Visit the White Desert

Feb 8

Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit: Discover the Heart of Antarctica with White Desert

White Desert’s Newest Camp, Echo Base, Offers Unparalleled Luxury in the Frozen Wilderness

Antarctica has long been a destination reserved for the boldest of adventurers. Its dramatic, otherworldly landscapes, once considered insurmountable, now beckon those seeking the ultimate expedition. White Desert, the premier luxury tour operator specializing in Antarctic travel, has elevated the experience with the launch of its third camp, Echo Base. Joining the existing Whichaway and Wolf’s Fang camps, Echo Base offers a futuristic, space-inspired retreat at the heart of the frozen continent.

Inspired by astronaut Buzz Aldrin’s visit, Echo Base features six cutting-edge en suite sleeping pods, alongside luxurious communal dining and relaxation spaces. Designed for discerning explorers, a five-day stay starts at $62,500 per person.

The experience is nothing short of extraordinary, offering a blend of adventure and opulence that will leave a lasting impression.

A World Unlike Any Other

Touching down on a pristine blue ice runway, guests are immediately struck by Antarctica’s surreal beauty. The vast, untouched landscape stretches endlessly, with mountain peaks (nunataks) visible over 100 kilometers away. The air is crisp, the silence profound, and the scenery breathtaking. Far from the noise of civilization, the only sounds are the crunch of ice underfoot and the occasional call of wildlife.

Contrary to popular belief, Antarctica is more than just ice. Its diverse terrain includes towering mountains, frozen oceans, and even wildlife like penguins and migratory birds such as petrels. This is a land of extremes, where every moment feels like a discovery.

Luxury Meets Adventure

For early explorers, Antarctica was a perilous journey with no guarantee of return. Today, White Desert transforms this frozen wilderness into a luxurious playground. At Echo Base, guests can embark on unforgettable activities, from ice climbing and exploring natural ice tunnels to skiing across surreal ice waves. For the truly adventurous, an overnight ski tour offers a chance to immerse yourself in the continent’s raw beauty.

One of the most memorable experiences is a 2.5-hour flight on a vintage Second World War Basler BT-67 plane to Atka Bay. Here, guests can witness tens of thousands of Emperor penguins in their natural habitat, observing their daily lives and interactions. Whether it’s the sight of penguin chicks calling for their parents or the adults returning from a fishing trip, the experience is nothing short of magical.

Logistics of a Lifetime

The sheer scale of organizing a trip to Antarctica is a feat in itself. Each season, a ship delivers equipment to the coastline, where it’s craned up a 40-meter ice cliff and transported 500 miles across the Fimbul Ice Shelf to camp. The operation involves dozens of machines, including piston bullies, planes, and 4x4s, as well as over 120 staff. This logistical marvel is only possible during the four months of Antarctic summer.

Despite the harsh environment, White Desert ensures unparalleled luxury. Gourmet dining ranges from curry nights to pemmican, a calorie-rich meal reminiscent of early explorers. Outdoor picnics are a highlight, featuring canapés, champagne, and even Shackleton beers served in breathtaking locations. One standout experience is a snow lounge party, complete with an igloo bar, fine whiskies, and cozy fur rugs to ward off the -5˚C chill.

Sustainability at the Core

Operating in such a fragile ecosystem, sustainability is a top priority for White Desert. The company pioneered the use of sustainable aviation fuel and has been carbon neutral since 2007. The camp’s pod suites are primarily solar-powered, and the entire setup is designed to be temporary, leaving no trace behind. Even waste management is meticulously planned, with all consumables shipped off the continent at the end of the season.

Guides with Unmatched Stories

The team at White Desert is as extraordinary as the destination itself. From Manu, who led the search for Shackleton’s lost ship Endurance, to Marco, who holds the record for climbing the most 6,000-meter peaks, and Vila, the only woman to summit Everest and complete a solo expedition to the South Pole, the guides are a testament to the spirit of adventure. Their passion and expertise ensure that every guest is in capable and inspiring hands.

Tailored Antarctic Experiences

White Desert offers many ways to experience the white continent at the bottom of the world, from a 24-hour Greatest Day fly-in trip ($14,500 per person) to their all-encompassing 24-day Ultimate Antarctica experience and which comes complete with yacht, helicopter and even a submersible expedition.

Other options include a seven-day geographic South Pole and emperor penguin trip (from $98,500 per person) or a five-day photographic trip (from $62,500 per person) to witness the emperor chicks taking their first steps.

Antarctica awaits. Are you ready to explore it in unparalleled style?