On the first day of this Antarctic adventure, fly over thousands of icebergs on a 5-hour flight across the Southern Ocean from Cape Town to Antarctica. During the flight, you enter the Polar Circle and the continuous daylight of the Antarctic summer.

After landing on the ancient blue ice of the Wolf's Fang runway, you will transfer to the camp at Whichaway (30 minute hopper flight in a Basler BT-67) and will have the chance to stretch your legs on a gentle hike around the Oasis.

* It is a mandatory requirement that all participants arrive in Cape Town, South Africa, at least two to three days before your scheduled flight to Antarctica. This is to allow flexibility should your flight be brought forward due to weather conditions – something that can, and does, happen! White Desert will host a mandatory safety briefing in Cape Town one day prior to "Day 1" of your itinerary to ensure your readiness for your upcoming adventure. The experienced team will personally inspect your equipment and polar clothing and hold briefings and orientations to ensure all participants are adequately equipped and prepared. 

Settle into Whichaway and do as much or as little as you like each day. Activities range from gentle treks to the incredible ice waves, summiting a nunatak, ice climbing, and even abseiling! Every trip in Antarctica is unique and the following  sample itinerary is meant purely as a guide to what guests may expect day by day. The exact sequence of activities and the types of aircraft mentioned may vary by departure to accommodate the ever changing conditions.

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 Camp offers a variety of group excursions and plenty of activities you can do on your own around the camp. While at the Camp, you are free to join in these guided activities being offered or choose to relax and enjoy the communal lounge spaces, the sauna with a view, and the stunning surroundings. Here are a few activities that guests can choose to partake in while at camp:

Ice Tunnels - The seasonal meltwater carves a path through the ice waves, forming deep tunnels of iridescent blue ice at the base of the Oasis. Exploring the tunnels is truly a magical experience.

Crystal Caves - The meltwater flows through tunnels and caves that will defy our guests’ imagination. The ancient ice, created over millennia, has so little air trapped within it that it turns blue – and is a perfect accompaniment to a cocktail!

Nunatak Climb - With the help of an expert guides, scale a blue-ice glacier and reach the easy summit of "Nunatak" Mountain for spectacular views

Rope Walk - On a hike that is as safe as it is spectacular, guides lead the guests on an easy traverse across a 200-foot cliff with an incredible view of the ice waves below.

Blue Rivers - The cascading meltwater of the Antarctic spring flows through the ice waves below Whichaway, creating blue rivers that seem to have jumped straight out of the pages of a storybook.

Adventure Picnic - Refuel on the top of a rugged peak with views to every horizon, the perfect opportunity to sip on a cocktail with 1,000-year old ice

Body and Spirit - Guests will love the stunning views across Whichaway Lake from the yoga pod, followed by a sauna or just a drink on the terrace before dinner.

*Order of days visiting the emperor penguin colony is subject to change due to weather and environmental conditions.

Today, fly 2.5 hours across Antarctica on a BT-67 aircraft, enjoying immense views of the High Polar Plateau before landing at the Emperor Penguin colony at Atka Bay. At the colony’s height in November/ December, you’ll see over 14,000 breeding pairs and their newly hatched chicks - a spectacle full of noise and energy that is a favorite with wildlife watchers and photographers.

Wrapped up in the sights and sounds of 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. Return to camp after a full day of observing the penguins for a hearty chef-prepared three course dinner and time to relax in your home away from home. 

There are so few visitors to this colony that the chicks are unafraid of humans and often waddle close by. Mindful of our responsibility to the wildlife and of IAATO guidelines, we keep at least 5m (16.4ft) from the Penguins. Looking in every direction, all you’ll see is a vast icy expanse contrasting the penguins’ shimmering feathers.
 

Over the next couple days, spend the time exploring the sights surrounding Whichaway. Opt to explore the ice waves below Whichaway camp with your experienced guide, delving into the series of ice tunnels that are as surreal as they are beautiful. Then, head off with your guide on a hike, winding your way through the snow and ice to an incredible vantage point where you can take in the panoramic view over the waves that you have just explored.

This morning, head out on adventurous hike or embark on an ice-climbing mission along a winding cliff face that will show you stunning views of the extraordinary waves of ice created over millennia by constant pressure from the ocean. A team of world-class mountain guides will lead you on this challenging adventure, ensuring your safety at all times on this unforgettable day.

The flight out of Antarctica will be the last of your enduring Antarctic memories before you delve back into the vibrant energy of Africa. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you will have a chance to relax and reflect on your Antarctic adventure!


It is a mandatory requirement that all participants plan at least  two to three days minimum in Cape Town, South Africa at the end of your scheduled flight back from Antarctica in order to be prepared for any unforeseen flight changes or delays. 

Please Note: This itinerary is entirely subject to weather conditions in Antarctica and is meant purely as a guide to what guests may expect day by day. The exact sequence of activities and the types of aircraft mentioned may vary. Antarctica is a bucket list trip for a reason - Mother Nature reigns supreme here, that’s what makes it a true adventure.