Antarctica
Antarctica Field Camps
Antarctica
Antarctica
This luxury adventure takes you into the heart of Antarctica to see the Emperor Penguins.
Then it's on to the southernmost point on earth – the South Pole!
For centuries, the Last Continent has held a special place in our imaginations, yet even now, long after the first explorers reached the South Pole, access to the interior of Antarctica is still only for the very few.
After a five-hour flight from Cape Town, South Africa, we bring you to a place that is both surreal and majestic. From iridescent ice tunnels to vertical spires of rock, from endless horizons to oceans scattered with icebergs; this is a place unlike anywhere else on Planet Earth.
Duration: 8 days
Starts: Cape Town, South Africa
Ends: Cape Town, South Africa
Language: English Speaking Voyage
FROM:
98500 USD
.-
Departures:
Dec 6 - 13, 2023
Dec 28, 2023 - Jan 4, 2024
Jan 4 - 10, 2024
Jan 10 . 17, 2024
Jan 17-24, 2024
Jan 24-31, 2024
Charter Flights More info about this activity
In departures with charter flights, part of the air transport segment is covered by the operation of the trip as part of the itinerary.
Check in the inclusions and exclusions of the program which air sections are included in your itinerary.
Enrichment Program More info about this activity
Expedition cruising must be one of the most incredible ways of travelling. Not only for the amazing places you visit and the unforgetable wildlife but for the wildlife, the sensory overload and the unimaginable memories.
But all of this needs a context in order to understand where you are and what you are experiencing.
On board your expedition vessell you will find a group of experts, naturalists, zodiac drivers and guides that that will translate the language of nature for you, telling you the stories of the places you are visiting, reviewing the historical, biological, ecological and geological aspects of your trips.
You will experience first hand what surrounds you and arrive back home wiser and loaded with new knowledge.
Citizen Science More info about this activity
There’s important work being done every day, at some of the most renowned climate research facilities around the world, to record and study the incredible changes happening in remote places like Antarctica and th Arctic. As you might imagine, gathering critical on-site data on a regular basis would be a virtually impossible task for these groups. So we do it for them, in partnership with different research facilities.
If you’d like to get a first-hand look at how climate change is impacting our birds, sea life, glaciers, oceans, and weather patterns, and help scientists better understand our evolving planet, you’re welcome to join our Citizen Science program. And don’t let the word “science” scare you. We make it informative, interactive, and fun.
Mountaineering More info about this activity
Most of the alpine peaks we climb are non-technical and can usually be attempted by people with limited experience, although some degree of knowledge is usually needed.
Climbing sessions can go from 4 to 10 hours long, and all of the needed gear will be provided by the operator. (ropes, crampons, ice axes, etc. Personal gear is not included)
Skiing More info about this activity
Skiing in Polar regions requires a reasonable level of fitness and previous skiing experience. The snow conditions will be varied and the terrain can be challenging at times. While you don’t need to be a back-country athlete to participate, and there are opportunities to develop skills during the expedition, please note it is recommended a minimum ability as follows:
* Advanced level of skiing or snowboarding ability (ability to ski blue or black resort runs is required).
* Off-piste experience in a variety of snow conditions.
* Previous ski touring experience is an advantage, but not essential (depending on your off-piste experience and overall ability).
Hiking More info about this activity
Hiking options include very easy beach hikes (good for photographers who need time for photography), easier short hikes, medium-difficulty extended hikes, and more challenging long hikes.
Often tipped as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town is home to award-winning vineyards and stunning ocean vistas.
We will host a safety briefing the day before your scheduled flight where our staff will explain all kit requirements, assist with any last-minute preparations and update on the latest weather forecasts for Antarctica.
We travel in uncompromising comfort across the mighty Southern Ocean in a private aircraft. During the five-hour flight, the African night turns to the Antarctic day as we soar over thousands of icebergs and pass into 24 hours of continuous sunshine.
Destination: Wolf’s Fang Runway.
Our runway is overlooked by one of the most magnificent and iconic mountains on the entire continent, named ‘Wolf’s Fang’ by the early Norwegian explorers. After landing on the ancient blue ice, you will be surrounded by massive monoliths of rock that rise vertically from the glacier.
Once in Antarctica, you will be transferred by our Basler BT-67 to our luxury camp at Whichaway. Flight time: 30 minutes.
On the edge of the Great White Continent lies the Schirmacher Oasis, an ice-free area that contains over 100 freshwater lakes. This is the site of our unique camp - Whichaway.
At the heart the Great White Continent lies the South Pole, one of only two stationary points on this rotating Earth! At exactly 90 degrees of latitude, you can walk around the world in only a few paces and marvel at a place where there is no more east, south or west – the only direction is north!
The American Amundsen-Scott research station is the backdrop to this most exceptional place, whose discovery ranks as one of the greatest feats of human exploration ever known.
Start Point: Cape Town, South Africa
We will host a safety briefing the day before the flight where our staff will welcome you. We will also update you on the latest weather forecasts in Antarctica and assist with any last-minute preparations.
DAY 1: SOUTH AFRICA TO ANTARCTICA
We fly over thousands of icebergs on our 5-hour flight across the Southern Ocean to Antarctica. During the flight, we enter
the Polar Circle and encounter the continuous daylight of the Antarctic summer. After landing on the ancient blue ice of the Wolf Fang Runway, you will transfer to our camp at Whichaway and take a gentle hike around the Oasis.
DAY 2: WHICHAWAY CAMP
Whichaway is our flagship luxury camp and sits on the shores of one of the freshwater lakes of the ice-free Schirmacher Oasis. We’ve designed 6 heated ‘polar pods’ with cutting-edge exteriors and old-world interiors that conjure up images of Antarctica’s rich heritage of exploration. A warm and inviting communal area with lounge, library and dining room is the ideal setting to relax and recount the day’s activities with friends.
Whichaway is our flagship camp and sits on the shores of one of the freshwater lakes of the ice-free Schirmacher Oasis.
We’ve designed 6 heated ‘polar pods’ with cutting-edge exteriors and old-world interiors that conjure up images of Antarctica’s rich heritage of exploration. Our guests really love to sit back and chat in the communal lounge, library and dining area which is a wonderful space to relax with amazing views.
Savour gourmet meals prepared by your private chef, enjoy a sauna with view of the glacier, sip cocktails by the fire, and cross off bucket list adventures like visiting the South Pole, ice climbing, hiking over ice waves, and coming face-to-face with 28,000 emperor penguins.
Settle into Whichaway and do as much or as little as you like each day. Activities range from yoga, massages and gentle treks to
exploring the incredible ice waves, summiting a nunatak, ice climbing and even abseiling! On quieter days, you’ll hear talks from our polar explorer staff about some of the lesser-known history of Antarctica and their world record-breaking expeditions.
DAY 3: EMPEROR PENGUINS
We fly two hours in our Basler BT-67 from our main camp and you are at a site of more than 14,000 penguins and their young chicks.
Providing beautiful views of the nearby mountain ranges and coastline, before landing at the emperor penguin colony at Atka Bay. You will be among the very few who have ever witnessed such a spectacle, observing the real-life stars of March of the Penguins.
DAY 4: EXPLORING
We spend the day exploring the ice waves below our camp, delving into the series of ice tunnels that are as surreal as they are
beautiful. Then you’ll be off on an Arctic Truck safari, winding your way through the snow and ice to an incredible vantage point where
you can take in the panoramic view over the waves that you have just explored.
DAY 5: TO THE SOUTH POLE*
We leave early in the morning in our Basler BT-67 aircraft, flying over stunning mountain ranges before landing at Dixie’s camp to refuel. After a walk on the High Polar Plateau we will continue to the South Pole, where you will have plenty of time for photos and a chance to stamp your passport before flying back to Dixie’s camp and overnighting in the great wilderness of the Plateau.
*Please bear in mind that the South Pole is situated at an apparent altitude of 4,000m with an approximate ambient temperature of -25ºC. Those with pre-conditions for altitude sickness should not choose this option. If you are unsure in any way, please contact us for any advice or further information
DAY 6
After a night under canvas, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before boarding the plane once again for the flight back to Whichaway. The flight is the perfect chance to appreciate the immense scale of Antarctica, before you return to our camp for a three-course champagne dinner to celebrate your achievement.
DAY 7: MORE EXPLORING
An adventurous hike along a winding cliff face affords guests stunning views over pressure ridges of ice that have been folded over millennia by the ocean. Our world-class mountain guides will lead you on this challenging hike, ensuring your safety at all times.
DAY 8: BACK TO CAPE TOWN
The flight out of Antarctica will be the Last of your enduring memories of the great White Continent before you dive back into the vibrant energy of Africa. You will be transferred to your hotel where you will have a chance to relax and reflect on your Antarctic adventure!
Final note: This itinerary is entirely subject to weather conditions in Antarctica and is meant purely as a guide to what
guests may expect day by day. The exact sequence of activities and the types of aircraft mentioned may vary.
Start Point: Cape Town, South Africa
We will host a safety briefing the day before the flight where our staff will welcome you. We will also update you on the latest weather forecasts in Antarctica and assist with any last-minute preparations.
DAY 1: SOUTH AFRICA TO ANTARCTICA
We fly over thousands of icebergs on our 5-hour flight across the Southern Ocean to Antarctica. During the flight, we enter
the Polar Circle and encounter the continuous daylight of the Antarctic summer. After landing on the ancient blue ice of the Wolf Fang Runway, you will transfer to our camp at Whichaway and take a gentle hike around the Oasis.
DAY 2: WHICHAWAY CAMP
Whichaway is our flagship luxury camp and sits on the shores of one of the freshwater lakes of the ice-free Schirmacher Oasis. We’ve designed 6 heated ‘polar pods’ with cutting-edge exteriors and old-world interiors that conjure up images of Antarctica’s rich heritage of exploration. A warm and inviting communal area with lounge, library and dining room is the ideal setting to relax and recount the day’s activities with friends.
Whichaway is our flagship camp and sits on the shores of one of the freshwater lakes of the ice-free Schirmacher Oasis.
We’ve designed 6 heated ‘polar pods’ with cutting-edge exteriors and old-world interiors that conjure up images of Antarctica’s rich heritage of exploration. Our guests really love to sit back and chat in the communal lounge, library and dining area which is a wonderful space to relax with amazing views.
Savour gourmet meals prepared by your private chef, enjoy a sauna with view of the glacier, sip cocktails by the fire, and cross off bucket list adventures like visiting the South Pole, ice climbing, hiking over ice waves, and coming face-to-face with 28,000 emperor penguins.
Settle into Whichaway and do as much or as little as you like each day. Activities range from yoga, massages and gentle treks to
exploring the incredible ice waves, summiting a nunatak, ice climbing and even abseiling! On quieter days, you’ll hear talks from our polar explorer staff about some of the lesser-known history of Antarctica and their world record-breaking expeditions.
DAY 3: EMPEROR PENGUINS
We fly two hours in our Basler BT-67 from our main camp and you are at a site of more than 14,000 penguins and their young chicks.
Providing beautiful views of the nearby mountain ranges and coastline, before landing at the emperor penguin colony at Atka Bay. You will be among the very few who have ever witnessed such a spectacle, observing the real-life stars of March of the Penguins.
DAY 4: EXPLORING
We spend the day exploring the ice waves below our camp, delving into the series of ice tunnels that are as surreal as they are
beautiful. Then you’ll be off on an Arctic Truck safari, winding your way through the snow and ice to an incredible vantage point where
you can take in the panoramic view over the waves that you have just explored.
DAY 5: TO THE SOUTH POLE*
We leave early in the morning in our Basler BT-67 aircraft, flying over stunning mountain ranges before landing at Dixie’s camp to refuel. After a walk on the High Polar Plateau we will continue to the South Pole, where you will have plenty of time for photos and a chance to stamp your passport before flying back to Dixie’s camp and overnighting in the great wilderness of the Plateau.
*Please bear in mind that the South Pole is situated at an apparent altitude of 4,000m with an approximate ambient temperature of -25ºC. Those with pre-conditions for altitude sickness should not choose this option. If you are unsure in any way, please contact us for any advice or further information
DAY 6
After a night under canvas, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before boarding the plane once again for the flight back to Whichaway. The flight is the perfect chance to appreciate the immense scale of Antarctica, before you return to our camp for a three-course champagne dinner to celebrate your achievement.
DAY 7: MORE EXPLORING
An adventurous hike along a winding cliff face affords guests stunning views over pressure ridges of ice that have been folded over millennia by the ocean. Our world-class mountain guides will lead you on this challenging hike, ensuring your safety at all times.
DAY 8: BACK TO CAPE TOWN
The flight out of Antarctica will be the Last of your enduring memories of the great White Continent before you dive back into the vibrant energy of Africa. You will be transferred to your hotel where you will have a chance to relax and reflect on your Antarctic adventure!
Final note: This itinerary is entirely subject to weather conditions in Antarctica and is meant purely as a guide to what
guests may expect day by day. The exact sequence of activities and the types of aircraft mentioned may vary.
INCLUSIONS
• Safety briefing (return transfers provided)
• Return transfers for Antarctica flights
• Return flight to Antarctica (inc. 30kg baggage allowance)
• All accommodation, food and drink (including all alcohol) in Antarctica
• All guiding fees, support of field guides and logistics staff
• The use of certain items of polar clothing, as denoted on equipment list
• Payment by the expedition company of a ‘Carbon Tax’ for offsetting emissions created by all logistics associated with Antarctic travel
EXCLUSIONS
• Commercial flights to and from Cape Town, South Africa
• Accommodation and meals whilst in Cape Town
• Polar clothing (you will be sent a tailored kit list in advance of your trip to help you purchase the necessary items)
• Comprehensive insurance cover (White Desert staff can advise you as to the appropriate cover required)
• Additional expenses incurred in Cape Town due to any delay
• Additional baggage costs over the agreed amount
• Use of a satellite phone whilst in Antarctica
* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
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