The Ultimate Case for Flying to Antarctica
Antarctica. The last great wilderness. A place so unique, so untouched, it stirs the soul of every traveller. To the explorer in all of us, the question is not whether to go but when and importantly, how.
When considering a trip to the 7th Continent, the more common route has always been by sea, on grand cruise ships that plough through the rough waters of the Southern Ocean. While traditional cruise tours offer a taste of the Antarctic coast, there exists a more exclusive way to experience the Continent. And it’s only a five-hour flight from Cape Town, South Africa.
For almost two decades, White Desert has been flying guests in uncompromising comfort directly to the interior of Antarctica. Each year, we transport around 300 guests from Cape Town directly to the Continent’s interior in just a short five-hour flight. With only 12 guests staying in each of our two luxury camps, we enable a richer, more immersive and more unique experience that will leave you forever changed.
When considering a journey to Antarctica, it is important to consider these key elements of your journey.
The Promise of Time
Time is a precious commodity. While cruise tours can take many days to reach Antarctica, White Desert’s direct flights land you there within hours. This means more time exploring surreal landscapes and encountering unique wildlife and less time in transit on potentially rough seas.
Into the Heart of the Continent
Cruise ships are confined to Antarctica’s coastlines, whereas White Desert takes you directly into the remote interior. Imagine standing at the South Pole or relaxing in luxury camps like Echo or Whichaway amidst the stark, silent beauty in the heart of Antarctica.
Comfort in the Extremes
Luxury in Antarctica might seem improbable, but White Desert seamlessly combines comfort with adventure. Our signature camps, Echo and Whichaway, offer warmly appointed luxury Pod accommodations, fine dining, and plush amenities amid the frozen landscape. White Desert provides intimate, bespoke service, ensuring you experience Antarctica without sacrificing modern pleasures.
Early Season Access
When you fly to the interior of Antarctica, you can experience Antarctica early in the season, before the pack ice breaks apart, allowing the cruise ships access to the coast. This early access allows you to visit the Emperor penguin chicks while they are still covered in fluff and are closely nurtured by their parents. This unique wildlife viewing is witnessed by small groups during a very short window of the year.
Tailored Adventures
Your Antarctic journey is crafted to your desires, fitness level and interests, ensuring an adventure as unique and impressive as the continent itself. We place adventure at the core of the Antarctic experience whilst maintaining accessibility for all our guests. Whether it’s ice climbing, glacier trekking, or scenic flights, our activities are tailored to your interests and abilities. Our bespoke adventures allow for a truly immersive and enriching experience.
A Lighter Footprint
Sustainability is crucial in Antarctica and White Desert is deeply committed to preserving the continent’s pristine beauty. Our eco-friendly practices on ice minimise environmental impact, and we are constantly looking at new green technology to implement in our operations. Choosing White Desert means treading lightly in one of the last true wildernesses. In 2024 we are also launching our White Desert Foundation, which will allow us to proactively explore renewable energy innovations.
Safety and Well-being
Venturing to Antarctica requires stringent health and safety measures, and White Desert excels in this regard. Our camps provide a controlled environment with meticulous safety protocols and medical support, offering a level of security that offers incredibly high staff to client ratios.
Exclusive Experience
White Desert offers a profoundly personal Antarctic experience with limited group sizes, ensuring privacy and exclusivity. This is a front-row seat to the majesty of the Antarctic wilderness, fostering a deeper connection to the environment. Fewer people reach the South Pole than summit Mt Everest each year.
Compare
Here’s a side-by-side comparison that highlights the key advantages of flying direct with White Desert versus joining a cruise ship tour:
Flying direct with White Desert redefines what it means to explore Antarctica. It’s about time well spent, access to remote locations, and comfort amid the extremes. It’s about personal, intimate encounters with wildlife, bespoke adventures, and a commitment to sustainability.
For the aspiring adventurer White Desert offers not just a trip to Antarctica but a profoundly transformative experience that will stay with you long after you leave the continent behind. This is the ultimate way to explore the last true wilderness of Antarctica.
