An incredible journey flying into the Great White Continent and sleeping on the ice in a camp made using aerospace technology. Spend your days hiking and ice-climbing and of course visiting the Emperor Penguin colony in Spring just as the chicks are stepping off their parents' feet. Starting in Cape Town, you fly down to the world’s largest desert, Antarctica; where upon arrival you settle into one of the most luxurious camps you can find in the Polar Regions. Each day of your safari you will be able to choose from a range of activities, taking it as easy as you like, or packing your days with adrenaline-charged adventures. Enjoy trekking, exploring ice tunnels and hikes of the surrounding mountains. Fly to Atka Bay, home to a breeding colony of Emperor penguins, the largest penguin species in the world. These incredible animals stand at up to 1.3 metres in height, and weigh in at up to 45kg, you’ll truly appreciate them as they wander around you. This safari is for those who want to experience the Antarctic continent without compromising on luxury.
Antarctica Guide
The free, beautiful and comprehensive guide to Antarctica safaris and travel.
See Antarctica from the air as you fly across the Antarctic Circle, including an aerial view of the Atka Bay Emperor Penguin Colony.
Spend your time exploring the Antarctic continent, including ice tunnels beneath your camp, and frozen waves of ice.
Photograph the Akta Bay emperor penguins in spring as the chicks are just leaving their parents feet for the first time and venturing out to explore.
Enjoy the luxury of Whichaway Camp and the surrounding area with your expert guides.
Day 1: Cape Town
Tonight’s accommodation is not included, but it’s mandatory to arrive into Cape Town a minimum of 2 days before the start of your trip so that you can participate in briefings and be available to fly just in case weather dictates that the trip dates need to change.
Cape Town
The distinctive Table Mountain sits in the city’s heart as its rather celebrated backdrop, protected within a national park that covers some 75% of the Cape Peninsula. The city itself is both architecturally vibrant and culturally diverse and looks and feels as European as it does African. It also offers an array of interesting places to visit, making it a hub that usually figures on a South African itinerary at some point, even for repeat visitors who are enchanted by its charms.
With the official destination registered as ‘Unknown International Airport’, you will board your 5.5 hour flight to Antarctica, crossing the polar circle into 24 hour daylight. You will be met on arrival and taken to the incredible Whichaway Camp and go for a gentle trek around the Oasis.
Whichaway Camp
Become one of only a few guests to ever stay at the most luxurious camp in the Polar Regions. The camp has a very easy and friendly feel to it and is run to strict environmental guidelines to minimise the impact on the environment. Accessible only by private charter flight, and with space for just 12 guests, Whichaway Camp is a once in a lifetime experience.
Today you can do as much or as little as you like. There are a range of activities on offer from ice climbing to abseiling, or a gentle trek up a nearby Nunatak. In the evening, you will learn more about the life of the Emperor Penguin before you visit their colony.
Antarctica Photography
The remote region of Antarctica is a photographer's paradise. From stunning ice statues to peppy penguins.
Today you have the opportunity to visit an Atka Bay Emperor Penguin Colony. Fly 2.5 each way hours across the high polar plateau on board a BT67 plane, delivering spectacular vistas of the High Polar Plateau before reaching the colony of over 6,000 penguins and their chicks.
Emperor Penguins Migrations
You hear them before you see them. A loud and almost brash call that alone would be shrill enough to make you jump. As the Emperor penguins call out to each other it sounds almost like a welcoming song
Explore the ice waves beneath the camp, delving into the series of ice tunnels that are as surreal as they are beautiful. Time for an Arctic Truck safari, winding your way through the snow and ice to an incredible panoramic viewpoint over the waves you have just explored.
Whales
Encounters with the Ocean’s Giants
One of the most memorable experiences, catching eye-contact always brings a sense of understanding between the two species, creating a connection and memory that will last long after your encounter ends.
An adventurous hike along a winding cliff face shows you stunning views of the extraordinary waves of ice that have been created over millennia by constant pressure from the ocean. The world-class mountain guides will lead you on this challenging hike.
Wildlife in Antarctica
Following in the footprints of explorers such as Shackleton and Scott, you can experience incredible wildlife in Antarctica, which seems surprising on first glance in this land of superlatives – the coldest, windiest and driest location on Earth.
The flight out of Antarctica will be the last of your unforgettable Antarctic memories before you delve back into the noise and heat of Africa. You will be transferred to your hotel where you will have a chance to relax in a hot bath and think back to your Antarctic adventure!
Antarctica Guide
The free, beautiful and comprehensive guide to Antarctica safaris and travel.
The Atka Bay Emperor Penguin Colony is home to over 6,000 penguins and their chicks. A land unfrequented by humans means these majestic birds have no fear of man. You will stand where few have stood before and watch as their curiosity draws them closer and closer to you. You will have the pleasure of filming, or capturing your very own ‘March of the Penguins’. We visit in the beginning of the season when the colony is still in full swing and emperor chicks are leaving their parents feet for the first time.
Atka Bay Emperor Penguin Colony
Whichaway Camp
Become one of only a few guests to ever stay at the most luxurious camp in the Polar Regions. The camp has a very easy and friendly feel to it and is run to strict environmental guidelines to minimise the impact on the environment. Accessible only by private charter flight, and with space for just 12 guests in six luxury sleeping pods.
