Exclusive flight expedition to the South Pole with a visit to an emperor penguin colony

Private jet flight from/to Cape Town and overnight stay in luxury camps on the Antarctic continent

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Experience the geographic South Pole and emperor penguins up close! Luxury camping in Antarctica

from/to Cape Town, South Africa

Maximum 12 people

8 days (7 nights)

8 days (7 nights) exclusive small group tour with max. 12 people from/to Cape Town, South Africa to the geographic South Pole

This 8-day trip offers you the best of Antarctica: a visit to an emperor penguin colony with up to 28,000 birds and a flight to the southernmost point on Earth – the geographic South Pole. You will fly on a charter flight from Cape Town to Wolf's Fang airfield in Antarctica, where you will land on an ice runway after 5 hours. The flight itself is a highlight, as you will fly over thousands of icebergs on your way to Antarctica .

The luxurious camps in the White Desert offer exclusive experiences in the heart of Antarctica. You will travel in a group of no more than 12 people (also ideal for private trips with friends or family):

Whichaway Camp: This award-winning camp is perfectly nestled in the stunning landscape of the Schirmacher Oasis, whose dramatic backdrop of steep cliffs, deep blue lakes, and exposed rock forms a fascinating contrast to the endless ice fields of Antarctica. The camp combines luxurious comfort with a touch of adventure: six geodesic domes offer modern design, cozy warmth, and spectacular views of the untouched wilderness. With gourmet cuisine, first-class service, and unforgettable experiences such as hiking, ice climbing, and visiting an emperor penguin colony, a stay here is the ultimate adventure. The exceptionally mild climate of the Schirmacher Oasis enhances its uniqueness and makes it a rare, vibrant natural phenomenon in the midst of the extreme Antarctic – an oasis that enchants and inspires.
Echo Camp: Echo Camp is located on an ice field. Inspired by the futuristic aesthetics of space exploration, Echo Camp is an innovative retreat in the Antarctic landscape. The minimalist architecture of the six sleeping domes combines sustainability with style. Guests enjoy exclusive privacy and panoramic views of the majestic glaciers. Echo Camp also offers exceptional culinary experiences and activities such as expeditions to see emperor penguins.

During your stay, explore the ice tunnels on site, experience exciting rides in an off-road vehicle, learn more about scientific work in Antarctica, and see the majestic emperor penguins up close!

On one of the following days, you will fly in a small Basler aircraft for 7.5 hours to the highlight of your trip: the South Pole at 90S.

After a long and eventful day, you will spend the night at the remote Dixie Camp (not a luxury category) on the way back. The next morning after breakfast, you will return to the camp.

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

Select consultation appointment

Good to know

Arrival and departure: We offer a variety of individual arrival and departure packages including flights, hotels, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs in South Africa to extend your trip.

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 covering medical repatriation must be provided. We will send you a quote for this.

Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.

HIGHLIGHTS

Charter flight to the Antarctic continent
Visit to the geographic South Pole at 90° South
Maximum of 12 people per trip
Accommodation in luxury camps in Antarctica
- CampEcho surroundedby rock formations in a frozen landscape
- Camp Whichaway onthe shore of a freshwater lake in the Schirmacher Oasis
Visit to an emperor penguin colony with up to 28,000 birds
1 night's simple tent accommodation at Dixie's Camp – one of the most remote places in the world
A wide range of included activities in the vicinity of the camps
Sustainability throughout the entire trip: greenhouse gas emissions during the trip are offset by accredited projects, and sustainable aviation fuel is used in Antarctica.

Camp Whichaway

Camp Echo

itinerary

Day 1 |Flight to Antarctica

On this 5.5-hour flight over the Southern Ocean to Antarctica, you will fly over thousands of icebergs. On the flight from Cape Town, you will cross the Antarctic Circle and enjoy 24 hours of uninterrupted sunshine. All carbon emissions are offset by recognized projects.

After landing on the private ice runway, you will be flown to your Whichaway accommodation in a ski-equipped aircraft. The flight takes 30 minutes and gives you the opportunity to see Antarctica from a different perspective. Upon arrival at your luxury camp, you can take an easy hike around the snow-covered oasis to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.

The Echo accommodation is a 15-minute drive away. There you will have the opportunity to gather your first impressions up close. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with cocktails made with 10,000-year-old ice.

special-aircraft-for-antarctic-transport-©WhiteDesertAntarctica

rope walk-Antarctica-©WhiteDesertAntarctica

mountain hike-Antarctica-©WhiteDesertAntarctica

Day 2 | Luxury camp and activities in Antarctica
Settle in at Whichaway/Echo and do as much or as little as you like.

Activities at Whichaway Camp include:

Expert lectures on the expedition
Glacier climb to the summit of Nunatak
Ice climbing with ice axes on seemingly insurmountable ice walls
Climbing rock faces with former world champions
Exploration of ice caves
Abseiling from frozen cliffs
Rope walk above a cliff overlooking ice fields
Adventurer Picnic with Polar Ice Cocktails
Walking through ice tunnels formed by meltwater

Activities at Echo Camp include:

Climbing on rugged rock faces
Nunatak tour to a summit with a view over the ice fields
Abseiling from frozen cliffs
Fat biking on a groomed 25 km trail
Ice climbing with crampons and ice axes
Cross-country skiing on the Explorer's Loop
Guided snowmobile tour through "Wolf's Fang"
Hike in the footsteps of the first Antarctic expeditions
Mountain hikes in rarely visited mountain ranges

A quieter day can be spent listening to lectures by polar explorers on the lesser-known history of Antarctica and their record-breaking expeditions.

Following your first few days, you will embark on expeditions to the penguin colony and the South Pole. To reach these locations, you will take the following flights within Antarctica._CO2emissions are offset by accredited projects. In addition, particularly sustainable aviation fuel is used:

On day 3, you will take a 2.5-hour flight to the emperor penguin colony in Atka Bay. After your visit, you will fly back to your camp.

On day 5, you will fly to the geographic South Pole. First, you will fly for 5 hours across Antarctica to Dixie Camp. After refueling, you will continue on a 2-hour flight to the South Pole. After visiting the South Pole, you will return to Camp Dixie. There you will spend a night in one of the most remote places in the world. The next day, you will fly back to Camp Whichaway/Echo.

Day 3: Emperor penguin colony in Atka Bay

After a two-hour flight on a Basler BT-67 from our main camp, you will reach Atka Bay. This is home to more than 14,000 penguins and their young chicks. Here you can enjoy a sight that is popular with animal watchers and photographers alike. The emperor penguin is the largest species of penguin, growing up to 1.3 meters tall.

Neither the adult penguins nor their chicks are afraid of humans and will approach your group to within a few meters, allowing you to immerse yourself in the noise, excitement, and sheer beauty of it all. This is one of the greatest yet least seen natural events on our planet.

In order to fulfill our responsibility to wildlife and comply with IAATO guidelines, we maintain a minimum distance of 5 meters from the penguins. Despite the distance, it doesn't matter which direction you look. All you see is a vast icy expanse that contrasts with the penguins' shimmering plumage.

Day 4 | Activities at camp

On your fourth day in Antarctica, you will once again have the opportunity to take advantage of the various activities offered by your respective camp. For example, you can spend the day exploring the nearby mountains and enjoying an easy hike with views of the endless inland ice. The hike ends with a champagne picnic. Then, you will set off with your guide and wind your way through snow and ice to an incredible viewpoint with panoramic views of the mountains you have just explored.

Or grab one of the fat bikes and explore the specially constructed 25 km trail across the ice fields of Antarctica. Here you have the opportunity to experience Antarctica in a completely different way.

Day 5 | Geographic South Pole

You will take off early in the morning in a Basel BT-67 aircraft and fly over breathtaking mountain ranges. The total distance from the camps to the South Pole is 2,400 km. The first part of the journey is a 5-hour flight to Dixie's Camp, an expedition camp. After refueling, you continue flying towards the South Pole – the lowest point on Earth. After a 2-hour flight, you reach the geographic South Pole. Setting foot at 90°S is still the holy grail for many explorers.

After a few hours at the South Pole, you will fly back to Dixie's Camp, where you will be among the few who have ever spent a night in the beauty of the high polar plateau. Dixie's offers a true sense of seclusion, as the white horizon meets the pure blue sky in every direction. Enjoy dinner as you reflect on the day and fall asleep knowing that you are in one of the wildest places on Earth. A place that is still largely unexplored.

Please bear in mind that the South Pole is located at an altitude of 4,000 m and the ambient temperature is around -25ºC. People with a history of altitude sickness should not choose this option. If you are unsure, please contact us for advice or further information.

Day 6 | Return to camp

After spending the night in the tented camp, enjoy a hearty breakfast before boarding the plane again for the return flight to Whichaway/Echo. The flight offers you another opportunity to marvel at the vastness of Antarctica before returning to your camp for a three-course champagne dinner.

Our chefs use South African ingredients to serve you excellent meals. These are accompanied by wine from the finest Cape wineries.

Day 7 | Activities at camp

On your seventh day in Antarctica, you will once again have the opportunity to take advantage of the various activities offered at your camp.

Visit ice caves or ice tunnels and let these unique impressions sink in. A great opportunity to get to know Antarctica from all angles.

You can also go on a hike along a winding rock face. This offers you a breathtaking view of the Earth's untouched wilderness. Certified mountaineers will accompany you.

Day 8 | Flight to Cape Town

The flight from Antarctica will be your last lasting memory of the great white continent before you immerse yourself once again in the vibrant energy of Africa. You will be transferred to your hotel, where you will have the opportunity to relax and reflect on your Antarctic adventure!

PLEASE NOTE: The daily programs described here are for your guidance only. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, but also in order to respond to current circumstances regarding wildlife viewing. The exact sequence of activities and the aircraft types mentioned may vary.

Further information

Your accommodations

Camp Whichaway: On the edge of the Great White Continent lies the Schirmacher Oasis, an ice-free area containing over 100 freshwater lakes. This is where the unique Camp Whichaway is located. A total of six heated "polar capsules" are available, equipped with modern exterior walls and classic interiors. With a diameter of over 6 m (20 feet), they are spacious and feature a desk, a wash area, and a toilet. They are reminiscent of the rich heritage of Antarctica and its discoveries. The cozy atmosphere in the communal lounge, library, and dining area, where guests can relax and chat, is particularly appreciated. From here, you can enjoy fantastic views and unwind.

Polar capsule | (c) White Desert Antarctica

Dining area | (c) White Desert Antarctica

Sleeping area of a polar capsule at Whichaway Camp

The interior of a polar capsule | (c) White Desert Antarctica

Camp Echo: Inspired by the pioneering era of space exploration, Echo lies in quiet solitude, surrounded by rugged rock formations. Echo comes very close to the feeling of having left the planet without leaving Earth. Echo has six heated "sky capsules" made of fiberglass composite material. Each of the astronaut-inspired bedrooms is designed for two guests, with a nod to the space age and ultra-luxurious furnishings that could have been beamed down from Mars. Each bedroom is approximately 6 meters in diameter; the sky capsules feature large windows, a cozy lounge area, and an adjoining washroom and toilet. Echo is perfect for groups of up to 12 people, offering guests the opportunity to combine an ultra-luxurious experience with a unique adventure on the seventh continent.

Sky capsules from Echo | (c) White Desert Antarctica

Sky capsules | (c) White Desert Antarctica

Lounge area | (c) White Desert Antarctica

Bedroom | (c) White Desert Antarctica

activities

Whichaway Camp:

Expert lectures on the expedition
Learn about the extraordinary stories of the explorers of yesteryear while staying in the same environment.

Glacier climb to the summit of Nunatak
With the help of our expert mountain guides, you will climb a glacier with blue ice and reach the easy summit of Mount Nunatak, from where you can enjoy spectacular views.

Abseiling from frozen cliffs
Experience a thrilling descent from the top of a 100-meter cliff, surrounded by an amphitheater of shimmering blue ice.

Ice climbing with ice axes on seemingly insurmountable ice walls
Learn this exciting sport with crampons and ice axes, which allow you to climb seemingly insurmountable ice walls.

Rock climbing with former world champions
Our former world championswill teach you how to safely climb the impressive red granite walls that surround our camp.

Exploring ice caves
The meltwater flowing through tunnels and caves offers scenes straight out of a picture book.

Rope walk above a cliff overlooking ice fields
An easy traverse across a 200-foot cliff with spectacular views of the ice waves below.

Adventurous picnic with polar ice cocktails
Relax at the summit of a rugged mountain with views stretching across the entire horizon. The perfect opportunity to sip a cocktail made with 1,000-year-old ice.

Explore ice tunnels formed by meltwater
A dream for every photographer. Explore a labyrinth of surreal ice tunnels formed by seasonal meltwater.

Echo Camp:

Climbing rugged rock faces
Challenge your skills and join the ranks of the few who have climbed a nunatak.

Nunatak tour to a summit with views over the ice fields
The ascent to a summit with incredible views

Abseiling from frozen cliffs
Experience the thrill of abseiling from frozen cliffs under the guidance of our certified mountain guides.

Fat biking on a groomed 25 km trail
Test your skills on a fat bike and conquer our specially groomed 25 km Explorer's Loop.

Ice climbing with crampons and ice axes
Climb ice walls and learn crampon and ice axe techniques.

Cross-country skiing on the Explorer's Loop
Test your skiing skills on the Explorer's Loop

Guided snowmobile tour through Wolf's Fang
Take a Skidoo tour with our guides and discover Wolf's Fang in style.

Hike in the footsteps of the first Antarctic expeditions
Follow in the footsteps of the original Antarctic explorers and overcome the same extreme conditions.

Mountain hikes in rarely visited mountain ranges
Follow our UIAGM-certified mountain guides and traverse rarely seen mountain ranges.

Please note that most of the activities listed here require a certain level of physical fitness.

Note for travelers with limited mobility

On expedition trips, the travel experience occasionally focuses on visiting locations that can only be reached on foot and with good physical mobility. For these reasons, this trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. Please contact us for advice in individual cases.

Services

Included services:

Safety briefing in Cape Town one day prior to your scheduled flight
Round-trip transfer for Antarctic flights
Return flight to Antarctica and the South Pole (including 23 kg of checked baggage and 7 kg of carry-on baggage)
All accommodation, food, and beverages (including all alcoholic beverages) in Antarctica
All fees for tour guides, field guides, and logistics personnel
The use of specific polar clothing, as specified in the equipment list
Payment of a "_{CO2 tax}" by White Desert Ltd. to offset the emissions generated by all logistics associated with the Antarctic trip.

Not included in the price:

Flights to and from Cape Town, South Africa
Accommodation and meals during your stay in Cape Town
Polar clothing (you will receive a personalized equipment list before your trip to help you purchase the necessary items)
Comprehensive insurance coverage (we can advise you on the necessary insurance coverage)
Additional costs in Cape Town due to delays
Additional costs for excess baggage beyond the agreed limit
Using a satellite phone in Antarctica

Number of participants: max. 12 people

Information about your trip:

All mountain guides have completed the demanding five-year UIAGM qualification.
Each camp has its own fully trained trauma doctor and the necessary medical equipment.
Flight duration:
Flight to Wolf's Fang, Antarctica: 5 hours
Flight to the emperor penguins: 2.5 hours
Flight to the South Pole: 7 hours
The Basel BT-67s are upgraded conversions of the DC-3, specially equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and skis for landing on snow and ice.
All emissions, including all flights to and from the continent and within the continent, are offset through fully accredited programs.

Private jet flies over Antarctica

To Antarctica by private jet

special-aircraft-for-antarctic-transport-©WhiteDesertAntarctica

Special aircraft for travel within Antarctica

Polar capsules, Camp Whichaway Camp

Polar capsules, Camp Whichaway

Lounge, Camp Whichawa | ©WhiteDesert

Lounge, Camp Whichaway

bedroom camp whichaway©WhiteDesertAntarctica

Bedroom at Camp Whichaway | ©White Desert

Library, Camp Whichaway

stay-whichaway-camp-©WhiteDesert

Recreation room at Camp Whichaway

Bedroom, Camp Whichaway

Antarctic Echo Camp Sky Capsule

Sky capsule, Camp Echo

Antarctic Echo Camp Lounge

Lounge, Camp Echo

Antarctic Echo Camp Dining Area

Dining area, Camp Echo

Bedroom, Camp Echo

echo room ©WhiteDesertAntarctica

Rooms at Camp Echo

signpost-dixie-camp©WhiteDesertAntarctica

Signpost at Dixie's Camp

geographical-south-pole-©WhiteDesertAntarctica00087

Geographic South Pole

south pole-©WhiteDesertAntarctica

Geographic South Pole

south pole-2©WhiteDesertAntarctica

At the geographic South Pole 90°S

dixies camp tents©WhiteDesertAntarctica

Dixie's Camp

camp-dixie-overnight©WhiteDesertAntarctica

Setting up a tent at Dixie's Camp

Emperor penguins in the icy landscape of Antarctica

emperor penguins

emperor penguin with offspring©WhiteDesertAntarctica

Emperor penguin and her chick

emperor penguin colony-©WhiteDesertAntarctica

emperor penguin colony

emperor penguin family

Ice cave discovery tour in Antarctica

Ice cave discovery tour

Rope Walk in Antarctica

Rope Walk

Skidoo tour in Antarctica

Snowmobile tour

Antarctica-South Pole-Emperor penguins-easy hike

An easy hike

Jogging on the Explorer's Loop

Fat biking on the Explorer's Loop

Expedition member descends from the top of a cliff, surrounded by shimmering blue ice

Expedition participant descends from the top of a cliff

Abseiling from a cliff

Meltwater flow during a hike

Hike across an ice field

Glacier and mountain hike

Champagne picnic on the ice

Walk through an ice tunnel

Exterior view of Camp Whichaway

Exterior view of Camp Echo

Private jet over Antarctica

Rope walk along a meltwater river

Guided mountain hike on a mountain range

Visit to an ice cave

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Exclusive flight expedition to the South Pole with a visit to an emperor penguin colony

Experience the geographic South Pole and emperor penguins up close! Luxury camping in Antarctica

from/to Cape Town, South Africa

Maximum 12 people

8 days (7 nights)

Stephanie Gräf

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.

Good to know

HIGHLIGHTS

Camp Whichaway

Camp Echo

itinerary

Further information

Your accommodations

activities

Whichaway Camp:

Echo Camp:

Note for travelers with limited mobility

Dates & Prices

Request your trip here!

appointment

options

personal data

Summary

Activities

mandatory fees

appointment

options

personal data

Summary

Activities

mandatory fees

appointment

options

personal data

Summary

Activities

mandatory fees

appointment

options

personal data

Summary

Activities

mandatory fees

appointment

options

personal data

Summary

Activities

mandatory fees

appointment

options

personal data

Summary

Activities

mandatory fees

appointment

options

personal data

Summary

Activities

mandatory fees

appointment

options

personal data

Summary

Activities

mandatory fees

appointment

options

personal data

Summary

Activities

mandatory fees

appointment

options

personal data

Summary

Activities

mandatory fees