Season 11 Winner Hungani Ndlovu Scouts Thailand
As anticipation builds for the 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure, viewers were treated to a glimpse of what could be the show’s next exotic location, as past winner Hungani Ndlovu touched down in Thailand alongside host Zanele Potelwa in this week’s episode of Tropika Island Search.
Tasked with exploring whether Thailand has what it takes to host the next season of the hit reality competition, Ndlovu experienced the country’s vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery and signature island lifestyle firsthand, and it made an immediate impression.
From the bustling markets of Patong to the serene waters of Maya Bay, Hungani immersed himself in the local culture to see how the island would challenge a new batch of contestants. Having walked away with the shared R1 million grand prize in Zanzibar last season, Hungani knows exactly what a “Treasured” location needs.
You visited the beautiful country of Thailand on this week’s episode of Tropika Island Search. What was your very first impression of Thailand the moment you arrived?
Thailand is such an interesting place. On arrival, the heat and humidity hit you immediately, but I guess it’s part of the charm. The people are kind and welcoming, definitely living up to its reputation as the ‘Land of Smiles.’ I was really excited to explore the tropical island and enjoyed the local food the stunning beaches.
What, in your opinion, makes it the perfect island pick for the 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure?
I believe Thailand is the ideal choice for Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12 because it’s got diverse beaches and the heat and humidity will challenge contestants to their limits. The tropical environment also offers numerous creative opportunities for challenges. Thailand has great potential to make this season memorable.
South Africans love a Thailand holiday. From the turquoise beaches to the beautiful scenery, the culture and the food. Why do you think so many people are drawn to this place?
I think, culturally, we’re not too far off. There’s a similar warmth and way of greeting people. The food is really good, with so much variety, and the local markets have great deals! Getting around by mopeds or tuk-tuks adds to the experience, and with the Rand stronger than the Thai Baht, it’s also a very affordable trip.
If you had 24 hours to help a friend truly experience the magic of Thailand, what would your itinerary look like?
I’ve got your perfect itinerary! Breakfast by 07h00; Phi Phi Island by 08h30; Maya Bay by 10h30; Lunch at Phi Phi Island at 12h00; Patong Beach at 14h00; Dinner & Shopping at Chillva Market from 16h30 – 19h30; Club time at Fuga Beach Club from 21h00 – 00h00.
Thai food is world-famous. What was the most memorable meal you had, and where?
I really enjoyed lunch at Phi Phi Island, but the most memorable thing was enjoying a fresh Mango Shake throughout the day! Every day!
You won the previous season of Tropika Island Of Treasure which took place in Zanzibar. What was that moment like for you?
Winning TIOT Season 11 in Zanzibar was truly life changing. Sharing the R1 Million prize with my partner, Dimakatso Calisa, and each walking away with a Suzuki Jimny was truly priceless. Since then, my life has evolved in the best way. I’ve pushed myself mentally, physically, and psychologically, taking on challenges that have helped me grow beyond anything I expected.
You had quite the experience on the show. Why should people consider entering a reality show like Tropika Island of Treasure?
I think people should consider entering the new season of Tropika Island Of Treasure because it’s truly life changing if you commit fully. The challenges push you physically and mentally, and while luck plays a role, strategy matters too. Whether you win or not, it changes how you think and how you talk to yourself. At the end of the day, it tests you in ways you never imagined, and you’ll come out grateful that you did it.
Tell us a little bit about your time as a contestant on Tropika Island of Treasure last season.
My experience on Tropika Island of Treasure was incredible – and not just because I won. I got to make new friends and connect with people I wouldn’t normally meet, in some of the most interesting ways. From building relationships to growing personally, it was a journey of self-belief. I started at the bottom and ended up at the top, and while strategy played a role, there was also a very “Jesus Take The Wheel!” element to the journey. Overall, it was an experience I’ll never forget.
Auditions for the new season are now open. What advice do you have for contestants wanting to stand out with their entry video?
My advice would be to just be yourself, showcase your personality, your creativity, and ultimately why someone would love to have you as a partner. No one is perfect, so people shouldn’t strive to position themselves in that manner.
Auditions For Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12 close on 5 May 2026
While the search for the perfect island destination is about to begin, Tropika is also looking for eight smoooth members of the public to join the season 12 celebrities on the island.
Think you have what it takes to compete alongside these celebrities? Upload your audition tape to either TikTok, Facebook, X or Instagram, tagging @MyTropika and using the hashtag #Tropika. Finalists will compete for the grand prize of a shared R1 million and receive a R10,000 shopping voucher from Pep to ensure they are island-ready in style. Auditions are now open and close on 5 May 2026.
By taking viewers across continents before the main competition even begins, Tropika Island Search raises the stakes and deepens the connection fans have with the franchise. It’s not just about arriving in paradise, it’s about discovering it.
Watch Tropika Island Search every Monday from 16 March at 18:00 on S3 with a repeat every Friday at 17:00 on SABC 1.
With an incredible line-up of celebrities, the upcoming 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure promises to be its smooothest, most unforgettable adventure yet.
Connect Tropika with on social media:
Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | TikTok | Hashtag: #Tropika
Connect with S3 (formerly SABC 3) on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
About Tropika Island of Treasure:
Tropika Island of Treasure is a South African reality competition television series that first aired in 2008 features an equal number of South African celebrities and public contestants competing in a variety of challenges on a luxurious paradise-island location for a grand prize of a shared R1 million.
History of Tropika:
Tropika has been bringing smooothness to the world for forty years, having first launched way back in 1984. Made from a combination of fruit juice and dairy, Tropika is still the market-leading dairy fruit mix in South Africa.
In 2008 we launched Tropika Island of Treasure – an exciting reality show that sees celebrities paired up with everyday South Africans to compete to win R1 million. Together, these inspirational teams of two take part in super-cool events to prove their smooothness, and with such an incredible fan reaction, Tropika Island of Treasure is currently gearing up for its impressive eleventh season. From Mauritius to Curacao, Phuket, Mexico, Jamaica, Seychelles, and the Maldives, Tropika Island of Treasure has taken South Africa by storm, and it only promises to get better from here.
In 2016, we won the ‘Product of the Year’ Award in the Dairy Beverages category at the Innovation Awards for Tropika Long Life, showing just how much our customers love the smoooth taste of Tropika, and the convenience of being able to keep it fresh for longer.
Once again proving South Africa’s love for the smooothest drink around, in 2019 Tropika was voted as the country’s Coolest Dairy Product in the Sunday Times Generation Next Awards. An annual survey conducted by HDI Youth Consultancy, the Gen Next awards poll more than seven thousand South African youths between the ages of eight and 23 on what they find on-trend and aspirational, and we’re proud to know that they love the smoooth taste of the Tropika island life as much as we do. In 2023, the campaign also won a coveted SAFTA award for Best Reality Competition TV show in South Africa.
There’s nothing smooother than Tropika!
