Day 3-9 - Antarctica, Our Base
THE FLIGHT TO THE POLAR CIRCLE
On board, during the 5.5 hour flight, you will see the night turn to day as we pass into the Antarctic Circle and into the land of the midnight sun. You will fly over hundreds of icebergs, some iridescent blue from their compacted ice and right along the great ice barrier. Crossing onto the continent itself and landing on a blue ice runway, you will be amongst the few who have ever set foot on Antarctica.
FIRST STEPS ON ANTARCTICA
Landing at one of the most remote camps on Earth, used almost exclusively for pioneering scientific work, you will be taken to our camp. It is situated near the mountain ranges of Dronning Maud Land and utterly secluded from the rest of the World.
Dronning Maud Land is one of Antarctica's least explored regions, though one of the most attractive. Sheer peaks and monoliths rise vertically out of the infinite ice. It is simply extraordinary.
Our camp has a friendly and easy feel to it. Your individual tents are warm and cosy, furnished in the old style luxury of 'colonial' African safaris. There is a communal dining and relaxation tent, with a small library, reclining chairs and areas to relax.
At the camp, we have some of the best caterers in Cape Town, preparing delicious, fresh food three times a day. There will be seafood and barbequed steaks, full breakfasts and light lunches, with the evening meal being a time to take it easy, enjoy a good bottle of wine and talk about the day's activities.
In the evening, our field guides will give a slideshow presentation on the local environment and tell the stories of the early explorers. A field scientist from the Russian and Indian base will also visit during your stay and explain elements of their latest, and often, groundbreaking research.
Once at our camp, our philosophy is simple - do as much or as little as you like.
DAY 3-9 TAKING IN YOUR SURROUNDINGS
For the first part of the adventure, settle into our camp and take in the awesome surroundings. Each day, choose from a number of excursions such as visits to the penguins just below our camp, or gentle treks into the nearby oasis with its caves and massive ice disturbances.
Abseiling over the huge ice cliff in front of our camp, you can explore the frozen lake leading out to the sea ice. Wander in between mighty ice blocks, iridescent blue and the size of a house. Spend time exploring a landscape that is as surreal as it is beautiful.
Skidoo ride up a mountain ridge and take in the extraordinary view of the open desert. Have a glass of champagne and enjoy a leisurely picnic in places where no one has ever stood.
At our camp, we also have beautifully sculpted igloos to sleep in. Surprisingly comfortable and utterly silent, the igloos are an unique way to wake up in the morning, with the soft blue light shining through a cocoon of ice!
For those wanting more activity, our polar guides will teach you the skills of a polar explorer, skiing and mountain climbing to name only a couple. On good wind days, we will also use our specialised kites, teaching you the basics of kite skiing, the newest form of polar travel! Only a handful of people have ever kited in Antarctica and speeding across the snow with the kite effortlessly powering you along is a truly exceptional feeling.
Over these 6 days, our guides are there to help when needed or leave you in peace if you'd prefer. They will ensure you are warm, safe and doing exactly what it is you would like to do.
