Early Emperors | White Desert

Today we fly over thousands of icebergs on a 5-hour flight across the Southern Ocean to Antarctica. During the flight, we will enter the Polar Circle and encounter the continuous daylight of the Antarctic summer. After landing on the ancient blue ice of the runway, you will transfer to our camp at Whichaway and take a gentle hike around the Oasis.

Settle into Whichaway Oasis and do as much or as little as you like each day. Activities range from yoga, massages, and gentle treks to exploring the incredible ice waves, summiting a nunatak, ice climbing and even abseiling! On quieter days, you will hear talks from our polar explorer staff about some of the lesser-known history of Antarctica and their world record-breaking expeditions.

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.

Today we fly 2.5 hours across Antarctica on our aircraft, enjoying immense views of the High Polar Plateau, before landing at the Emperor Penguin colony at Atka Bay. 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.

Your visit to the penguins begins with a 2.5-hour flight to Atka Bay, the site of the first episode of Sir David Attenborough’s groundbreaking documentary Seven Worlds, One Planet. Here you’ll see over 14,000 breeding pairs and their newly-hatched chicks, a spectacle full of noise and energy that is a favourite with wildlife watchers and photographers. 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 Antarctic environment and of IAATO guidelines, we keep at least 25m (80ft) from the penguins while taking in all the sights and sounds of this rare wildlife spectacle, which remains one of the greatest thrills on Earth!

You spend the day exploring the ice waves below our camp, delving into the series of ice tunnels that are as surreal as they are beautiful. Later, wind 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.

An adventurous hike along a winding cliff face shows you stunning views of the extraordinary waves of ice that have been created over millennia by constant pressure from the ocean. Our world-class mountain guides will lead you on this challenging hike, always ensuring your safety on this unforgettable day.

With only 12 guests on each adventure, our professional guides will ensure that you are always safe and well lookedafter,
and that you get the most out of your time. Your activities can be as adrenaline-fuelled or relaxed as you like: not keen on climbing, fat biking or abseiling? Then perhaps a picnic followed by a sauna and a massage would suit. The choice is yours.

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

*Please note that activities are weather-dependent, and the schedule may be adjusted based on ice conditions.