Tropika Island of Treasure Returns This September With Season 12

Tropika Island of Treasure is officially back on screen, bringing another season of sun, competition, celebrities and high-stakes challenges. The popular South African reality competition television series will premiere on Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 21:00 on SABC 1, with the show entering its 12th season.

Taking the reins as host for the 12th season is television and radio presenter Zanele Potelwa, who returns to guide viewers through another action-packed adventure. With a new group of contestants, exciting challenges and a paradise-island setting, the latest season is promising to bring plenty of surprises.

Tropika Island of Treasure is a South African reality competition television series. The show features an equal number of South African celebrities and public contestants competing in a luxurious, paradise-island location for a cash prize. Over the years, the series has become a favourite among viewers, combining entertainment, adventure and intense competition in one tropical setting.

This season will see several well-known South African celebrities taking part in the competition. The celebrity contestants who will appear on the television series include rapper Nadia Nakai, actress Amanda Du Pont, actor Wiseman Ncube, middle-distance runner Caster Semenya, and actress Leandie du Randt.

With such a diverse group of personalities entering the competition, viewers can expect different personalities, strategies and competitive styles to collide as the contestants battle it out for the ultimate prize.

Zanele Potelwa recently spoke about being back for another season, revealing just how excited she is about what lies ahead. The 12th season promises fresh twists, high-stakes challenges, breathtaking locations and the trademark adventure that has made the show a fan favourite since it made its debut in 2008.

“Being back as host for Tropika Island Of Treasure is a dream come true. I am beside myself that I get to come back and host another season. I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, that this is going to be the biggest season yet,” Zanele Potelwa says.

She adds: “I don’t think anyone is ready for the surprises, the celebrity contestants, which island we might be going to and everything else we have done behind the scenes to make this season special.”

With the return of familiar adventure, a new celebrity line-up and contestants ready to push themselves to their limits, Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12 is shaping up to be one of the biggest seasons yet. Fans will have to tune in from 23 September to see who can handle the pressure, conquer the challenges and ultimately come out on top.