EMPEROR PENGUINS AND SOUTH POLE EXPEDITION
For centuries, the Last Continent has held a special place in our imaginations, yet even now, long after the first explorers reached the South Pole, access to the interior of Antarctica is still only for the very few. After a five-hour flight from Cape Town, South Africa, we bring you to a place that is both surreal and majestic. From iridescent ice tunnels to vertical spires of rock, from endless horizons to oceans scattered with icebergs; this is a place unlike anywhere else on Planet Earth. Established 17 years ago by record-breaking polar explorers, White Desert offers you an environmentally-conscious choice that always prioritises the sensitive environment and incredible animals that surround us.
This signature 7-day journey brings you the very best of Antarctica – a visit to an Emperor Penguin colony of over 28,000 birds and a flight to the lowest point on Earth – the Geographic South Pole. Flying in by private jet or Airbus and with only 12 guests on each departure, White Desert offers a bespoke service that is as luxurious as it is remarkable.
Trip Type
- Adventure
- Bucket List
Activities
- Climbing
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fat Biking
- Mountaineering
- Photography
- Rock Climbing
- Wildlife
Property Details
Inspired by the seminal age of Space exploration, Echo sits in quiet solitude encircled by pitted rock formations. Echo is as close as you can get to feeling like you’re off the planet without leaving Earth. The space-age design of the ‘Sky Pods’ makes them look like they’ve been beamed down from Mars. Futuristic and luxurious, the six bedrooms are created from composite fiberglass with floor to ceiling windows allowing guests to soak in the moon-like landscape beyond.
The space-age design of the ‘Sky Pods’ makes them look like they’ve been beamed down from Mars. Futuristic and luxurious, the six bedrooms are created from composite material with floor to ceiling windows allowing guests to soak in the moon-like landscape beyond. Original photos taken from the International Space Station (ISS) by former Commander, White Desert guest and retired astronaut, colonel Terry Virts will be featured in each pod. Says Virts of the Echo landscape, “The mountains are the most beautiful I have seen across Earth, Venus and Mars.”
Perfect for exclusive use groups and catering for up to 12 people, Echo allows guests to combine an ultra-luxury experience with a once in lifetime adventure on the 7th Continent. As with all White Desert’s camps, Echo is designed to be dismantled, leaving no trace on the Antarctic landscape.
DAY 1
ARRIVAL
We fly over miles of icebergs on our 5-hour flight from Cape Town to Antarctica. During the flight, we enter the Polar Circle and encounter the continuous daylight of the Antarctic summer. After landing on our blue ice runway, you will transfer to Echo where cocktails made with 10,000-year-old ice await.
Day 2
SETTLING IN
Do as much or as little as you like each day. Activities range from massages, yoga and gentle hikes to exploring incredible mountains and glaciers, summiting a nunatak, ice climbing and even abseiling! On quieter days, you’ll hear talks from our polar explorer team members about some of the lesser-known history of Antarctica and their world record-breaking expeditions.
DAY 3
EMPEROR COLONY
Today, you could visit the Emperor penguin colony at Atka Bay. We fly 2.5 hours across Antarctica, enjoying beautiful views of the nearby mountain ranges and coastline, before landing at the colony. You will be among the very few who have ever witnessed this incredibly resilient species in their natural habitat.
DAY 4
EXPLORING
We can spend the day exploring the nearby mountains and enjoy a gentle hike overlooking the endless ice sheet, followed by a champagne picnic. Then you’ll head off with your guide, winding your way through the snow and ice to an incredible vantage point with panoramic views over the mountains that you have just explored.
DAY 5
SOUTH POLE
The South Pole trip is a highlight! We leave early in the morning in our Basler BT-67 aircraft, flying over stunning mountain ranges before landing at Dixie’s camp to refuel. After stretching your legs on the High Polar Plateau we continue to the South Pole, where you will have plenty of time for photos and a chance to stamp your passport before flying back to Dixie’s Camp and overnighting just like the original explorers.
DAY 6
RETURN TO ECHO
After a night under canvas, you’ll enjoy breakfast before boarding the plane once again for the flight back to Echo. The flight is the perfect chance to appreciate the immense scale of Antarctica, before you return to camp for a three-course champagne dinner to celebrate your achievements
DAY 7
Climbing
An adventurous hike along a winding cliff face affords guests stunning views over the last pristine wilderness on Earth. Our specialist UIAGM mountain guides will lead you on this challenging hike, ensuring your safety at all times.
EMPERORS AND THE SOUTH POLE
Even now, reaching the southernmost point on earth is a feat that very few people have achieved. During the seven-hour flight, we land on the polar plateau to refuel, and you will have a chance to walk around this vast, foreboding wilderness getting a real taste for the immense scale of Antarctica.
Back on board, we continue to the South Pole, landing at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole station. At the designated marker, you will be at the lowest point on earth. A place with no more East, South or West – only North and you will be able to walk around the world in just a few paces!
Two hours flight via Basler BT-67 from our main camp and you are at a site of more than 14,000 penguins and their young chicks.
Both are totally unafraid of humans and will come within a few meters of our group, immersing you 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.
IncluSIONS
- Safety briefing (return transfers provided)
- Return transfers for Antarctica flights
- Return flight to Antarctica (inc. 30kg baggage allowance)
- All accommodation, food and drink (including all alcohol) in Antarctica
- All guiding fees, support of field guides and logistics staff
- The use of certain items of polar clothing, as denoted on equipment list
- Payment by White Desert Ltd of a ‘Carbon Tax’ for offsetting emissions created by all logistics associated with Antarctic travel
- Commercial flights to and from Cape Town, South Africa
- Accommodation and meals whilst in Cape Town
- Polar clothing (you will be sent a tailored kit list in advance of your trip to help you purchase the necessary items)
- Comprehensive insurance cover (White Desert staff can advise you as to the appropriate cover required)
- Additional expenses incurred in Cape Town due to any delay
- Additional baggage costs over the agreed amount
- Use of a satellite phone whilst in Antarctica
- A warm, winter coat
- Winter boots with good soles.
- Gloves
- Warm wool socks
- Nice comfy shoes
- Thin, warm base layers
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries
We went to Nosara on vacay with our 1 and 3 year old— our goal was relaxation, yoga, and surf. The Silvestre was a gift- being there felt like we had a fancy private villa!
Maryanna Q
Wow! This was our second time in Nosara and Silvestre took our holiday to entire new level. I was blown away by the attention to detail. They have everything covered to ensure you have the most incredible and memorable stay.
Danielle N
Had the pleasure of staying at Silvestre for 9 days. Its such an beautiful hotel. They really did a wonderful job. I travel a lot and Silvestre felt more like a home then a hotel.
Harout D