White Desert Antarctica

20/12/2024

Welcome to the Wolf's Fang Ice Bar, where a labyrinth of ice tunnels and otherworldly discoveries await...

As our guests wander through this expertly carved ice cave, drink in hand, they can marvel at some of the most breathtaking meteorites and ice sculptures on the continent.

Amongst the artwork beneath the ice you will find a Pallasite Slice, Muonionalusta Monolith, Libyan Desert Glass and a Campo del Cielo meteorite - Each with its own celestial story and unique journey to Earth.

Come and raise a toast to the wonders of the universe. 🥂✨

17/12/2024

This season, we’re thrilled to unveil the newest addition to Whichaway Camp: the Wellness Dome. Nestled among the frozen lakes of the Schirmacher Oasis, this clear sanctuary invites guests to pause and marvel at the untouched beauty of Antarctica. Surrounded by profound silence, diamond-like glaciers, and shimmering blue ice, the dome offers a warm, serene space to immerse in the magic of the polar landscape.

We were honoured to host Joëlle Sleebos for the grand unveiling of the Wellness Dome. Joëlle guided our guests and staff through thoughtfully curated classes, creating an inspiring atmosphere for mindfulness and well-being.

As part of the newly established Whichaway Wellness Hub, the dome complements our sauna and ice plunge, offering guests the revitalizing benefits of contrast therapy. Whether meditating, practising yoga, or sitting in quiet reflection, the Wellness Dome provides a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature – and yourself.

Step into this extraordinary space and experience a new dimension of well-being in the heart of Antarctica.

08/12/2024

November through December is a remarkable time to observe emperor penguins in Antarctica, as the colonies come alive with activity.

The chicks, now a few weeks old, huddle together in crèches while their parents take turns fishing and returning with food. This season marks a time of growth—not only for the chicks but also for the dedicated fathers who endured the harsh winter protecting their eggs. It's a beautiful glimpse into the life of these remarkable birds as they thrive in their icy habitat.

Please note that all individuals photographed maintain a respectful distance from the penguins, in full compliance with IAATO regulations. Perspective in the image may not accurately reflect real-life distances.

03/12/2024

White Desert was thrilled to be an exhibiting partner at the Do Not Disturb tradeshow a few weeks ago, set against the stunning backdrop of Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, Italy.

Our Trade Relations Manager, Michelle, returned inspired after a remarkable week of insightful discussions, meaningful connections, and transformative partnerships with the leaders of private travel.

We look forward to collaborating closely with our trade partners and can’t wait to welcome your guests on the ice with us!

01/12/2024

Today, we honour a landmark in human history: the anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty. Signed in 1959 and enacted in 1961, this treaty stands as a brilliant example of what humanity can achieve when united by a common goal—preserving the untouched expanses of Antarctica for generations to come.

The treaty was the first of its kind, dedicating an entire continent to peace and science, banning military activity, and ensuring that Antarctica remains a global commons. Over six decades later, its vision continues to inspire, reminding us of the delicate balance between exploration and conservation.

At White Desert, we are humbled to operate in a place safeguarded by such a visionary agreement. Every step we take on the ice is guided by the principles of the treaty—minimal impact, scientific collaboration, and a commitment to leave no trace. It is this ethos that allows us to share the beauty of Antarctica responsibly, ensuring that our guests are not only explorers but also ambassadors for its protection.

As we reflect on the treaty’s enduring legacy, we reaffirm our pledge to uphold its principles, to tread lightly, and to inspire others to value the irreplaceable wilderness that is Antarctica. Here's to another year of peace, science, and preservation in the heart of the world’s last great frontier.

28/11/2024

Behind the scenes of capturing stunning images of Antarctica from above.

With the sun never setting during our four months of operation, photographers on the ice face unique challenges when it comes to finding the coveted 'golden light.' Yet, that doesn’t stop them from seeking out the perfect shot—often at the most absurd hours of the night.

Images by Andrew Ling

28/11/2024

"It looks more like the surface of the moon than anything on Earth." Bold words—but coming from Buzz Aldrin, a man who’s walked on both, they hold an undeniable truth.

28/11/2024

We're thrilled to share a recent feature on The Chain podcast.

"In this insightful episode, we dive into the unique challenges and innovative solutions behind White Desert's supply chain logistics in Antarctica. Operating sustainably in one of the planet's most extreme environments requires a delicate balance between efficiency and ecological responsibility."

Tune in to this episode with Andre Conradie to discover how we navigate sustainability, resilience, and the future of supply chain operations in extreme conditions.

Listen to the full episode here:

Podcast Episode · The Chain Podcast · 09/25/2024 · 35m

24/11/2024

The first guests of White Desert's 2024/25 season are off to experience one of the greatest – and yet least observed – wildlife events on the planet!

The chance to see Emperor penguin chicks at their most delicate stage—still wrapped in fluffy down and huddled close to their parents. Visiting these young penguins offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of one of the world’s most majestic birds.

Discover the magnificent 28,000 Emperor penguin colony of Atka Bay in Antarctica.

22/11/2024

Behind the Buff: Oleg Sakharov

Antarctica creates something of an optical illusion when it comes to people. With a blur of beanies, buffs, and sunglasses, it can be tricky to tell who’s who.

That being said, let’s get to know some of the team members you’ll spot running around on the ice. Meet Oleg, our Runway Manager: a man of many talents—one of White Desert's long-standing team members. You might even catch him on a skidoo, channelling his inner James Bond as he zips around Wolf's Fang Runway.

21/11/2024

Touch down!

Our first guest flight of the season landed in Antarctica at the beginning of this week. We are so excited for this season's adventures—with various camp upgrades and new territories to explore.

Watch our 2023/24 highlights below.

Both Echo and Whichaway camps are equally exceptional, and offer the highest levels of comfort and luxury. Each are designed to be dismantled, leaving only a...

18/11/2024

Behind the scenes: Whichaway Wellness Dome

This season, we’re thrilled to introduce Whichaway Camp’s new Wellness Dome – a warm sanctuary amidst Antarctica’s stunning frozen lakes. Before heading off to Antarctica, our team did a test run of assembling the geodesic dome at our Cape Town warehouse! Essentially, a very large and complicated puzzle...

We're excited to introduce this whole new element to our Wellness at Wichaway experience! Here, guests can immerse themselves in the profound stillness of the Schirmacher Oasis, surrounded by glaciers and blue ice. Part of the Whichaway Wellness Hub, the dome joins our sauna and ice plunge, offering a serene space for mindfulness, meditation, and rejuvenation.

18/11/2024

Navigating Antarctica by land (or rather, 'by ice') is all about cruising in our 6x6 ARCTIC TRUCKS, custom-built for the frozen terrain. Just like our runway and skiways, these routes are carefully planned and trailblazed by our Kässbohrer Pistenbully.

Follow the link below for a behind-the-scenes of our logistics on ice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VROwWholofk

14/11/2024

Last week, White Desert hosted an exclusive gathering at our Guest Experience Centre for a select group of private guides, curators of unique and extraordinary experiences and travel specialists with discerning clients.

During this intimate event our CEO and founder, Patrick Woodhead, shared the story of how it all began 20 years ago. Rebecca Warne also shared updates on the remarkable initiatives of the newly launched White Desert Foundation

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our trade partners and for them to meet the team! Thanks to our Trade Relations Manager Michelle Koen for bring us all together.

12/11/2024

Taking window seat views to a whole new level—catching the first glimpses of icebergs as you approach Antarctica.

08/11/2024

As a company founded by environmentally conscious, record-breaking explorers, we have always strived to leave a positive impact on the landscapes we traverse.

Operating in the pristine wilderness of Antarctica, we carry this responsibility with deep reverence, dedicated to setting a new benchmark for sustainable tourism in such a unique ecosystem.

To dive deeper into our ongoing efforts in decarbonising aviation, we spoke with our environmental scientist, Eleni Antoniades. She offers insights into today’s journey and the promising future of these initiatives in Antarctica and beyond.

https://white-desert.com/blog/decarbonising-aviation-at-white-desert/

05/11/2024

Take a look into one of our 'Greatest Day' experiences, brilliantly documented by Joe Hattab.

From arriving in Cape Town to our safety briefing process and finally, an epic few hours spent on the 7th Continent.

My Solo Trip to Antarctica 🇦🇶 القطب المتجمد الجنوبي جدار أنتاركتيكارحلتنا اليوم كانت من كيب تاون إلى القارة السابعة، القارة البيضاء، أكبر صحراء بالعالمالقط...

03/11/2024

If you’re thinking about how to do Christmas a little differently this year…

Imagine a white wonderland with vistas that stretch into the wilderness, champagne and exquisite meals served around a table that harks back to the great explorers.

Or venturing out to do something you have never done before around our unique Whichaway camp and Wellness Dome.

Whilst Santa may be in the North Pole, we can offer a whole lot more on the southern continent!

Email Mindy, at [email protected] to enquire about Christmas at Whichaway.