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Trip Inspiration

Antarctica by Charter: An Ultra Luxe Experience

From Cape Town to South Pole

This unparalleled Antarctic journey offers the ultimate "luxury of experience," where exploration meets awe-inspiring adventure. Glide over dramatic ice landscapes, witness vast Emperor Penguin colonies, and reach the Geographic South Pole, all while enjoying expert-led excursions. It’s not just about lavish accommodations; it’s about rare moments of discovery in one of the world’s most remote and pristine environments, a true blend of opulence and unforgettable exploration. Begin and end with stays in Cape Town to spoil yourself and celebrate your journey.

An outline of Antarctica.

Trip Highlights

Destinations

  • Cape Town: Vibrant culture and stunning landscapes
  • Antarctica: Icy vistas and untouched wilderness

Activities

  • Visit a large colony of emperor penguins in their natural habitat
  • Become one of the few to visit the Geographical South Pole
  • Immerse yourself in Antarctica on bike, snowmobile and skis
  • Explore Cape Town and the breathtaking Cape Peninsula
  • Savor world-class wines in the Cape Winelands
Our travel consultants create a custom itinerary for each client,

offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. We are sharing this itinerary to inspire and provide an example of what a trip to Antarctica might look like. When you are ready to design a trip just for you, please let us know.

Day 1

Arrive Cape Town, South Africa

Welcome to Cape Town! Upon arrival, you will be met for your private transfer to The Silo Hotel.

After time to freshen up, you will be met for your full day Cape Peninsula tour.

Your day begins with a thrilling 30-minute helicopter ride along the Atlantic Seaboard to Cape Point, offering stunning views of Chapman’s Peak. Upon arrival, you can either climb or take the world’s first environmentally friendly funicular up to the iconic Cape Point Lighthouse, where you’ll capture breathtaking views of False Bay.

A view of the Cape Point Lighthouse in Cape Town, South Africa.

Lunch is at Kalk Bay Harbour House, with a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach en route. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing walk along Muizenberg Beach. Upon completion of your tour, you will be returned to The Silo. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

About The Silo Hotel

The Silo Hotel in Cape Town is a stunning blend of modern design and industrial charm, set in a converted grain silo overlooking the V&A Waterfront. With its striking architecture, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional service, it offers guests a unique and stylish base to explore the city, complemented by breathtaking views and a world-class art collection.

The Silo Hotel Meals: N/A

Day 2

Cape Town

 Today you will have much of the morning to explore the city or indulge in the amenities at the spectacular Silo Hotel.

This afternoon, you will attend a required safety briefing where your Antarctica expedition staff will welcome you. The team will give you the latest information about your trip, ensure you have everything you need and assist with any last-minute preparations. Upon completion of your briefing, you will have the remainder of your day at leisure.

The Silo Hotel Meals: N/A

Day 3

Cape Town to Antarctica

Today, you will be met for your private transfer to the Cape Town Airport for your charter flight to Antarctica. You will be escorted to the ExecuJet Private Jet Lounge where you can make yourself comfortable before your flight on a chartered Airbus A340-300.

On the flight from Cape Town, you will pass into the Antarctic Circle and into 24 hours of continuous sunshine. In just five hours, you will journey seamlessly from Cape Town to Antarctica.

The sign at Wolf's Fang Runway in Antarctica

Once in Antarctica, you’ll land at Wolf’s Fang Runway. Wolf’s Fang is one of the world’s few privately managed blue ice runways, stretching three kilometers in the shadow of Ulvetanna (Wolf’s Fang) a name given by early Norwegian explorers. This iconic peak rises like a primeval sentinel, surrounded by jagged spires of rock that puncture the icebound expanse.

Upon arrival you will board a Basler DC3 aircraft for the short transfer to Whichaway Camp. This smaller aircraft, used for all our internal flights in Antarctica, takes you on a stunning 25-minute journey over breathtaking mountains and toward the coast. After landing, it’s a quick 15-minute drive in specially adapted 6×6 vehicles to the camp, where your adventure truly begins.

About Whichaway Camp

Whichaway Camp is one of the most remote luxury camps on Earth, offering an unforgettable blend of comfort and isolation. The camp features seven private, heated sleeping pods, each with an en-suite wash area with a sink as well as a private toilet facility. The camp offers three spacious, interconnected pods that serve as the communal dining room, entrance library and lounge. The areas are always open for use and you can enjoy hot and cold beverages and snacks anytime, with three freshly prepared meals served at set times each day. The lounge is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration, listen to a lecture from one of our experts, or simply soak in the serenity of this extraordinary setting.

Whichaway Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4

Antarctica

Settle into Whichaway Camp and set your own pace for the day! Whether you prefer to unwind with yoga, a massage, or a relaxed trek, or dive into adventure with ice climbing, abseiling, and summiting a nunatak, there’s something for everyone. Explore the breathtaking ice waves, and on quieter days, enjoy fascinating talks from our polar explorer staff, sharing incredible stories of Antarctica’s hidden history and their record-breaking expeditions.

Whichaway Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5

Antarctica

A visit to the Emperor Penguins

Today you will embark on a 2.5-hour flight to Atka Bay to visit the Emperor Penguin colony – certain to be one of the highlights of your Antarctic adventure. Standing close to this remarkable breeding colony, a true wonder of nature, is an experience unlike any other.

Emperor Penguins are the largest penguin species in the world, standing up to 1.3 meters tall and weighing between 48 to 100 pounds. Their striking appearance features a streamlined body and a sharp, slender bill. Expert swimmers, they can dive to depths of 535 meters and remain underwater for up to 18 minutes. Though they cannot fly, they are uniquely adapted to their icy environment.

These extraordinary birds breed in the harshest conditions on Earth, enduring the Antarctic winter. After trekking up to 18 miles inland from the coast, females lay a single egg and pass it to the males, who balance it on their feet and incubate it for over two months. During this time, the males withstand relentless cold and wind, surviving without food or drink and often losing up to half their body weight.

Your visit to the colony may involve a short walk, depending on the penguins’ location, or a sled ride pulled by a skidoo. To ensure the penguins’ safety, visitors must maintain a minimum distance of 5 meters from a lone bird and 30 meters from a group. You’ll stay at the colony as long as the pilot’s flying hours allow before returning to Whichaway Camp.

On the edges of the colony, you may spot Southern Giant Petrels and South Polar Skuas, predators that target young or injured birds. Leopard Seals and Wedder Seals may also be seen in the area, adding to the rich wildlife encounter.

Whichaway Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

 

Emperor Penguins in Antarctica

 

Emperor Penguins in Antarctica

Day 6

Antarctica

Spend the day discovering the stunning ice waves just below camp, venturing into a network of surreal, otherworldly ice tunnels. Then, set off with your guide, weaving through snow and ice to a breathtaking vantage point, where you’ll take in a sweeping view of the icy landscape you’ve just explored.

An ice cave in Antarctica

Whichaway Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7

Antarctica

The South Pole

At the very center of the Great White Continent lies the South Pole, one of only two fixed points on our ever-rotating planet. Situated precisely at 90 degrees latitude, it’s a place where a few steps can take you around the entire world. Here, there’s no East, West, or South – every direction points North!

You will set off early in the morning in a Basler BT-67 aircraft, flying over stunning mountain ranges before landing at Dixie’s Camp to refuel. After a walk on the High Polar Plateau we will continue to the South Pole.

Reaching the South Pole remains one of humanity’s most extraordinary achievements. Even today, fewer than 500 people each year have the privilege of standing at this iconic destination. You will have plenty of time for photos and a chance to stamp your passport before flying back to Dixie’s Camp.

About Dixie’s Camp

Dixie’s Camp is an exclusive and remote retreat in the heart of Antarctica. Designed for an immersive polar experience, the camp blends rugged adventure with refined comfort. Dixie’s Camp offers another fantastic opportunity to connect with one of the most remote places on Earth.

Dixie’s Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A sign at the geographic South Pole.

 

Flags at the geographic South Pole.

 

Day 8

Antarctica

After a night under canvas, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before boarding the plane once again, for your flight back to Whichaway. The flight is the perfect chance to appreciate the immense scale of Antarctica, before you return to camp for a three-course champagne dinner to celebrate your achievement.

Whichaway Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9

Antarctica

Embark on an adventurous hike along a winding cliff face, where you’ll take in incredible views of ancient pressure ridges shaped by the ocean over millennia. Led by world-class mountain guides, this exhilarating trek is as breathtaking as it is unforgettable, with expert guidance ensuring your safety every step of the way.

Whichaway Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10

Antarctica to Franshhoek, South Africa

Today, you bid farewell to the wonders of Antarctica and journey back to Cape Town. The flight out of Antarctica will be the last of your enduring memories of the great White Continent before you dive back into the vibrant energy of Africa. The flight out of Antarctica will be the last of your enduring memories of the great White Continent before you dive back into the vibrant energy of Africa.

Upon arrival at the Cape Town Airport, you will be met for your private transfer to Franshhoek, a quaint village outside the city in South Africa’s iconic Winelands region. You will stay at La Residence for two nights.

The Vineyard at La Residence in Franschhoek, South Africa.

Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure to enjoy your fabulous hotel and its beautiful surroundings.

About La Residence

La Residence is the epitome of luxury and charm, nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands. This stunning property combines breathtaking vineyard and mountain views with exceptional service and decor that feels both opulent and welcoming. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to create a truly unforgettable experience. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. Perfectly suited for those seeking an indulgent retreat, La Residence is a masterpiece that turns dreams of South African elegance into reality.

La Residence Meals: Breakfast

Day 11

 

Biking in the Cape Winelands.

Franschhoek

Today you will be by your guide for your private half day Winelands eBiking Tour.

While only a half a day, you tour will be packed with delightful activities, including two wine estate visits. You’ll hit the road where you can enjoy the fresh air on your face and the gentle sunshine on your back. Bask in the peaceful ambience of the countryside and the beauty of Franschhoek. While you traverse steady roads and trails, this is an ideal time to unwind and enjoy the day. With the surrounding foliage blurring as you whisk by, absorb the history, ambience, and fresh air of Franschhoek.

Upon completion of your tour, you can enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

La Residence Meals: Breakfast

Day 12

Depart Cape Town

Today you will be met for your private transfer to the Cape Town Airport where you will check in for your onward flights.

N/A Meals: Breakfast