The search for the ultimate island paradise has moved to the white-sand shores of Mauritius. In the latest episode of Tropika Island Search, Zanele Potelwa is joined by fan-favourite and two-time contestant Nay Maps to explore whether this beloved destination holds the key to the upcoming 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure.
For Nay Maps, who competed in both season eight and the All-Stars season, returning to the island life provided a fresh perspective on a destination beloved by South African travellers. Beyond the luxury resorts and coral reefs, Maps found a culture defined by a surprising and beautiful diversity.
As he returns from the island, Nay opens up about why Mauritius feels like the ideal holiday escape for South Africans, the surprising cultural harmony he discovered and why the island could be the ultimate backdrop for the next season’s drama.
Mauritius is a beloved travel destination for South Africans. Why do you think the island is the perfect holiday destination?
I think Mauritius is a perfect holiday destination because it has the perfect weather, a warm tropical climate. It has beautiful turquoise lagoons filled with perfectly designed coral reefs surrounded by white-sand beaches. This gives a perfect snorkelling, swimming and water sports experience. It has luxury resorts and an intriguing cultural experience that one can experience all not far from each other.
What surprised you most about Mauritian culture and the blend of African, Indian, French and Creole influences?
What surprised me the most about the Mauritian culture was the diversity. The beauty in how multiple identities are able to coexist and thrive. I mean, there are mosques and temples, churches and a Chinese pagoda right next to each other. Another surprisingly interesting aspect is how Mauritians can speak English on a daily basis, but at home speak Creole and then use French to do business. It kind of reminded me of South Africa. It’s also very unexpected to find a country built and shaped by slavery and intense extreme labour which is now it’s known for peaceful coexistence.
If you had 24 hours to help a friend truly experience the magic of Mauritius, what would your itinerary look like?
We would wake up to beautiful sea views at a luxury resort, have a breakfast buffet made in an African style with Indian spices made with French techniques and topped up with a Creole flair and sass. Then we’d go snorkelling by the amazing coral reefs, try paddleboarding and then take a boat to the beautiful mountains and travel on sea to swim with the dolphins. Then, we’d come back to relax at the one of many luxury spas on the island before experiencing the island’s iconic markets. There is too much to fit into just 24 hours because there are incredible hiking and cycling trails by the beach and so much more to see and do.
Mauritius has such a unique fusion cuisine. What was your absolute favourite dish or meal?
My favourite meal on the island was the meal prepped by one of the head chefs on the island who made an exotically flavoured meal with chicken and some veggies which was really good. I can’t stop thinking about it!
Why do you think Mauritius is the perfect location for the upcoming season of Tropika Island of Treasure?
Mauritius is the perfect location for the upcoming season of Tropika Island of Treasure because it is perfectly balanced. It’s got beautiful beaches, Caribbean culture, African warmth, and European influence. Oh, and rumour has it that there could be a real life treasure hidden somewhere on the island.
After appearing on season 8 and the All-Stars season, what did you love most about being a contestant on Tropika Island of Treasure?
What I loved the most about being on Tropika Island of Treasure was getting to live and experience the island life far away from home and having an itinerary made for you to experience the island life. During my time on the show, I got to have fun doing activities while competing for a grand prize of a shared R1 million. I also love how the activities get to expose interesting sides that a person has, like how I react under pressure, how far my body can go, and how far my mind can stretch and achieve things I wouldn’t necessarily achieve in my everyday life. You get to experience more of who you are and what you possess as a person. You also meet interesting people along the way.
Auditions for the new season are now open. What advice do you have for contestants wanting to stand out with their entry video?
The advice I would give to someone wanting to stand out with their entry video is simple. Be yourself, be open-minded, allow your personality to come through. Make sure you’re also calm but excited and believe in yourself. Share what you are able to do and what you bring to the table.
Auditions for Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12 Now Open
While the search for the perfect island destination begins, 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? 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 open until 5 May 2026.
With Tropika Island Search now in full swing, viewers can join Zanele Potelwa and other past celebrity contestants as they continue the global search for the perfect island paradise for Season 12 of Tropika Island of Treasure.
Watch Tropika Island Search every Monday at 18:00 on S3 with a repeat every Friday at 16:00 on SABC 1.
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