Fly to the iciest continent on exhilarating new expeditions from Cape Town to experience nature on an epic scale.
Visiting the continent of Antarctica, one of the most pristine and inaccessible environments on Earth, lies beyond most people’s wildest dreams. Despite the white desert’s snow-blanketed silence, broken only by creaking icebergs and the shanties of piratical skuas, its hauntingly beautiful, otherworldly beauty includes a wildlife-crowded, sensory experience to rival the African savannah.
With a short season that starts in November, peaks in December and January, and runs until early February, a journey to the iciest continent is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that few people get to undertake.
White Desert Antarctica
We’ve partnered with the most exclusive specialists, White Desert Antarctica (pictured) and Ultima Antarctic Expeditions, who offer a new range of guided expeditions from Cape Town, including flights to the South Pole and its emperor penguin colonies. In addition, we can arrange tailor-made expeditions for small groups looking for the ultimate ice adventure. These extraordinary experiences will see you bask in the Mother City’s sunshine one day and hike over ice waves the next – a bucket list adventure for even our most widely travelled members.
Cape Town to Antarctica in six hours
Picture the following scene: joining scientists en route to research stations, you take off in a private cargo plane from sun-drenched Cape Town – five-and-a-half hours later, you touch down on the world’s remotest continent. Dressed in polar gear, you feel the ice creak under your feet as you’re met by piercing rays of sunlight, breathing in air so crisp it could cut glass. The contrast to buzzing South Africa is staggering – here, you’re met with absolute stillness.
Our Antarctica partners offer a selection of base camps that ensure premium comfort in the midst of the frozen wilds – think heated guest pods, saunas with glacier views, and private chefs whipping up cuisine worthy of a Michelin star. Then there’s the natural spectacle – you’ll likely spot snow petrels and skuas swooping in from above, and you might even see Adélie penguins wandering through your camp.
Each guest taking up one of the limited seats on the plane will travel alongside researchers headed to Antarctica – indirectly offsetting their trip by cross-funding the logistics of ongoing scientific programmes, and helping to protect and preserve the white desert. Furthermore, visits are tightly controlled, with every morsel of waste carefully transported back to South Africa – leaving only snowy footprints behind.
In the presence of Antarctic emperors
The highlight for most members, however, is coming face-to-face with the mighty emperor penguins – the largest penguin on Earth, they’re approximately 120cm tall, and weigh in at around 20kg to 40kg. The scenic flight to their colony is an experience in itself, offering unforgettable views of castle-like icebergs atop vast ice plains, the edge of the Eckström Ice Shelf, and the crevasses and cliffs of the Antarctic ice cap. Few humans get the chance to see these majestic birds in their natural habitat, making the encounter even more extraordinary.
Immersed in the noise and commotion of thousands of penguins and their chicks, this is one of the most spectacular wildlife shows on Earth. And you can make the experience even more memorable, before you turn back towards summery Cape Town’s beaches and vineyards. For the ultimate Antarctica adventure, combine the penguins with a trip to the world’s southernmost point, the Geographic South Pole – a feat that only a handful of people have accomplished.
Following Ernest Shackleton’s footsteps
From your camp, you’ll embark on pulse-quickening adventures that offer rare access to remote destinations, and will make you feel like a true Antarctic expeditioner. You’ll traverse mountains, scale icy summits, edge close to moving ice sheets, and explore ice tunnels, near-vertical glacier walls, and partly frozen lakes. When the conditions are just right, you might even venture into shimmering ice caves – and those brave enough can take cold water immersion to the next level by attempting a polar plunge into Earth’s coldest seawater.
Where to stay: The waterfront oasis
One&Only Cape Town
Overlooking a man-made marina with two faux islands, One&Only Cape Town is more polished resort than urban hotel – complete with stellar Table Mountain views. A recent refurbishment added a sense of place by paying homage to African culture and heritage. The award-winning Spa Island and Nobu restaurant are highlights, while youngsters will be impressed by the KidsOnly clubhouse and activities
The hotel is in conservation partnerships with the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Endangered Wildlife Trust, collaborates with local artisans and artists, and has joined forces with non-profit organisation Bridges for Music to empower underprivileged young people through music.
Where to stay: The countryside golf destination
Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa
Dating back to the 1700s, this former Cape Dutch farmstead in the Helderberg region has been transformed into an elegant countryside retreat that rubs shoulders with some of the Cape’s top wine farms. Surrounded by the Hottentots Holland Mountains, it offers direct access to the estate’s Gary Player-designed golf course, with a fine dining restaurant, spa, whirlpool bath, and pool adding appeal.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Read our post on the Hidden Harmonies of Japan: Discover peace in nature amid Zen gardens.
