewers a brand-new setting as contestants battle it out across physical, mental and strategic challenges. With a mix of sporting champions, actors, entertainers and everyday South Africans, there is plenty to look forward to and plenty of unexpected twists when the new season kicks off. From the celebrity teams and the “Smoooth Fans” joining them to the challenges, destination and what viewers can expect from the new season, here’s everything you need to know about Tropika Island Of Treasure Season 12 before the premiere.

An epic celebrity line-up

The celebrity line-up brings together a beautiful mix of sporting champions, entertainers, actors and personalities, each bringing their own strengths and, no doubt, their own competitive spirit to the island. This season’s celebrity contestants are Nadia Nakai (Team Apple), Caster Semenya (Team Orange), Francois Hougaard (Team Tropical), Leandie du Randt (Team Blueberry Cheesecake), Sandile Mahlangu (Team Mango Peach), Amanda du-Pont (Team Peach), Lalela Mswane (Team Litchi) and Wiseman Mncube (Team Pineapple).

Returning to lead the adventure is award-winning presenter Zanele Potelwa, who brings her trademark energy, warmth and sense of fun back to the franchise. But while celebrity status might bring familiarity, Tropika Island Of Treasure has always been about what happens when famous faces are paired with everyday South Africans and this season is no different.

Meet The Smoooth Fans

Paired with the celebrities are eight everyday South Africans who earned their place through a competitive audition process. This year’s group includes content creator and athlete Ashay Sewlall, 5FM presenter Jodell Tantij, Chartered Accountant and endurance athlete Shaun Farrell, entrepreneur and actor Thando Zwane, pharmacist Anke Coetzer, content creator and outdoor enthusiast Iana Strydom, and final-year education student and personal trainer Andile Khuluse. The Smoooth Fans will be just as important to their teams’ journeys, bringing their own personalities, skills and competitive strengths into a competition where celebrity status alone won’t guarantee success.

Welcome to Réunion Island

This season also introduces viewers to a brand-new destination for the franchise: Réunion Island. Located in the Indian Ocean, Réunion is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush mountains, turquoise waters and vibrant cultural heritage, making it the perfect backdrop for an adventure that promises to be as visually spectacular as it is demanding.

For viewers, the move to Réunion Island also gives the 12th season a fresh visual identity, with the destination becoming an important part of the adventure alongside the contestants and challenges.

For the contestants, however, the island is more than a postcard-perfect destination. They’ll need to navigate an environment that will test them physically and mentally, while also relying on their partners and teammates to make it through the competition. With the island’s unique landscape providing the backdrop, viewers can expect plenty of adventure, beautiful scenery and a few surprises along the way.

Expect challenges that push contestants to their limits

This season, Tropika Island Of Treasure turns up the heat with a series of epic challenges designed to test far more than physical strength. Contestants will need to dig deep during demanding tests of speed, strength, stamina and endurance, while a new selection of puzzles and mental challenges will put their problem-solving skills, memory, strategy and ability to think under pressure to the test. From high-energy physical challenges that will have teams racing against the clock to brain-teasing puzzles where one wrong move could make all the difference, the competition will require celebrities and their partners to work together, communicate and play to each other’s strengths.

And that combination could make for some unpredictable viewing. A team might have the physical advantage, but the mental and strategic elements mean that communication and teamwork could prove just as important when it comes to staying in the competition. With unexpected twists along the way, being the strongest team won’t necessarily be enough, and contestants will need to stay sharp, adaptable and ready for anything if they want to make it to the treasure.

Tropika Island Of Treasure has always been about adventure, connection and creating unforgettable experiences, and Season 12 takes that spirit to an entirely new level. – Sveti Kovatcheva, Brand Manager: Dairy Fruit Mix at Clover.

Réunion Island provides an incredible backdrop for this season, but it’s the people, the partnerships and the challenges that will really bring the magic to life. We have an incredibly exciting group of contestants, and we can’t wait for viewers to get to know them, cheer them on and experience their journeys with them.

As SABC1, we are excited to welcome Season 12 to our screens, taking viewers on an exhilarating journey to Réunion Island, where celebrity contestants and everyday South Africans will push their limits, test their strategies and discover what it truly means to work as a team. We look forward to bringing viewers closer to the action and delivering another season of appointment viewing that celebrates the spirit of competition, connection and adventure. – Dichaba Phalatse, SABC Video Entertainment: Marketing Manager

When Does Tropika Island Of Treasure Season 12 Premiere?

The 12th season of Tropika Island Of Treasure, set against the stunning backdrop of Réunion Island, will premiere on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, at 21:00 on SABC 1, with a repeat every Thursday from 24 September at 18:00 on S3.

Viewers can look forward to a brand-new adventure, new team dynamics, challenging competitions and plenty of surprises as the celebrities and Smoooth Fans begin their journey towards the R1 million prize.

Tropika Island Of Treasure Season 12 premieres Wednesday, 23 September at 21:00 on SABC 1.