The 18th season of Dschungelcamp, officially kicking off on January 24, 2025, has once again captivated audiences as celebrities navigate the challenges of reality show life. With each episode, viewers witness the conflicts, eliminations, and unique dynamics among the twelve prominent participants, who come from the worlds of television, music, and sports.
This year's campers include notable figures such as Lilly Becker, the ex-wife of tennis star Boris Becker, reality star Maurice Dziwak, influencer Alessia Herren, and Edith Stehfest, author and creator. Equipped with fresh experiences and aspirations to become the next jungle king or queen, these contestants face elimination every week based on audience votes, making their time under the South African sun even more intense.
After the summer's return of legendary candidates during the "Allstar" season, this edition brings together individuals who lack prior Dschungelcamp experience. Contestants face grueling daily trials aimed at earning food for their campmates, each accompanied by the pressure of public opinion determining their stay.
So far, the audience has witnessed the elimination of five stars from the competition: Jürgen Hingsen (67), Yeliz Koc (31), Nina Bott (47), Sam Dylan (33), and Jörg Dahlmann (65), who left just recently during episode thirteen on February 5, 2025. Viewers were surprised yet not surprised by Anna-Carina Woitschack’s elimination on February 6, as she gathered the fewest votes, making her the sixth contestant to go.
For the fans of the show, the voting format evolves as the competition progresses. Initially, public votes decide which contestants undergo challenges, but as the elimination phase kicks in, it is the votes again determining who leaves the camp altogether. The culmination of the competition will result in the finale, where the title of Dschungelkönig or Dschungelkönigin will be awarded on February 9, 2025.
Conflict has been rampant within the camp walls, particularly illustrated by tensions between Timur Ülker and Maurice Dziwak. Their disagreement erupted over misunderstandings derived from personal stories and competitive motives for screen time, leading to accusations and name-calling. Tensions are not purely interpersonal, as the infamous "Pipi-Gate" moment involved Alessia Herren reportedly facing off with Edith Stehfest, accusing her of unsanitary conditions involving the camp’s toilet facilities.
Meanwhile, the daily trials continue to serve as both physical and psychological challenges for the campers. On one occasion, Anna-Carina Woitschack and Jörg Dahlmann found themselves unable to complete their task of collecting stars, following Anna-Carina’s early departure from the trial out of discomfort. Their inability to earn stars stirred up dissatisfaction, especially since viewers are accustomed to the high stakes expected from the competitors.
On the mornings following these disturbing events, viewers see emotional moments as the contestants navigate the struggles of camp life. Lilly Becker’s outburst of laughter and the shared emotional weight of longing for home has turned many campsites teary-eyed. Each contestant received letters from loved ones, stirring feelings of nostalgia and determination to endure the trials presented to them within the jungle.
Every episode unveils hidden layers of strategy and vulnerability among the participants. While Lilly and Maurice faced their own trials during the "Stock-Schauer" challenge, their camaraderie turned to panic when they confronted unexpected flooding within the competition. A comedic moment turned serious when both attempted to rescue themselves, breaking down as they were filling their respective tanks with animals.
But not every moment has been filled with distress; supporters have found humor and entertainment within the trials. The reactions of the campmates provide insight, especially when they relay their frustrations to each other, urging for more seriousness rather than amusement during the high-stakes challenges.
The Dschungelcamp keeps its audience engaged by encouraging them to participate actively—by voting and influencing the fate of their beloved celebrities. Viewers can tune in daily at 20:15 CET for thrilling new episodes broadcast on RTL, with follow-up streaming options available on RTL+. This year's installment promises to be as full of drama and intrigue as past seasons, as competitors grapple with their fears, face strange foods, build alliances, and let emotions run high.
With still several days of action-packed programming left, who will emerge victorious? Can the current contestants, faced with the looming threat of elimination, rise to the occasion, or will they crumble under the pressure of public voting? Only time will tell as the show progresses.