Khaki Fever Brings Saucy Laughs and Bushveld Chaos to South African Screens

A Wild Safari of Laughs and Lasciviousness

South Africans love the bush. Whether it’s the Big Five, sundowners by the fire, or spotting a giraffe in the distance, the country’s deep bond with nature is more than just weekend leisure; it’s a cultural pillar. But what happens when you throw in some cheeky humour, a touch of raunch, and a few oversexed game rangers?

That’s the setup behind Khaki Fever, a new Afrikaans comedy premiering on Showmax in September 2025, and it’s already getting tongues wagging before release.

Not Your Average Bush Adventure

Written and co-produced by filmmaker Brett Michael Innes and his husband, Nick Ahlers, Khaki Fever takes a wildly irreverent look at life behind the khaki uniforms of game lodge staff. But instead of birdwatching and bush walks, these fictional rangers have another kind of conquest in mind: competing to seduce as many tourists as possible.

At the centre of the story is the hilariously unfiltered “King of Khaki” challenge, where staff members compete not just for bragging rights but also for the season’s pooled tips. But there’s a catch: one wrong move and they could all be fired by the lodge’s no-nonsense manager.

Game Rangers Gone Rogue

The film’s bold concept isn’t just for shock value. Innes says the story was born from his own deep love for the bush and all the weird and wonderful things that happen there when no one’s watching.

“We just love the bush,” he told Independent Media Lifestyle. “When Khaki Fever started trending online, we thought, someone has to make a movie about this. And we were the ones who did.”

What followed was a film full of chaos, nudity, wit, and heartfelt friendships, starring a powerhouse cast including Christopher Jaftha, Anja Taljaard, Trix Vivier, Liam Bosman, and Ilse Klink. Many of the actors are 2025 Silwerskerm Festival nominees, and their chemistry is evident both on and off screen.

A Local Answer to The Hangover

Make no mistake: Khaki Fever is proudly provocative. With clear nods to international hits like Bridesmaids, The Hangover, and Sex Drive, the film leans hard into adult humour. But Innes insists it’s about much more than cheap laughs.

“I think what will surprise people most is how much heart this movie has,” he said. “People expect it to be wild and sexy, but they’re not expecting to feel so good at the end.”

The cast also includes a scene-stealing French bulldog named Chardonnay and some truly iconic cameos from giraffes, lions, and a persistent hyena.

Image 1: Magic 828

Not Everyone Will Be Impressed… and That’s Okay

Innes knows the film isn’t for everyone. “I’m expecting a mixed reception,” he admits. “Some conservative viewers might be offended. And that’s fine; they don’t have to push play.”

According to him, even casting the film was a challenge, as many local actors shy away from nudity or sex-comedy roles. “We had to find people who were not just talented but also game. Luckily, we ended up with a group that really clicked. It became a little family.”

Viewers Are Already Buzzing

On social media, early teasers have sparked everything from giggles to blushing curiosity. “Can’t wait to watch it with my husband,” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote. “Looks lekker spicy.” Others joked about “never looking at a game ranger the same way again.”

While no official reviews have dropped yet, industry insiders are already tipping it as a potential Showmax hit, especially with the recent success of Afrikaans content on local streaming platforms.

So, Is It Just a Laugh or Something More?

What makes Khaki Fever work is that it’s not just parody. Yes, it pokes fun at lodge culture, khaki fashion, and bushveld sex appeal. But beneath the naughty jokes is a film about connection, mischief, and South African identity.

It’s local, it’s loud, it’s lewd, and according to Innes, it might just be the beginning of a trilogy. “We’d love for this to become one of the most-watched films on the platform. We already have ideas for sequels. I just want to bring this family back together again and have fun in the bush.”

Khaki Fever is not the kind of film your ouma might approve of, but it’s exactly the kind of chaos many South Africans could use right now. It’s bold, it’s cheeky, and it’s wrapped in the kind of local humour that only Mzansi can pull off.

So if you like your wildlife with a bit of wild on the side, this one’s for you.

Source: Madonna Makes Emotional Plea for Pope to Visit Gaza’s Children

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Source: IOL

Featured Image: Magic 828