When Showmax announced a cross-continent mix of Housewives sharing one villa, South African viewers knew this would not be a calm retreat. The first episode sets the tone quickly. The women gathered here were clearly invited for their edge, their unfinished business and their ability to stir the room rather than settle it.

Photo – Google

South Africa arrives with a strong presence. Annie Mthembu, Angel Ndlela and Jojo Robinson step in for Durban, while Christall Kay and Evodia “Madam” Mogase represent Johannesburg. From Kenya, the producers bring Dr Catherine Masitsa and Zena Nyambu. Nigeria sends Princess Jecoco and Mariam Timmer. Ten women in one space, each used to running her own show, is already a recipe for noise.

Introductions reveal the early cracks. Annie takes in the room with the calm confidence of someone who reads people fast. Princess walks in and immediately dominates the space. Mariam talks quickly, unwilling to let anyone get ahead of her. Annie’s greeting toward Dr C has a sharper edge, and by the time she reaches Zena and Christall, her tone has cooled noticeably.

Photo – Google

Christall feels the shift almost immediately. She walks in expecting warmth, but the stiff energy from Princess and Mariam throws her off. Later, she says the reception was so icy she had to decide whether to confront it or let it slide. For someone trying to reset her public image, it is not the start she was hoping for.

The tension between Dr C and Zena lands the heaviest. The moment Dr C spots Zena, her expression drops. Their issues from Nairobi were never sorted out properly, and seeing each other again drags all of it back to the surface. Viewers can see this storyline is far from finished.

Jojo’s approach is more measured. She stands back, watches the room and comments that the women look just like they do on screen. Depending on who hears it, the remark could be harmless or slightly loaded. Mariam insists she arrived with no agenda, although she does note that several women acted cautiously around her.

Photo – Google

One of the most interesting things about this season is the cultural mix. These women are not only bumping heads because of personality clashes. They are navigating communication styles that do not always translate neatly. A casual comment in Lagos might hit differently in Durban. A Nairobi joke does not always land in Johannesburg. Even the quiet moments get analysed.

There is also something refreshing about seeing African franchises steer the conversation instead of mimicking US formats. The production looks sharp, the cast feels authentic to their cities and the interactions carry real regional energy rather than a copy-and-paste reality formula. South African viewers can tell who is putting on a show, who is being careful and who is pretending everything is fine.

Photo – Google

This is not a series built for peace. Someone will feel singled out. Someone will hint at leaving. Someone will claim they are being pushed into a corner. What sets this season apart is how much of the friction sits beneath the surface, shaped by background as much as personality.

If this is the opening chapter, The Real Housewives Ultimate Game Trip: African is heading for an unpredictable run. Ten strong women in one villa, and no production notes strong enough to keep them calm, is exactly the kind of chaos South Africans tune in for.