Oti and Richard’s South African Odyssey (2026)

Name: Oti and Richard’s South African Odyssey
Rating: 3.5

Rating: 3.5

Oti and Richard’s South African Odyssey Poster

Synopsis

South African-born broadcaster, author and dancer Oti Mabuse will return home with her companion, Reverend Richard Coles. Oti will take Richard on a trip around her homeland in a beautiful homecoming journey, supported by South African Tourism.

First Air Date: 2026-07-21

Last Air Date: 2026-08-11

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 4

Networks: Channel 4

Top Cast

Oti Mabuse as Self - Presenter
Richard Coles as Self - Presenter

Seasons

Miniseries (2026)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Gauteng (2026-07-21)

They begin their journey in Oti's home province of Gauteng, where they meet fashion designer Sebo and create outfits celebrating African-patterned textiles. In Johannesburg, they visit the township of Soweto to learn about the 1976 student-led protests against apartheid before trying the famously fast pantsula dance, an energetic street-dance style deeply rooted in the township's culture. Richard also visits the rose garden at the botanical gardens, and the pair then head to the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains for an unforgettable helicopter ride over the dramatic landscape.
Ep. 2: KwaZulu-Natal (2026-07-28)

The adventure continues in the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal. In Durban, the pair experience the city's beautiful beaches and explore the vibrant Victoria Street Market. They also visit the nearby Phoenix Settlement, founded by Mahatma Gandhi, where they meet his granddaughter, South African peace activist Ela Gandhi.
Ep. 3: Western Cape (2026-08-04)

In the Western Cape, Oti and Richard encounter African penguins and discover local dance traditions. Their travels take them to the historic port city of Cape Town, where they explore two contrasting communities and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Khoisan people through their traditional dances.
Ep. 4: Eastern Cape (2026-08-11)

The final leg of the adventure takes place in the Eastern Cape, where zip-lining and sky-hanging provide plenty of excitement. They also enjoy a close encounter with a herd of elephants and delve into the history of Xhosa culture. To round off the journey, Oti hopes to help Richard fulfil his long-held dream of seeing giraffes in their natural habitat.