Today, kick off your adventure by flying over thousands of icebergs on a 5-hour flight across the Southern Ocean from Cape Town to Antarctica. During the flight, you will enter the Polar Circle and the continuous daylight of the Antarctic summer.

After landing on the ancient blue ice of the runway, you will transfer to the camp at Echo and take in the view as you stretch your legs on a quick pedal around your new home via fat bike.

* 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 Echo 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!

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. 

Echo 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 an active or relaxed lifestyle.

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.

This morning,  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.

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.

 

While at Echo Camp, spend the day exploring the the nearby the mountains and enjoy a gentle hike overlooking the endless ice sheet, followed by a champagne picnic.

In the afternoon, head off with your guide, winding your way through the snow and ice to an incredible vantage point where you can take in the panoramic view over the mountains that you have just explored.

An adventurous hike along a winding cliff face affords guests stunning views over the last pristine wilderness on Earth.. A team of world-class mountain guides will lead you on this challenging hike, ensuring your safety at all times on this unforgettable day. Be sure not to forget your camera!

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.