‘I don't know anyone who's been to Antarctica who hasn't been profoundly changed by this place,’ says Ben Saunders, gesturing towards a large photograph of himself giving two thumbs up at the South Pole. ‘It is mind-blowing.’
It’s a common utterance from travellers who have returned from the white desert. Being in the presence of nothing and no one – aside from ice, mountains and the bitterly cold wind – is a life-changing experience and a seductive prospect to adventurers like Saunders.
One of the world’s leading polar experts, Saunders is a bit of an Antarctic whiz expert. He and his expedition partner Tarka L’Herpiniere were the first to complete the mission that defeated Captain Scott and Sir Earnest Shackleton: a 108-day round trip from Antarctica’s Ross Island to the South Pole. He also holds the world record for the longest solo Arctic journey (a cool 2,888 km) and has clocked up over 6,000 km on his skis.
He is also, we must say, not a walking advertisement for Antarctica. Over champagne in Bremont’s Mayfair boutique, he recounts dragging 200 kg bags across painfully homogenous environments – losing 20% of his body mass in the process – and being without internet or phone signal for over two months.
‘We spent 27 or 28 days in a straight line, and we saw nothing,’ he says. ‘We’d see valleys stretching across east and west that we were almost certain that nobody had ever walked on.’
‘We’d see valleys stretching across east and west that we were almost certain that nobody had ever walked on.’
– Ben Saunders
It’s this uncharted nature that makes Antarctica so appealing to luxury travellers. However, most tourist trips won’t have you dragging hundreds of kilos up glaciers and through blizzards. Travel to Antarctica is decidedly more luxe. You’ll soar across the continent board a private plane, landing at the South Pole for a photo stop before hiking up nunataks and mingling with the 600,000 emperor penguins that call these icy lands home.
The other draw is its exclusivity. Only 200 people per year set foot in Antarctica – which is 600 fewer than summit Mount Everest. As such, budget Antarctic holidays are impossible; expect to spend anywhere from $8,000 to $200,000 per person to get there.
‘It doesn't have to be suffering!’ Saunders concedes. ‘In Antarctica, there's absolute magic to be had.’
Quintessentially Travel recently touched down at the South Pole with Antarctic specialists, White Desert. Below, we draw on their expertise to provide you with the crucial details for an Antarctic adventure.
When to travel
Being in the southern hemisphere, Antarctica’s summers are in December, and its winters are in July. ‘Summer’ is a bit of a loose term; a warm midsummer’s day clocks in at -20°C, with temperatures on the coastline reaching -10°C if you’re particularly lucky. However, November to February is still the only time you can travel to Antarctica, as winter temperatures plummet to a life-threatening -60°C, with just one or two hours of daylight per day. Plan ahead – and plan lots of layers.
How to get there
With no airport and barely a seaport, arriving in Antarctica is a challenge. Your options are limited to a cruise or private plane; the former means spending 36 hours crossing the notoriously choppy Drake Passage, and the latter is a five-hour flight from Cape Town to Antarctica’s only runway, Wolf Fang. Trips are at the mercy of Antarctica’s unpredictable weather, so you’ll need to be flexible with your travel dates.
Where to stay
White Desert Echo Camp
White Desert is the only operator offering private jet-led adventures to Antarctica. You can either join one of its tours, such as an eight-day exploration of the South Pole, or arrive on your own private plane. Stay in Echo Camp, which sleeps up to 12 in double eco-pods – these are heated and fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, with activities such as skiing, abseiling, and climbing available as add-ons.
Scenic Eclipse
If you’re arriving by water, this superlative ship is a choice vessel. It carries two helicopters and a submarine for exploring by sky or sea, plus all the superyacht touches you’d expect – e.g., a spa, private balcony, and butler service. Voyages are upwards of 16 days each, and the vessel is fitted with the latest tech to ensure your journey is smooth – a godsend given how choppy the Drake Passage can be.
EYOS Expeditions
The main reason to book an EYOS Expedition is for flexibility. The crew will voyage to wherever you please, whenever you want to go – a valuable asset given Antarctica’s fickle weather conditions. You simply book a room in one of its private superyachts and go, with vessels such as the 74m, ex-ice-breaking tug Legend on offer (stay in the owner’s suite for unbridled, wood-panelled luxury).
Visiting Antarctica is easy with Quintessentially Travel. Our team of experts will plan your trip from start to finish, with VIP benefits and complimentary extras as standard. Click here to discover more about membership.
