A UNIQUE ITINERARY
For the first time in our 20 year history, we are offering the chance to experience both our camps - WHICHAWAY and ECHO - in a single 8-day journey.
So often, we are asked how to choose between the two, given that both are exceptional places to stay, yet situated in completely different environments. Whichaway is dramatic and luxurious; Echo otherworldly and unique.
Now, there is the BEST Of BOTH itinerary! Places are limited to only 12 clients in each camp and the dates run from 26th January 2025 – 3rd February 2025. As part of the experience, we will fly to the lowest point on Earth – the Geographic South Pole – and also into some little-explored mountains that are truly surreal in form.
This combination trip allows guests to experience the ‘Blue River’ of Whichaway, where the iridescent colour of the water is simply dazzling. There is also the ‘Crystal Cave’ where hexagonal chandeliers of ice cascade across the ceiling.
Guests will also head to Echo Base, situated in the mountains. Pitted walls of rock break through the ice cap, creating a perspective so bizarre that astronaut Buzz Aldrin said it looked more like the surface of the moon than anything on earth.
This is the only time White Desert is offering the chance to stay in both our luxury camps this season.
90º
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!
70º 45’ 49” S 11º 36’ 59” E
Whichaway
Nestled deep within the glacial landscape of Antarctica, lies a true oasis of luxury and adventure. Whichaway is encircled by an enormous cliff made of iridescent blue ice and features six cutting edge polar domes with spacious bedrooms that are elegant and warm. When lying in bed, the full length glass doors offer a perfect view, while each room has its own full ensuite facilities.
The communal pods are interlinked and invite an atmosphere of relaxed calm. A circular dining room with fur seats gives the impression it has just come from the set of Game of Thrones, while the library and lounge are wonderfully inviting for cocktails or simply reading a book. New to Whichaway this season is a glass Wellness Dome, which provides a place for morning yoga and mindfulness in a warm and comfortable space.
71°32'47" S 8°50'11" E
Echo
Echo is utterly unique. Stepping into the camp feels like entering a galaxy far, far away… Spires of rock pierce the glacial landscape, towering straight into the air. Surrounded by some of the planet’s most spectacular scenery, Echo’s distinctive ‘Sky Pods’ are equipped with expansive floor-toceiling windows, connecting you to the landscape outside, in style and comfort.
The ‘Cosmos’, our central hub, comprises the lounge, library and dining and shower rooms. We offer guests a chance to savour sophisticated yet unpretentious meals, decompress with a glass of champagne while enjoying views in all directions or lose oneself within the infinite space of the Anthony James art installation.
Flight
South Africa to Antarctica
On the flight from Cape Town, you will pass into the Antarctic Circle and into 24 hours of continuous sunshine. The Airbus A340 (or similar) or private jet will be equipped with return range. All carbon is offset with fully accredited projects.