Embark on the ultimate Trip to the Antarctic experience during this once in a lifetime 8-day Emperors and South Pole Expedition. This unforgettable journey combines the magnificent Emperor Penguins with a flight to the Geographic South Pole.

With the starting point of this expedition being Cape Town in South Africa, travellers will partake in a safety briefing the day before the flight during which travellers are updated on the latest weather forecasts in Antarctica and are assisted with any last-minute preparations.

On the flight from the Cape Town International Airport, participants pass into the Antarctic Circle and into twenty-four hours of continuous sunshine. The plane which is being used is a Gulfstream. When the plane taxis to a standstill, travellers will be able to count themselves as one of a very few to ever set foot on the magnificent continent of Antarctica.

The Whichaway Camp is very unique and provides the ideal place from which to base star this adventure. Six state-of-the-art sleeping pods accommodate guests in this camp. These igloo style camps provide heaters and are designed for two people in each. With only six meters in diameter, these are spacious featuring a writing desk, a wash area as well as a toilet.

The main areas of the camp feature a shower pod, a kitchen and three centralised pods that make up the reception, lounge as well as the comfortable dining room. The exterior is constructed from cutting edge materials. The interior exudes an old-world feel with rich textures to make a comfortable place for relaxing and to enjoy the delicious meals from the award-winning chef.

Whether participants of this excursion are wanting to summit unclimbed peaks or whether they are on this journey to experience Antarctica’s majestic scenery, the field guides ensure them to be warm, safe and happy. Every day, the field guides recommend several excursions and activities for travellers to choose from. These range from relaxing and easy to adrenaline-charged, it is up to the guests to decide their preferred options.

Travellers who enjoy extreme thrill and excitement have further activity options. The guides can push the travellers as far as they want to go.

Guests will have a clear appreciation of how spectacular the Emperors Penguins are once they have visited the colony at Atka Bay. Just a two hours flight via DC3 Basler from the main camp brings travellers to a site of over 6,000 penguins and their young chicks. Being unafraid of humans the Penguins come within a few meters of the group, immersing one in the noise, commotion and the sheer beauty of it all. This is one of the greatest, and yet least seen, wildlife events on the planet.

Even today, reaching the South Pole is a feat that only a very few people have achieved thus far. During the 7 hour flight from the main camp, one lands on the polar plateau to refuel and one has the opportunity to walk around this vast wilderness getting a real taste for the immense scale of Antarctica.

When back on board, the flight to the South Pole continues, landing at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole station. At the specific marker, participants are on the lowest point on earth. This is the place where no East, South or West exists – only North. Travellers are able to walk around the world in just a few paces! What an amazing experience to have reached this last outback of the world.

The South Pole is situated at an altitude of 4,000m with an approximate ambient temperature of -25°C (-13°F). Depending on the pilot's rest schedule, the group will either camp at the South Pole or 83 degrees South.

Flights: Emperors and South Pole Expedition

• Cape Town to Camp: 5.5 hours
• Camp to Atka Bay: 2.5 hours
• Camp to refuel on way to the South Pole: 5 hours
• Refuelling location to the South Pole: 2 hours.

Quick facts

• from $84,000 per person ( rate applicable for 2018)
• Maximum 12 clients fly to the South Pole
• No specific fitness level required
• 5hrs flight time to Antarctica
• 7hrs flight time to the South Pole.

More challenging activities:

• Expert guides teach the skills of a polar explorer
• Technical rock climbing
• Mighty abseiling
• Exciting zip-lining.

Activities:

• Gentle treks to ice tunnels
• Venture towards the coast where giant ice waves rise up from the ground in fantastic formations
• Relaxed picnics
• Visit one of the local science bases.

Amenities

• Double bed
• Ensuite private bathroom

More Information on Antarctica Emperors and South Pole Expedition (8 Days)

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