Visit the Frozen Expanse of Antarctica's White Desert
Polar Exploration in the Heart of Antarctica
Antarctica is a remarkable and breathtaking destination. It's the coldest, driest, windiest and most remote place on Earth, making you feel as if you've stepped into another world. Deep in the heart of Antarctica, the White Desert lies in the vast expanse of snow and ice that extends as far as your eyes can see. As you walk across this frozen landscape, the snow underfoot squeaks with every step, and the horizon seems to stretch endlessly.
White Desert is a British tour operator conducting expeditions to Antarctica. It delivers ultra-luxury experiences designed to leave no footprints on the pure environment of this beautiful continent. Established by seasoned polar explorers, White Desert remains committed to exploring while upholding the values of adventure and eco-friendly travel.
Unique Activities
Explore Once-in-a-Lifetime Activities Around the Camp
Antarctica may appear harsh, but it holds a unique and mesmerising charm. The ice has sculpted the terrain into strange formations, with frozen waves and snow-covered mountains. The relentless winds have created delicate patterns on the surface, adding to the landscape's fragile beauty.
Your stay at the Whichaway Camp will be unforgettable. Near the camp, you can explore a maze of surreal ice tunnels that have been sculpted by seasonal meltwater or go for a Nunatak Climb. You can even experience an exhilarating descent from the summit of a 100-metre-high cliff, visit the ice caves or go for a rope walk.
If you're passionate about rock climbing, you can indulge in this activity here. Don’t forget to click photographs of this serene landscape with a wide smile on your face.
Visit the Kingdom of the Emperor Penguins on the South Pole
Visiting Emperor Penguins in Antarctica provides an exceptional and remarkable opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. You can go on a luxury expedition that leads you deep into Antarctica for an up-close encounter with emperor penguins on the southernmost point on Earth — the South Pole.
Here, you'll find yourself amidst a bustling colony of over 14,000 penguins, including their young chicks. Touring with the White Desert gives you the unique advantage of early-season access to view the newly hatched penguin chicks.
Both penguins and their chicks show no fear of humans and will come within a few metres of your group, allowing you to fully experience the vibrant sights and sounds of this remarkable wildlife spectacle. It's one of the planet's most extraordinary yet least witnessed natural events.
Lodging
Stay Right on the Shores of a Freshwater Lake in Antarctica
White Desert’s flagship camp, Whichaway, is situated on the shores of one of the freshwater lakes within the ice-free Schirmacher Oasis. Here, you'll find six heated 'polar pods' that blend modern exteriors with traditional interiors, evoking Antarctica's heritage of exploration. You can unwind in the communal lounge, library and dining area, which provides a cosy space to relax while enjoying breathtaking views. It's a place where you can sit back, chat and truly immerse yourself in the unique Antarctic experience.
Dining
Relish Authentic Food
Dining at White Desert in Antarctica is a surreal experience, amidst pristine icy landscapes. In this remote wilderness, meals become extraordinary adventures. Imagine savouring gourmet cuisine in a custom-designed pod, surrounded by endless stretches of snow and ice.
The chefs craft exquisite dishes from locally sourced ingredients, adding a unique touch to the dining experience. You can also indulge in gourmet meals personally crafted by your private chef, take in the scenic views from the sauna overlooking the glacier, relax with cocktails by the warm fire, and fulfil your bucket list of dreams by visiting the South Pole.
Meet the People
After being a member of the youngest and quickest team to reach the South Pole in 2002, Patrick, the co-founder and CEO of White Desert, later led the inaugural East to West traverse of Antarctica, covering a total of 1850 kilometres in just 75 days.
Over the past 18 years, Patrick and White Desert have been at the forefront of luxury tourism in Antarctica's interior, offering mindful travellers like you the opportunity to experience breathtaking solitude and isolation without the need for strenuous journeys. The company has also maintained a carbon-neutral status since 2007.
Discover More Immersive Experiences at the White Desert
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