Major Changes Revealed in ‘I’m A Celebrity South Africa’ Filming Location
I’m A Celebrity… South Africa has returned with major changes to its filming location and format. Familiar campmates are back for another shot at being crowned a jungle legend.
Why the production moved to Kruger National Park
Producers relocated the series from Australia to Kruger National Park. They wanted a new, tougher environment for veteran contestants.
Kruger was established in 1898. The park supports vast wildlife. Official figures list 336 tree species, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, and 147 mammals.
- Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, rhinos.
- Other residents: zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles.
What the change means for trials and contestants
The move aims to push returning celebrities harder. The setting is described as harsher and more unforgiving.
Bushtucker Trials are said to be bigger and tougher. Contestants who know the Australian jungle must face fresh tests.
Pre-recorded series with a live finale
Unlike the regular series, the spin-off was largely pre-recorded. Filming took place in September 2025.
That means viewers had less real-time influence on trials and eliminations. The producers confirmed one live element remains.
Live final in London
The final will air live on Friday, April 24, 2026. Ant and Dec will host from a London studio rather than South Africa.
The show will be broadcast on ITV1, STV and ITVX. All finalists will appear in the studio for the result.
Fans can attend the final in person. Free tickets were made available via the Applause Store.
Impact on the main series
There is no indication the regular winter series will move permanently. The usual I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is expected to return to Australia in November.
Some returning contestants had earlier stints filmed outside Australia. A few completed their seasons at a haunted castle in Wales.
For more coverage of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa changes and the filming location, follow updates at Filmogaz.com.
