The South Pole: a dream destination
from/to Cape Town, South Africa
Camp with a maximum of 20 people
7 days (6 nights) plus 2x2 days in Cape Town
7 days (6 nights) from/to Cape Town Small group tour with max. 20 people to the geographic South Pole, a colony of emperor penguins, the Antarctic Ice Wall, and the ice caves, with a stay at Oasis Camp.
Embark on one of the most extraordinary journeys the world has to offer—to the most remote and fascinating region of our planet.
This exclusive expedition takes you deep into Antarctica, to the mythical geographic South Pole at 90 degrees south—the southernmost point on Earth—and to the spectacular emperor penguin colony at the edge of the eternal ice.
The absolute highlight of this trip is the flight to the geographic South Pole, where you will stand at the zero point of all longitudes – an experience that only a few people in the world are privileged to have. But even aside from that, this expedition offers something extraordinary: you will spend the night in a comfortable camp specially equipped for the extreme conditions of Antarctica. Here, adventure and luxury come together in an incomparable way – enjoy cozy sleeping quarters, first-class catering, and a warm atmosphere in the middle of the ice desert.
Observe emperor penguins in their natural habitat, experience the majestic silence and endless expanse of the polar wilderness, and be inspired by the pioneering history of the South Pole. This trip is more than just a journey—it is a tribute to polar exploration and an opportunity to make history.
Learn more about this unforgettable experience and make your dream of visiting the South Pole come true!
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival and departure: We offer various individual arrival and departure packages including flights, hotels, transfers, and activities. Please note that you should plan your trip so that you are in Cape Town two days before and two days after the expedition.
Route: Thefinal itinerary during the flight expedition will be determined on site by the expedition leader based on ice and weather conditions. The itinerary described here is for illustrative purposes only.
Entry requirements:A passport (valid for at least 6 months after your return date) is sufficientfor entry into South Africa and Antarctica.
Insurance: Proof ofinternational health insurance with medical repatriation coverage (USD 300,000) must be provided.
Medical questionnaire: Completinga medical questionnaire before departure is mandatory. Please provide us with all information that could be important.
A heart for solo travelers: Depending on availability, single rooms can also be booked at Oasis Camp.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Expedition to the geographic South Pole
- Visit to an emperor penguin colony
- Explorer flair at the Scandinavian-style Oasis Camp with sauna and ice bath
- Expedition to the Antarctic Ice Cave: Hike under the continental ice shelf to a cave made of blue ice
- Expedition to the Antarctic Ice Wall: Hike through an ice valley along an ancient ice formation
itinerary
Experience boundaries and extremes in Antarctica
2 days before the expedition | Arrival in Cape Town and preparations
Undertaking an expedition to the South Pole means that, unlike with package tours, you can plan your trip, but the course of your stay will be influenced by weather, wind, and ice conditions. It is therefore important that you bring a certain explorer's mentality, flexibility, and a time buffer for this experience.
To start your expedition calmly and with plenty of time to spare, travel to Cape Town at least two days before your planned departure to Antarctica. During this time, you will be optionally prepared for the upcoming expedition: with an introduction, environmental and safety briefings, a fitting of polar equipment, and final arrangements. Your luggage will be collected the day before departure. In addition, due to weather conditions, it is always possible that departure may be earlier than expected.
Of course, you will also have time on these two days to visit some of Cape Town's famous sights: for example, Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, the wine farms in the Cape Winelands, or the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront shipyard and harbor district. Please note that these excursions are not organized and are not included in the price. On request, we will be happy to organize your flight, accommodation, and additional program in Cape Town. Just get in touch with us.
Day 1 |Flight from Cape Town to Antarctica
Approximately 3-2.5 hours before departure, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cape Town and taken to the airport. Please bring your hand luggage and passport with you. After check-in, you will go through the usual security checks, be escorted to the correct gate, and taken by bus to the Intercontinental aircraft.
The modernized Ilyushin-76TD-90VD waiting for you there is one of the most versatile aircraft in the world. It has been specially converted for intercontinental flights to meet all the necessary safety and environmental regulations for expeditions to Antarctica. Although the amenities are very basic, snacks and refreshments are still served. After approximately 5-5.5 hours, you will disembark at Novo Air Base Camp and be taken directly to Oasis Camp. Depending on the weather, the journey in the specially converted Toyota Hilux takes about 20-40 minutes.
The Oasis Camp
The base camp for your expedition to the South Pole is located approximately 12 km from Novo Air Base. The Scandinavian-style camp is equipped with bungalows, dining and living areas, a sauna, and an ice bath. Don't expect luxury; in a place like this, comfort, quality, and coziness are more important. And protection from the freezing cold.
After the welcome and check-in, you will have time to take in your first impressions of Antarctica and settle into your rooms. The large panoramic windows offer a magnificent view of the ice valley and the rocks around you. Afterwards, you can get in the mood for the next few days with a welcome dinner with the entire team.
Day 2 | Geographic South Pole
The ultimate highlight is planned for the second day: the expedition to the South Pole. You will be taken to the air base, from where your 7.5-hour flight to the South Pole will depart. You will make a short stop at the Ultima High Altitude Camp, where you will be checked by the doctor accompanying the team. He will ensure that you are in good health to enjoy this special day.
On this distant continent, high up on the Antarctic Plateau, there appears to be no life. The dogs used as pack animals during expeditions were probably the last animals at the South Pole. Humans, on the other hand, are repeatedly drawn to this point at 90 degrees south. But only a few answer the call. And even those who do are only there for a short time.
Standing at the geographic South Pole at 90 degrees latitude is therefore just as significant today as it was in Captain Scott's day. Enjoy this moment and this privilege.
On the return flight, you will land back at Ultima High Altitude Camp to enjoy a meal and rest for a few hours before heading back to Oasis Camp to recover.
Day 3 | Relaxation and exploration of the "Ice Wall"
After this exciting and exhausting day, you deserve a break. Spend the first half of the day relaxing, hiking, or cycling.
Afterwards, you will set off on an exploration tour of the surrounding areas in Toyota Hilux vehicles. An impressive sight awaits you there: the Antarctic ice wall, also known as "The Wall." The 120-meter-high wall you will be standing in front of is actually a natural formation. Scientists believe that it has been at least 14 million years since the terrain beneath the ice saw the sun.
Day 4 | Experience emperor penguins in a colony
Today is dedicated to the emperor penguin. It is the largest penguin on earth, growing up to 122 cm tall and weighing up to 40 kg. Although it lives in a very remote corner of the world, it is relatively well known. Today you have the chance to see these animals with your own eyes. Your expedition flight departs from the air base and lands near a colony. In groups of up to 15,000 animals, emperor penguins spend the Antarctic early summer raising their chicks. They hunt together and stand close together to keep warm while brooding. During the breeding season, the group takes turns moving from the inside to the outside so that everyone gets enough warmth.
Thousands of fluffy chicks wait for their parents to return from the sea with food. In the chaos, it is difficult to find their partner or chick again, so they use trumpet-like contact calls. Emperor penguins spend most of their lives in the water, where they can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour.
With these impressions and lots of photos in the bag, it's back to camp.
Day 5 | Caves and ice tunnels
After four days on the ice, today you will venture beneath it. A hike of about 1.5 hours will take you through ancient valleys, with frozen white stretching as far as the eye can see. In some places, a path leads inside—into blue-glowing caves and tunnels of ice. Be brave.
Day 6 | Ice shelves, sauna, and farewell dinner
On your penultimate day in Antarctica, you will have time for activities. If you feel more like relaxing, the sauna is at your disposal. If you want to be active again, an exploration trip to the continental ice shelf is a good option. An ice shelf is a large sheet of ice that floats on the sea but is fed by glaciers, ice streams, or ice caps and is still connected to them. As a rule, the Antarctic ice shelf is between 200 and 1,000 meters thick, although it is becoming thinner in West Antarctica.
You will conclude your expedition to the southernmost point with a group dinner in the evening.
Day 7 | Return flight to Cape Town
The next day it's time to say goodbye. Enjoy your last few hours at this location. A 5.5-6-hour flight will take you back to Cape Town, where you will be transferred to your hotel.
After your expedition: 2 additional days in Cape Town
Please book your return flight home two days after your scheduled return from Antarctica. Weather conditions can always cause delays. If not, these days are ideal for relaxing and sightseeing. We would be happy to organize this stay for you as well.
PLEASE NOTE: Please note that changes to the itinerary may occur due to weather changes and international requirements. Your team proactively and strictly adheres to a variety of conditions and requirements.
Further information
Your camp
The Oasis Camp is located approximately 12 km or 30 minutes from Novo Air Base and, as its name suggests, is a small oasis in the middle of the cold. After your expeditions in snow and ice, warmth, comfort, and good food await you. The camp faces east and offers a magnificent view of a protected ice valley and an untouched lake through its large windows.
Three furnished bungalows offer a cozy retreat from the coldest snowstorms and bitter cold. The character is very personal, as the camp only accommodates 20 guests. The rooms vary in size and, depending on availability, can accommodate individuals, couples, or groups.
In the Lounge & Dining Cabin, hearty meals are prepared for you and served with selected South African wines and beverages from the bar, as well as tea and freshly ground coffee.
Oasis Camp
Comfortable bungalows in the camp
Protection from snowstorms and cold weather
Rooms at Oasis Camp
Bathroom at Oasis Camp
activities
- Guided hikes & easy walks
- biking
- Exploration of the ice wall and ice caves
- Tour of the edge of the continental ice shelf
- Sauna and ice bath
Please note that most of the activities listed here require a certain level of physical fitness.
Dates & Prices
Request your trip here!
The trips take place in November and December.
November 11, 2026 – November 18, 2026
from €82,800 per person
8 days/7 nights
South Pole and Emperor Penguins | Oasis Camp
Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town, South Africa
November 17, 2026 – November 24, 2026
from €82,800 per person
8 days/7 nights
South Pole and Emperor Penguins | Oasis Camp
Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town, South Africa
November 23, 2026 – November 30, 2026
from €82,800 per person
8 days/7 nights
South Pole and Emperor Penguins | Oasis Camp
Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town, South Africa
November 29, 2026 – December 6, 2026
from €82,800 per person
8 days/7 nights
South Pole and Emperor Penguins | Oasis Camp
Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town, South Africa
December 5, 2026 – December 12, 2026
from €82,800 per person
8 days/7 nights
South Pole and Emperor Penguins | Oasis Camp
Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town, South Africa
December 8, 2026 – December 16, 2026
from €82,800 per person
8 days/7 nights
South Pole and Emperor Penguins | Oasis Camp
Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town, South Africa
appointment
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
Services
Included services:
- Safety and environmental briefings in Cape Town
- Polar all-weather clothing and boots are provided.
- Transfers from your hotel in Cape Town to Cape Town International Airport
- Intercontinental flights from Cape Town and Antarctica
- Accommodation at Oasis Camp with sauna and ice bath
- All transport in Antarctica
- Hikes on the continental ice shelf possible on all expeditions
- Food and drinks included on all expeditions
- Return flight from Antarctica to Cape Town
- Transfer to hotel in Cape Town
Not included in the price:
- Return flight to/from Cape Town
- Accommodation and meals in Cape Town
- Additional program in Cape Town
- Comprehensive medical insurance / evacuation / transportation. (Minimum coverage of $300,000 per person is required)
- Excess baggage fees (over 20 kg)
- Use of satellite phones in Antarctica
- Special personnel, such as requested interpreters
- tips
- Costs for changing the travel date (e.g., if the expedition dates are changed due to weather delays in Antarctica)
Number of participants: max. 20 people
Information about your trip:
- Please ensure that you provide all relevant medical information in your health questionnaire. Please take special care to bring and take all necessary medication with you. A paramedic and a field clinic are available in Antarctica should this be necessary.
- To protect the pristine biodiversity, all voyages strictly adhere to the agreements set forth in the Antarctic Treaty, the Protocol on Environmental Protection, and related agreements. Strict environmental protocols govern the work. The expeditions are designed to leave a minimal footprint and comply with the guidelines of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).
south_pole_man_in_front_of_airplane-ultima_antarctica
The Ilyushin Il-76TD-90VD, one of the most versatile aircraft in the world
south pole_SUVs-ultima-antarctica
Special vehicles Toyota Hilux
ULTIMA OASIS EXTERIOR
Oasis Camp
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Focus on coziness and comfort
South Pole ULTIMA OASIS DINING 1 LUNCH-ultima_antarctic
Shared dinners in the dining area
South Pole Large (ULTIMA OASIS INTERIOR 3) - ultima_antarctic
View from the warm camp
south pole aircraft ultima_antarctic
Special aircraft for expeditions to the South Pole
south_pole_landscape_south_pole-ultima_antarctica
View over the Antarctic world
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The geographic South Pole
South Pole Station Ultima Antarctica
The geographic South Pole
south-pole-ice-sheet-ultima_antarctic
View of the ice shelf
South Pole penguins_Christoph Höbenreich-ultima_antarctic
Emperor penguins | @ Christioph Höbenreich
South Pole emperor penguins Ultima Antarctica
emperor penguins
south_pole_expedition_with_SUV-ultima_antarctica
Expedition with special vehicles
south_pole_hike3_icewall_ultima_antarctica
Expedition to the Ice Wall
south_pole_hike2_icewall_ultima_antarctica
Expedition to the Ice Wall
South Pole ice cave - Christoph Höbenreich - Ultima Antarctica
Blue ice caves | @ Christoph Höbenreich
south pole ice hiking ultima_antarctica
ice hiking
South Pole Antarctica Expeditions Ultima Antarctica
Winter biking
south pole frozen lake ultima antarctica
Submarine lake in Antarctica
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