There are several options for trips to Antarctica, but here are our favourites - of course, we can tailor your experience to suit you, but this requires some advance planning:
EMPEROR'S & SOUTH POLE - 8 DAYS
Today you fly from Cape Town to Wolf's Fang (5 hours) - leaving the lush lands of Africa and landing in Antarctica is almost surreal and magical. After landing, you'll fly into camp for 30 minutes on White Desert's own DC3 baser, Mia. One of the best things about White Desert is their fully accredited, carbon-neutral programmes, which means you fly guilt-free.
You'll be staying at Whichaway Camp - with just six luxury sleeping pods, this camp is one of the most luxurious in the world - the cosy and exquisitely designed pods are a far cry from anything you've experienced before.
You will be accompanied throughout the trip by professional polar explorers who will give you a fascinating insight into the region and its history. Gentle hikes lead you to picnics overlooking the ice waves, and for the more active, kite-skiing and ice climbing are a must.
During your expedition to Antarctica, you will fly 2 hours along the picturesque coastline to a 3,000-strong breeding colony of emperor penguins - this colony is so remote that the chicks have never seen a human before and are therefore not afraid of people and often waddle up to greet them.
The highlight of the trip is of course the 7-hour flight to the South Pole - here you will learn more about the amazing history and visit the American Amundsen-Scott Science Base to learn more about the ground-breaking research being conducted there.
ICE & MOUNTAINS - 4 DAYS
Once again you leave bustling Cape Town (South Africa) for your 5-hour flight to Wolf's Fang before being flown on to Whichaway Camp, but not before you have explored the kilometre-high rock monoliths. Days here can be as relaxed or exciting as you like - the climb up Nunatak Mountain is an easy walk, but offers the most spectacular views of the Antarctic coastline. Here you can also visit the shimmering ice tunnels that stretch for kilometres beneath the ice. On the third day, you will explore the Schirmach Oasis, which is surrounded by the Antarctic ice camp. Here you will also have access to the scientists, who will tell you about their pioneering research in this area. You will travel in a 4×4 vehicle and visit the alien ice waves and hike along a 200-foot cliff - a truly thrilling experience.
If you don't fancy luxury cruises and want to stay in a truly extraordinary place, then White Desert's Whichaway Camp is just the thing for you.