Tropika Island Search Takes Fans Around the World

Fans of Tropika Island of Treasure are in for a new twist ahead of the highly anticipated 12th season. Clover has announced an exciting companion travel series titled Tropika Island Search, which gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how the show selects its next breathtaking island destination.

The new series expands the franchise by taking audiences across the globe as the search begins for the perfect tropical paradise for the upcoming season.

A Global Adventure with Zanele Potelwa

The series will be hosted by media personality Zanele Potelwa, who will travel to seven international destinations alongside a rotating group of former contestants from the show.

Together, they will evaluate potential island locations, exploring everything from scenic beauty and culture to adventure potential and suitability for the high-stakes challenges that define the series.

The scouting team includes familiar faces from previous seasons of the show:

• Hungani Ndlovu
• Shashi Naidoo
• Bobby Van Jaarsveld
• Nay Maps
• Jonathan Boynton-Lee
• Nqobile Khwezi
• Chad Jones

These former contestants bring first-hand experience and insight into what makes a location ideal for the Tropika Island adventure.

Exploring Seven Stunning Destinations

During the series, viewers will travel with the scouting team to some of the world’s most spectacular island and coastal destinations.

Locations featured in the search include:

• Mauritius
• Antalya
• Phuket
• Bali
• Mombasa
• La Réunion
• Vietnam

Each episode will showcase stunning beaches, cultural experiences, luxurious resorts and hidden gems as the team assesses which destination offers the perfect mix of adventure and iconic “Tropika island magic”.

A New Chapter for the Franchise

According to Miantha Roux, the new series offers fans a deeper connection to the show.

“With Tropika Island Search, we are opening the curtains and inviting viewers into the process. It’s not only about the final destination, it’s about the journey and the adventure that leads us there,” she explains.

Sveti Kovatcheva adds that bringing former contestants on the global search celebrates the strong community the show has built over the years.

By exploring destinations such as Bali, Antalya and Vietnam, the series aims to inspire viewers while building excitement for the upcoming season.

Auditions Now Open for Season 12

While the island search unfolds, auditions for the new season are officially open.

Members of the public have the chance to join the celebrity cast on the island by submitting audition videos through social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook, X or Instagram.

Applicants must tag @MyTropika and include the hashtag #Tropika. Finalists will compete for a share of the R1 million grand prize and receive a R10,000 Pep shopping voucher to prepare for the island adventure.

Auditions close on 5 May 2026.

When and Where to Watch

Tropika Island Search premieres on S3 every Monday at 18:00 from 16 March, with a repeat broadcast on SABC 1 every Friday at 17:00.

By taking viewers across continents before the competition begins, the series raises the stakes and adds a new layer of excitement to one of South Africa’s most beloved reality shows.

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