The ultimate once-in-a-lifetime trip. Experience a stay at Antarctica's only luxury camp at Whichaway or the newest Echo Camp on the Queen Maud Land, accessible only by private charter flight from Cape Town in South Africa.
Get acquainted with a breeding colony of Emperor Penguins, the largest of its kind in the world. You will also get the opportunity to extend your stay and lay claim as one of the few to have ever flown to the lowest point on Earth - the Geographic South Pole.
Itinerary Highlights
- The ultimate luxury polar pod experience in Antarctica
- Get up and close with the Emperor Penguins colony at Atka Bay
- Diverse land activities including trekking, nunatak summiting, abseiling, ice waves and tunnels exploration.
- Optional extension to the Geographic South Pole with overnight stay under the canvas of a wilderness camp at the High Polar Plateau
Itinerary Outline
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Day 1
Arrival in Wolf’s Fang Runway / Whichaway or Echo
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Day 2
Whichaway or Echo
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Day 3
Whichaway or Echo / Atka Bay / Whichaway or Echo
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Day 4
Whichaway or Echo
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Day 5
Whichaway or Echo
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Day 6
Departure From Whichaway or Echo
Itinerary
Arrival in Wolf’s Fang Runway / Whichaway or Echo
Our journey begins with a 5-hour private aircraft flight from Cape Town to Antarctica, across the Southern Ocean and Polar Circle and the continuous daylight of Antarctic summer.
Upon landing in Wolf’s Fang Runway, the only blue ice runaway in Antarctic, you will be transferred by a 30min flight (Basler BT-67) to the luxury camp at Whichaway and have chance to stretch your legs on a gentle trek around the oasis.
For those staying in the Echo Camp
From Wolf’s Fang Runway, you will be transferred 5km to the futuristic luxurious Echo Camp and take in the view from fat bike ride.
Whichaway or Echo
Settle into your camp and do as much or as little as you like each day. Activities range from restorative massages and inspiring treks to exploring incredible mountains and glaciers, summiting a nunatak, ice climbing and even abseiling! After the day’s activities you will hear a talk about the incredible life cycle of the Emperor Penguins in preparation for your visit the following day.
Whichaway or Echo / Atka Bay / Whichaway or Echo
Today, we fly 2.5 hours across Antarctica on the BT-67 aircraft, enjoy immense views of the High Polar Plateau before landing at the Emperor Penguin colony at Atka Bay, the site of the first episode of Sir David Attenborough’s groundbreaking documentary Seven Worlds, One Planet. With the exclusive access to see the penguins early in their lifecycle, we can also get to see over 14,000 breeding pairs with their newly-hatched chicks.
Wrapped up in the sights and sounds over thousands of penguins, you will be among the very few who have ever witnessed such a spectacle, observing the real-life stars of March of the Penguins before flying back.
Whichaway or Echo
We spend the day exploring the ice waves below Whichaway camp, delving into the series of ice tunnels that are as surreal as they are beautiful. Or explore the Echo camp’s nearby mountains and enjoy a gentle hike overlooking the endless ice sheet, followed by a champagne picnic.
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 mountains that you have just explored.
Whichaway or Echo
An adventurous hike along a winding cliff presents guests with stunning views over the last pristine wilderness on Earth. The world-class mountain guides will lead you on this challenging hike, ensuring your safety at all times on this unforgettable day.
Departure From Whichaway or Echo
Finally, we bid farewell to your unforgettable Antarctic adventure on a 5-hour flight to the vibrant Cape Town. We absolutely recommend extending your stay in South Africa to discover a world of incredible wildlife!
Hotels & Tour Price
Includes
- Safety briefing (return transfers provided)
- Return transfers for Antarctica flights
- Return flight to Antarctica (including a 30kg baggage allowance)
- All accommodations, food, drink and alcohol in Antarctica
- All guiding fees, support of field guides and logistics staff
- Use of certain items of polar clothing, as denoted on equipment list
- Payment of - Carbon Tax - for offsetting emissions created by all logistics associated with Antarctic travel
Excludes
- Commercial flights to and from Cape Town
- Accommodation and meals whilst in Cape Town
- Polar clothing
- Additional baggage cost
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses e.g. telephone bill & laundry
- Visa
- Travel insurance