Established by record-breaking polar explorers, White Desert has been pioneering luxury in Antarctic
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The beautiful and rare low light of Antarctica's interior during early February.
Echo Camp is adorned with various objects that reflect its unique surroundings—some more abstract than others...
https://white-desert.com/our-camps/echo/
Wolfsfang Mountain, an iconic silhouette in Antarctica, stands tall against the horizon, casting its shadow over the rugged landscape.
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride with this unique view from our Echo and Wolf's Fang camps.
The Tangible excitement of landing in Antarctica.
WolfsFang is your first stop, acting as our transit area where you’ll then be taken to your selected camp, Echo, or whichaway.
At the start of each season, our journey to the pristine wilderness of Antarctica begins in the skies—aboard our Basler BT-67s. Unlike the larger planes that fly from Cape Town, these aircraft have a much shorter range and make their way from Canada, where they are stationed during the off-season.
Getting the planes from Canada through South America is more than just a logistical feat; it’s a testament to the vision of Patrick Woodhead, White Desert's co-founder and an adventurer with a deep-rooted passion for aviation.
From his early days as a polar explorer to leading groundbreaking Antarctic expeditions, Patrick’s experience has been the backbone of our pioneering spirit. His dedication to innovation in aviation and sustainable travel continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in one of Earth's most remote and challenging environments.
Find out more about our fleet here https://white-desert.com/about-us/our-fleet/
Take on the ultimate Antarctic adventure, in ultimate comfort.
Take on the adventure of a lifetime, led by our skilled UIAGM-certified mountain guides.
UIAGM (Union Internationale des Associations de Guides de Montagnes), also known as IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations) signifies mastery in mountain guiding, meeting international standards for safety, expertise, and professionalism in diverse mountain environments worldwide—but most importantly, in the icy terrain of Antarctica.
Have you ever heard of non-CO2 emissions in travel?
Reducing emissions for an aviation-based organisation in Antarctica presents a complex technical challenge. As a company founded with environmentally conscious principles at its core, we are committed to setting a benchmark for how tourism can operate sustainably in such a unique ecosystem.
Earlier this year, White Desert's Environmental Scientist, Eleni Antoniades, participated as a panelist at the Sustainable Aviation Futures EU Congress. Here, Eleni presented the latest information on our Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project in Antarctica and the importance of reducing aviation's air quality impacts.
We caught up with Eleni to hear more about what was discussed at the event and how this impacts our operational future.
https://white-desert.com/blog/decarbonising-aviation-at-white-desert/
Antarctica offers the grandest gift of perspective—both physically, in its vast and untouched landscape, and metaphorically, in its humbling reminder of the power and importance of this pristine wilderness.
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Adélie and Emperor penguins may share Antarctica’s icy expanse, but they’re worlds apart in both size colours.
Adélies, the playful smaller species, are easily recognised by the distinctive white ring around their eyes, giving them an alert and curious expression as they dart across the ice.
Emperors, on the other hand, are the towering giants of the penguin world, known for their majestic yellow and orange markings around their necks and chests.
Each species, with its unique features and behavior, showcases the incredible diversity of life in the frozen wilderness of Antarctica.
On one of the grandest adventures of a lifetime, the simplest pleasures still ring true—enjoying freshly made pizza with new and old friends, bonding over stories and bucket list adventure ticked off.
Take on a variety of activities at our camps in Antarctica.
Our activities offer something for everyone, from hikes, zip-lining, and fat biking to glacier walks and champagne picnics. Explore Antarctica the White Desert way.
At the heart of White Desert is a bold vision brought to life by our co-founder and CEO, Patrick Woodhead. What began as a daring dream in the harshest corners of Antarctica has evolved into a groundbreaking luxury adventure company that redefines the limits of exploration.
Patrick’s journey started with a pioneering spirit—one that saw potential where others saw only the impossible. He ventured into the unknown, driven by a passion for discovery and a commitment to creating experiences that connect people with the most remote and pristine places on Earth.
From our first expedition to establishing state-of-the-art camps, White Desert has been a testament to pushing boundaries. Today, we continue to innovate and lead the way in sustainable luxury travel, offering our guests unparalleled access to the untouched beauty of Antarctica.
https://white-desert.com/team-member/patrick-woodhead/
"There's no place l've ever seen that showcases the be auty of our planet better than the Last Continent.
Antarctica is the most isolated and pristine place that I've ever been to. It will change the way you see the world and, hopefully, how you interact with it once you return home—it compels you to do whatever you can to protect it." -
Feel right at home in one of the most remote places on the planet...
https://white-desert.com/our-camps/echo/
Step aboard our Basler BT-67, where rugged reliability meets the spirit of adventure.
This retrofitted workhorse isn't just about the journey; it's about following in the footsteps of polar explorers, crossing icy frontiers, and landing in some of the world's most remote locations.
Discover the true essence of exploration with White Desert.
During our 2023/24 season, we supported a team from Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, who were collecting samples to answer significant questions about the evolution of the continent’s landscape and biodiversity.
We support several National Antarctic Programmes by transporting a balanced mix of 50% tourism and 50% science personnel, along with their equipment and supplies. This allows our staff and guests to gain first-hand knowledge from the scientists working on the ice, contributing to efforts in mitigating and managing the changes in Antarctica’s climate and biodiversity.
Last season, Dr. Lappan, who leads one of the many research initiatives under SAEF (Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future), took the time to chat with us about the incredible work that she and the team are taking on in Antarctica, including why the White Continent is one of the prime locations on Earth for discovering meteorites!
https://white-desert.com/about-us/environment-sustainability/
We are thrilled to be named one of TIME’s World's Greatest Places of 2024!
Our journey began with Patrick Woodhead's dream to share the profound beauty of Antarctica with more than just scientists and explorers. Since 2005, we've grown from a few mountain tents to two exquisite camps in Queen Maud Land, hosting under 300 guests per season.
At White Desert, guests experience once-in-a-lifetime adventures, from visiting the South Pole to seeing fluffy emperor penguin chicks at Atka Bay. We prioritize sustainable tourism with our private blue ice runway, use of sustainable aviation fuel, and eco-friendly living quarters designed to leave no trace.
Gazing over the untouched Antarctic expanse is both humbling and awe-inspiring. It reminds us of our planet's power and the importance of protecting its pristine corners.
Here's to many more seasons of unforgettable experiences and responsible exploration!
Did you know Antarctica is one of the few places to experience a white Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere?
In the spirit of Christmas in July - Antarctica guarantees a 100% chance of a white Christmas and an experience of a lifetime!
Our team goes the extra mile to make the already cosy camps feel extra festive, with twinkling lights and holiday decor that enhance the magical surroundings. Celebrate the season with gourmet feasts, warm gatherings, and the unparalleled beauty of Antarctica as your backdrop. This Christmas is like no other, filled with adventure, comfort, and joy.
Experience it the White Desert way...
Among the many adventures on ice, you'll discover moments to pause and reflect on one of the most transformative journeys of your life.
Enjoy the dramatic views from the deck or find solace in one of our camp's inviting nooks, where you can share stories and experiences with fellow travellers.
We can't help but daydream over vistas like this.
Coming soon to our flagship camp, Whichaway, the wellness dome will offer guests a chance to use Antarctica’s natural canvas for mindfulness and well-being—to be at one with Earth and reconnect with themselves.
More on the new addition here: https://white-desert.com/blog/whichaway-wellness-dome/
POV: you’ve just landed in Antarctica Antarctica🇦🇶
Yesterday, our team spent 67 Mandela Minutes with the Ladles of Love team at the V&A Waterfront. We rolled up our sleeves at the various activation stations to help make sandwiches, craft toys and pack DIY food garden kits that will be donated to communities around South Africa.
Ladles of Love works with various NPOs in South Africa to help people thrive physically, emotionally, spiritually and sustainably by providing nutritious and wholesome food for all in need.
After a busy day, Ladles of Love broke the official Ubuntu world record with 12 267 volunteers donating 67 minutes on Mandela Day. What a wonderful initiative to be part of – Thank you for having us!
Mandela Day is an annual global celebration that takes place on 18 July to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. This day is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to take time to reflect on Mandela's values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities.
“The thoughtfulness around the spaces we visit, the inevitable meditation on the balance of industrialised humanity and raw nature, and the respect shown to our planet’s power—these are all things that I think can and should be interwoven with the experience of travel no matter the trip.
I think, now, that to see the world through this prism is to live the truest luxury of all. “ - From Ice Climbing to Emperor Penguins, a More Mindful Way to Visit Antarctica by for Vogue Travel 2022
This philosophy is echoed in the unique offerings at all of our camps. With the new addition of the Wellness Dome at Whichaway, travellers can now immerse themselves in the pristine beauty of Antarctica, where the stunning landscapes and profound silence create the ultimate space to reconnect with Mind, Body and Soul.
https://white-desert.com/our-camps/
Introducing the latest addition to Whichaway’s Wellness Hub.
This season, Whichaway Camp proudly unveils its newest feature: a magnificent clear ‘Wellness Dome’ overlooking the frozen lakes of the Schirmacher Oasis.
Guests can now bask in the profound silence, marvel at the diamond-like glaciers, and take in the iridescent blue ice that surrounds them. The Wellness Dome provides a warm, comfortable sanctuary where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking Antarctic environment, offering a perfect retreat from the chill of the cold.
Follow the link to read more.
https://white-desert.com/blog/whichaway-wellness-dome/
Adventuring in the breathtaking wilderness of Antarctica offers our guests the perfect opportunity to embrace activities they had never dreamed of before.
Abseiling, among a host of other exciting activities, provides the perfect moment of bravery. It’s a thrilling experience that pushes boundaries and creates unforgettable memories.
At White Desert, our activities are tailored to each guest’s unique skill level and expertly supervised by fully accredited UIAGM polar guides.
Direct from Cape Town to the heart of Antarctica.
Preparing our Wolf’s Fang runway for the landing of the A340 takes weeks of work by our team on ice. This preparation allows for a quick and convenient flight that will get you to your polar adventure comfortably and, most importantly, safely.
Following the initial preparation, our team meticulously grooms the surface for 22 hours before each flight. This attention to detail, coupled with our team’s extensive experience in icy environments, guarantees a smooth landing on the blue-ice runway, ensuring your safety and comfort.
https://white-desert.com/about-us/wolfsfang-runway-logistics/
“Antarctica cannot help but to have the most powerful effect on you. It is not just the surreal beauty or unimaginably large landscapes; it is the reconnection to nature in its rawest form. You feel humble and fragile, yet, simultaneously, empowered and deeply connected to our planet.” - Patrick Woodhead, Co-founder and CEO
This connection is woven into every aspect of the White Desert experience. Next week, we will unveil a new experience exclusive to Whichaway Camp that will enable our guests to further deepen their connection with their surroundings and with themselves. Watch our channels to discover the latest addition to Whichaway this season.
Environmental governance in Antarctica is unique...
As no nation can technically ‘own’ a piece of Antarctica, the continent is protected under the “Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.” Since its inception in 1959, the treaty has ensured that all operations on ice leave “less than minor or transitory impact” and that Antarctica is only used for peaceful purposes.
With nearly two decades of experience in Antarctica, we continue to honour the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty in our efforts to protect this unique and sensitive environment for generations to come.
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During our 2023/24 season, we supported a team from Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, who were collecting samples to answer significant questions about the evolution of the continent’s landscape and biodiversity. We support several National Antarctic Programmes by transporting a balanced mix of 50% tourism and 50% science personnel, along with their equipment and supplies. This allows our staff and guests to gain first-hand knowledge from the scientists working on the ice, contributing to efforts in mitigating and managing the changes in Antarctica’s climate and biodiversity. Last season, Dr. Lappan, who leads one of the many research initiatives under SAEF (Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future), took the time to chat with us about the incredible work that she and the team are taking on in Antarctica, including why the White Continent is one of the prime locations on Earth for discovering meteorites! https://white-desert.com/about-us/environment-sustainability/
Embark on a journey of a lifetime with White Desert World! Explore 10 extraordinary destinations across the 7 continents, from South America to Antarctica. Encounter orangutans, tigers, the fabled Easter Island, and Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, to name but a few. Experience the perfect blend of adventure and luxury. This is where the world’s wonders await you — this is White Desert World! Follow the link to find out more. https://white-desert.world/welcome/
DAY 4 Personal VLOG. Join our CMO Mindy on her weeklong journey to Antarctica. Today we had a number of special surprises for the group. Normally we can’t easily combine both Whichaway and Echo camps in the one itinerary due to weather and logistical pressures. As a once off, the stars aligned and we were able to fly the group back to Wolf’s Fang Runway and drive to Echo to show off the camp and have a pizza picnic lunch with a sweeping view of the blue ice glacier and mountain range. On the way back to Whichaway the pilots flew low around Wolf’s Fang peak and then across the ice waves & blue rivers before landing at the skiway. And the finale! The first momentary sunrise of the season with a full moon rising.
Welcome back to the wilderness. Whether hiking up a nunatak mountain, enjoying a scenic #basler flight, fat biking across a glacier or meandering through a frozen sea of ice waves, this wilderness inspires and recentres both body and mind. The design of our camps has taken this wondrous environment into account, always keeping nature at the heart of every adventurous experience within the deep interior of Antarctica. To book your adventure, click link in our bio. 📽 @a_mac_photo #whitedesert #exploreantarctica #WhiteDesertWorld #voyaged #bucketlist #queenmaudland #FreezeFrameAntarctica #nature #icewaves #glacier #whichawaycamp #echocamp #polartravel #bluerivers #travel #adventuretravel #antarcticexpedition #hiking #winteractivities #antarctica #ecotravel #adventure
Enter the kingdom of ice waves - only experienced by those who venture into the heart of Antarctica's remote interior. Click link in our bio to book your adventure. 📽 @a_mac_photo #whitedesert #exploreantarctica #WhiteDesertWorld #voyaged
We invite you behind the scenes to see what it takes to bring this extraordinary operation into being thanks to the expertise of our logistics and operations team. Each year, our guest season runs from November to February, however the planning and preparations begin at least 8 months ahead of the opening of our camps. Prior to the season beginning, an army of specially trained staff travel to the continent to set up our three camps and all of the additional infrastructure that is required to run them. Our camps are deconstructed each year upon departure of our final groups, and most importantly are designed leave no impact on the pristine environment we are privileged to work within. During our operating season, we also support and contribute to the local scientific community through our science and tourism logistics programme. For almost two decades, we have offset all emissions and last year, we became the first operator to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel in our aircraft. This year over 120 scientists from five separate government programmes will reach their research stations with our aircraft. It is something we are very proud to support and, by hybridising our logistics and transporting scientists and tourists concurrently, we are able to significantly reduce carbon emissions. We believe that by showing people this incredible place, a community of 'Antarctic Ambassadors' will share the importance of conserving the planet for future generations. The Antarctic Treaty is up for renewal in less than 20 years and it’s vital that it’s upheld. The timeless landscape reminds us of how small we humans are, and what a great privilege it is to be here; how we leave changed and hopefully looking for small and big ways to protect the planet for the future.
We invite you behind the scenes to see what it takes to bring this extraordinary operation into being thanks to the expertise of our logistics and operations team. Each year, our guest season runs from November to February, however the planning and preparations begin at least 8 months ahead of the opening of our camps. Prior to the season beginning, a team of specially trained staff travel to the continent to set up our three camps and all of the additional infrastructure that is required to run them. Our camps are deconstructed each year upon departure of our final groups, and most importantly are designed to leave no impact on the pristine environment we are privileged to work within. During our operating season, we also support and contribute to the local scientific community through our science and tourism logistics programme. For almost two decades, we have offset all emissions and last year, we became the first operator to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel in our aircraft. This year over 120 scientists from five separate government programmes will reach their research stations with our aircraft. It is something we are very proud to support and, by hybridising our logistics and transporting scientists and tourists concurrently, we are able to significantly reduce carbon emissions. We believe that by showing people this incredible place, a community of 'Antarctic Ambassadors' will share the importance of conserving the planet for future generations. The Antarctic Treaty is up for renewal in less than 20 years and it’s vital that it’s upheld. The timeless landscape reminds us of how small we humans are, and what a great privilege it is to be here; how we leave changed and hopefully looking for small and big ways to protect the planet for the future.
We invite you behind the scenes to see what it takes to bring this extraordinary operation into being thanks to the expertise of our logistics and operations team. Each year, our guest season runs from November to February, however the planning and preparations begin at least 8 months ahead of the opening of our camps. Prior to the season beginning, a team of specially trained staff travel to the continent to set up our three camps and all of the additional infrastructure that is required to run them. Our camps are deconstructed each year upon departure of our final groups, and most importantly are designed leave no impact on the pristine environment we are privileged to work within. During our operating season, we also support and contribute to the local scientific community through our science and tourism logistics programme. For almost two decades, we have offset all emissions and last year, we became the first operator to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel in our aircraft. This year over 120 scientists from five separate government programmes will reach their research stations with our aircraft. It is something we are very proud to support and, by hybridising our logistics and transporting scientists and tourists concurrently, we are able to significantly reduce carbon emissions. We believe that by showing people this incredible place, a community of 'Antarctic Ambassadors' will share the importance of conserving the planet for future generations. The Antarctic Treaty is up for renewal in less than 20 years and it’s vital that it’s upheld. The timeless landscape reminds us of how small we humans are, and what a great privilege it is to be here; how we leave changed and hopefully looking for small and big ways to protect the planet for the future.
The world awaits… White Desert World - Truly Seven Continents Using our expertise in aviation and sharing transformational adventures for positive change, we have created a new journey, launching in January 2025. Connecting us across Earth, this unique 21-day 'Round the World' journey is set to depart from vibrant Mexico City, ending on our blue ice runway in Antarctica. We will experience 10 hard-to-reach destinations spanning the globe. The trip will be filled with local wonders, flavours and experts to guide us. This adventure is limited to 50 guests. To book your space please contact our RtW expert Caitlin on [email protected] #whitedesertworld #roundtheworld #RTW #7continents
The world awaits… White Desert World - Truly Seven Continents Using our expertise in aviation and sharing transformational adventures for positive change, we have created a new journey, launching in January 2025. Connecting us across Earth, this unique 21-day 'Round the World' journey is set to depart from vibrant Mexico City, ending on our blue ice runway in Antarctica. We will experience 10 hard-to-reach destinations spanning the globe. The trip will be filled with local wonders, flavours and experts to guide us. This adventure is limited to 50 guests. To book your space please contact our RtW expert Caitlin on [email protected] #whitedesertworld #roundtheworld #RTW #7continents
The world awaits… White Desert World - Truly Seven Continents Using our expertise in aviation and sharing transformational adventures for positive change, we have created a new journey, launching in January 2025. Connecting us across Earth, this unique 21-day 'Round the World' journey is set to depart from vibrant Mexico City, ending on our blue ice runway in Antarctica. We will experience 10 hard-to-reach destinations spanning the globe. The trip will be filled with local wonders, flavours and experts to guide us. This adventure is limited to 50 guests. To book your space please contact our RtW expert Caitlin on [email protected] #whitedesertworld #roundtheworld #RTW #7continents
The world awaits… White Desert World - Truly Seven Continents Using our expertise in aviation and sharing transformational adventures for positive change, we have created a new journey, launching in January 2025. Connecting us across Earth, this unique 21-day 'Round the World' journey is set to depart from vibrant Mexico City, ending on our blue ice runway in Antarctica. We will experience 10 hard-to-reach destinations spanning the globe. The trip will be filled with local wonders, flavours and experts to guide us. This adventure is limited to 50 guests. To book your space please contact our RtW expert Caitlin on [email protected] #whitedesertworld #roundtheworld #RTW #7continents
Don't let the adorable exterior fool you - this little chick endures the harshest environment on Earth...
It was one small step for mankind and one giant leap for White Desert as ECHO BASE launched on 8th December 2022. Inspired by astronauts and used by explorers, ECHO is unique in every way. It feels like you are inhabiting a lunar outpost and any minute now, NASA mission control will crackle through on the radio. Step onboard as we welcome you to an interstellar adventure right here on planet Earth... 🎥 Andrew Macdonald Photography #whitedesert #antarctica #spacetravel #Echo
We invite you to explore our new space-inspired camp - Echo Base. #echobase #whitedesertantarctica #antarctica #inantarctica #antarctic #starwarsinspired #antarcticatravel #antarctictravel #futuristicdesign #futuristicbase #echocamp #exclusivelyinantarctica #antarctique #antartida #starwarsdesign #spacetravel #adventuretravel #FreezeFrameAntarctica #voyages
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from our White Desert family to you! Thank you for sharing a year of adventure, connection and celebration on ice and beyond... #Antarctica #whitedesert #happyholidays2022
The ultimate Antarctica experience is made possible with premium polar experts. We look forward to possibly forging future partnerships with pioneers in green vehicle technology, such as @taigamotors @astonmartinlagonda @BentleyMotors #whitedesert #antarctica #polargear #arcticgear #canadagoose #baffin #lagavulin #stanley #arctictrucks #snowqueenvodka #expedition #electricvehicles #Taiga #astonmartin #bentley #antarcticaexpedition #TaigaOwnersClub #greentechnology #FreezeFrameAntarctica #voyaged
A Legacy of Antarctic discovery - an evolution of exploration with White Desert. #Antarctica #whitedesert #freezeframeantarctica #exploreantarctica #experienceantarctica #adventuretravel #arctictravel #polartravel #bucketlist #southpole #explorers #Shackleton #amundsen #voyaged #bucketlistadventures #bucketlisttravel #queenmaudland
Follow the evolution of Antarctic exploration over the course of more than 100 years... #whitedesert #antarcticexplorer #Antarctica #freezeframeantarctica #adventuretravel #Shackleton #endurance #Southpole #queenmaudland #exploreantarctica #experienceantarctica #arctictravel #polartravel
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Established by record-breaking polar explorers, White Desert has been pioneering luxury in the interior of Antarctica since 2005, offering guests bespoke, environmentally-conscious experiences that include visiting the emperor penguins and the Geographic South Pole. Travelling by private jet to a blue ice runway in Queen Maud Land, guests have a wide choice of activities, including climbing, trekking, photographic safaris and exploring ice tunnels, all from the hospitality of White Desert’s Whichaway Oasis.
At the heart of White Desert’s mission is the desire to create a positive impact on Antarctica’s future through its tourism and science logistics programmes. A pioneer of low-impact practices in its operations and its eco-camps, the company has been carbon neutral since 2007 and actively recruits Antarctic Ambassadors to support IAATO’s goals of protecting – and inspiring the future stewardship of – Antarctica’s unique environment.
