Antarctica, Emperor Penguins & South Pole

Itinerary

• Antarctica

  Antarctica is Earth's southernmost continent, overlying the South Pole. It is situated in the southern hemisphere, almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle, and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean. About 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice, which averages at least 1.6 kilometres (1.0 mi) in thickness. On average, Antarctica is the coldest, driest and windiest continent, and has the highest average elevation of all the continents. Since there is little precipitation, except at the coasts, the interior of the continent is technically the largest desert in the world. There are no permanent human residents. Only cold-adapted plants and animals survive there, including penguins, fur seals, mosses, lichen, and many types of algae. The continent remained largely neglected until the 20th century because of its hostile environment, lack of resources, and isolation. The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 that prohibits military activities and mineral mining, supports scientific research, and protects the continent's ecozone.

• Antarctica Camp

  Antarctica camp is located near the Shirmacher Oasis on the coast of the continent, near several scientific research stations.

• South Pole

  The South Pole  is one of the two points where the Earth's axis of rotation intersects its surface. It is the southernmost point on the surface of the Earth and lies on the opposite side of the Earth from the North Pole. Situated on the continent of Antarctica, it is the site of the United States Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, which was established in 1956 and has been permanently staffed since that year. The Geographic South Pole is marked by a small sign and a stake in the ice pack. The sign records the respective dates that Roald Amundsen and Robert F. Scott reached the Pole, followed by a short quotation from each man and gives the elevation as 2,835 m (9,301 ft).

• • Private Jet to Antarctica

  Day 1: Cape Town

  This afternoon we will be collecting you from your hotel for the pre-departure briefing. This briefing will explain in detail what you can expect on this Antarctica expedition. It will cover the details of the flight, how to pack, what each item of kit actually does and many other aspects of your journey. It is the perfect forum for you to ask any questions you may have, from how to wash in Antarctica, to what you can expect to do each day once at the camp. After the briefing we will be inviting you to a cocktail party to get to know the other guests.

  you will be transfered between the airport and your hotel with your Antartica team escorts.

  Five hour flight across the Southern Ocean to a maintained ice runway in Droning Maud Land.  The choice of plane varies according to the weather and logistics. We use an Illuyshin-IL76, Falcon 900, or a Gulfstream IV.

  Accommodation: Overnight Flight
• • Whichaway
  • Kensington Antarctica

  Day 2: Antarctica Camp

  Arrive at the Russian research station landing strip, a maintained ice runway in full time daylight. Meet your guides and transfer to the camp in specialist 4x4s.

  Accommodation: Kensington Antarctica

  Kensington Antarctica is the only luxury camp based in the interior of Antarctica. Old world luxury is mixed with modern technology to create 7 heated sleeping domes with two fluffy soft beds. The dining area, lounge, library and kitchen are spread across three huge dome tents that are 9 meters in diameter. With only 12 clients at a time, you will be amongst the very few to experience the interior of Antarctica. In the 24hrs of continuous daylight and with genuine polar explorers as your personal guides, each day is tailored to suit each person at camp. Trek down to the surreal ice waves, ride a specialized 4x4 across the endless ice, visit research stations, and camp out on the sea ice overnight like a polar explorer. If you’re looking for more adventure, our guides can lead you up unclimbed mountains or teach you kite-skiing across the infinite horizons of ice. The camp is run on extremely strict environmental protocols.

• Day 3: Antarctica Camp

  Trek to the magnificent ice waves about an hour and a half from the camp. These colossal ice structures are as surreal as they are beautiful, standing higher than houses with a series of ice tunnels beneath them. We spend the day gently trekking through this maze of interlocking waves, around crystal blue lakes and old compacted ice that is a searing, iridescent blue colour. Picnicking at a high point that overlooks the entire coastline, we trek back to camp for a more relaxing evening.

  Accommodation: Kensington Antarctica
• • Emperor Penguin Colony

  Day 4: Antarctica Camp

  It is an early start as we drive up to the ice runway and board a ski-equipped Bassler plane to fly 2 hours across Antarctica to an immense Emperor Penguin colony. The flight itself is spectacular, crossing a multitude of unexplored mountain peaks and catching views of the infinite high polar plateau, before circling down to land at the site of the penguins.

  With over 6,000 breeding pairs and their chicks, the colony is vast. We are the only tourists to ever go there and you will have the entire day to watch these awesome animals in their natural habitat. Encircled by towering icebergs, the penguins are completely unafraid of humans and often come up very close to you, whilst their fluffy chicks are equally inquisitive. So few people ever visit such a vibrant colony at this stage of the penguin’s complicated breeding cycle and it is truly awe-inspiring to see it. They really are the real life stars of "March of the Penguins"!

  Accommodation: Kensington Antarctica
• • Ice Caves

  Day 5: Antarctica Camp

  At camp, our guides offer a range of activities to choose. We do photography workshops using the ice grottos as fascinating backdrops to the images. There is rock climbing on offer, scaling challenging routes on the northern side of the nearby nunatak mountain. There is also a medium difficulty trek to the high point of the Oasis, which offers 360-degree views and a chance to take in the space and serenity which Antarctica offers in abundance.

  Accommodation: Kensington Antarctica
• • South Pole
  • DC3 Basler
  • Basler DC3
  • South Pole

  Day 6: Antarctica Camp - South Pole

  The highlight of your journey is a flight to the Geographic South Pole. After breakfast there will be a weather forecast check along the route to the Pole. If

  weather service gives a “green light” you will load on the plane and the adventure will begin. The flight will be in a modified DC3 Basler with spartan seats but good views. The distance to the South Pole from Antarctica Camp is about 2,140 km. You will be flying over the mountains of Queen Maud

  Land and then above the Antarctic Plateau so prepare your camera for the stunning views!

  At 83 degrees South there will be a landing for refueling high on the Antarctic plateau. The altitude is 2,500 meters above sea level, but air is less dense so it will feel like 3,000 meters elevation. Refueling will take about 40 min and you will have time to get out of the plane and stretch your legs. It is still 800 km (or 3 hours flight) to the Pole. From the air you'll get an appreciation for the immense scale and beauty of Antarctica.

  Seven hour flight across 2,100km to the South Pole.

  At the South Pole you will land on a runway of the American Amundsen-Scott research station. The station takes its name from the first explorers to reach the South Pole: Norwegian Roald Amundsen and British Capt. Robert Scott. On arrival you will complete a Round-the-World trip, walking around a symbolic pole at the Earth's axis, to celebrate your achievement.

  Note: South Pole Station lives on NZ time which is 13 hours ahead of GMT (Antarctic Camp time) and visitors are only allowd during their "daytime". For you, this will be a 10-11 pm arrival. The group will be met by a NSF (National Science Foundation) representative and taken on a guided tour of the station. There is a souvenir shop at the station and a post office where you can send postcards and buy patches, sweaters, T-shirts, glasses, stamps and other souvenirs. The shop only accepts USD. Expect to stay at the South Pole about 2-3 hours. After that the group will fly about 10 min to a South Pole fuel cache and camp for a good night sleep.

  Accommodation: South Pole rough camp

  The rough camp is near the Amundsen-Scott South Pole research station. You will be comfortable and well looked after as we experience camping in one of the wildest places on earth! As you look out of your tent window, you will be able to truly identify with the early explorers such as Scott and Shackleton as they raced to reach this hallowed place. This camp overnight is with sleeping bags and specialist tents, dinner and breakfast will be provided.

• • Queen Maud Land Mountains

  Day 7: South Pole - Antarctica Camp

  Seven hour flight from the South Pole to Whichaway camp.

  After a good sleep and breakfast the plane will return back to 83 S for refueling, and continuing on to Antarctica Camp. In the evening you will return to the camp where you can relax and share the stories of your trip, drinking tea or tasty South African wine in the mess tent with your new friends.

  Accommodation: Kensington Antarctica
• • Flight over Icebergs

  Day 8: Antarctica Camp - Cape Town

  Enjoy a last breakfast and pack up your gear for a morning transfer back to the airstrip and the private jet. Take a last few photos before saying goodbye to the majesty of this seventh continent. Savor the return crossing above a multitude of icebergs and open ocean. You will always have a lasting memory of Antarctica that will remain with you for the rest of your days.

  Five hour flight across the Southern Ocean to Cape Town.  The choice of plane varies according to the weather and logistics. We use an Illuyshin-IL76, Falcon 900, or a Gulfstream IV.

  you will be transfered between the airport and your hotel with your Antartica team escorts.

Accommodation

• Wildlife Encounters

  The African Elephant is a notably intelligent animal due to their large brain, and has a distinct social conduct from other animals. Herds consist of related females and their young, directed by the eldest female, or matriarch. Elephants remain close to their families, the relationship between each elephant is very strong and they recognize each other even after long periods apart. During migration, the matriarch decides the route and leads the group to all the water sources she knows. The other members of the herd will memorize these places for the future. Males stay with the herd only long enough to remain self sufficient, and then go to form their own groups with other males. They will only approach a herd in response to a mating call, which can occur at any time of the year.

• Culinary Delights

  South Africa has emerged as a polyglot cuisine. European colonization, the adaptation of the native Bantu cooking, and mass immigration of migrant workers have all contributed. The Dutch brought their forms of agriculture, and British merchants imported "mixed grills" that now include African game meats. The French introduced the cultivation of vineyards. Malay workers and East Indians added curries and spice to the plain English-Dutch influence. Local game, and lamb, the famous South African lobster, and a vast repertoire of fish combine to create a truly cosmopolitan cuisine.

• Kid's Fun

  Butterfly is the largest free flying park for butterflies in Southern Africa. It is an enclosed garden boasting a spectacular array of colourful butterflies which fly freely around you, as well as loads of water features and exotic plants. The location of Butterfly World is perfect as it lies at the junction of the main wine routes of Stellenbosch and Paarl. There is no time limit on a visit to Butterfly so you can take as many photographs and videos as you like, or just sit down on a bench and admire these beautiful creatures fly around you. Refreshments and light meals are available from the Schmetterling restaurant, and the craft shop stocks butterfly related goods.

• • Kensington Antarctica
  • Dining Tent

  Kensington Antarctica - Antarctica Camp

  Kensington Antarctica is the only luxury camp based in the interior of Antarctica. Old world luxury is mixed with modern technology to create 7 heated sleeping domes with two fluffy soft beds. The dining area, lounge, library and kitchen are spread across three huge dome tents that are 9 meters in diameter. With only 12 clients at a time, you will be amongst the very few to experience the interior of Antarctica. In the 24hrs of continuous daylight and with genuine polar explorers as your personal guides, each day is tailored to suit each person at camp. Trek down to the surreal ice waves, ride a specialized 4x4 across the endless ice, visit research stations, and camp out on the sea ice overnight like a polar explorer. If you’re looking for more adventure, our guides can lead you up unclimbed mountains or teach you kite-skiing across the infinite horizons of ice. The camp is run on extremely strict environmental protocols.

  • More information
• • South Pole

  South Pole rough camp - South Pole

  The rough camp is near the Amundsen-Scott South Pole research station. You will be comfortable and well looked after as we experience camping in one of the wildest places on earth! As you look out of your tent window, you will be able to truly identify with the early explorers such as Scott and Shackleton as they raced to reach this hallowed place. This camp overnight is with sleeping bags and specialist tents, dinner and breakfast will be provided.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

• Request a Quote