Recently completed a one-week stay at White Desert in Antarctica. Rates for the week start at $68k pp and go up to $105k pp if you add a visit to the South Pole, which is a 7 hour prop plane away.
For those who arent aware, WD offers flights directly from Cape Town to Antarctica. This way, you can spend your time exploring the continent rather than transiting on a ship. I have not done a ship-based tour, but this method seems *far* more convenient, especially given the newer nonstops from the U.S. to CPT.
White Desert has 2 camps: the futuristic Echo and the more warm-feeling Wichaway.
Vibes - 10/10
I know it sounds trite, but the staff is really like family. They hug each other when they arrive back at camp. They are excellent and love their jobs.
Further, being disconnected in Antarctica is magical. Wonderful communal spaces. I would recommend trying to go with a group that you know or want to get to know, as the opportunity to really connect on human level is rare this day and age.
Rooms - 8/10
The rooms are spectacular for Antarctica The beds are warm and comfortable, the pod well-appointed. There are two separate toilets due to waste removal rules. They use a warm water carafe over the sink that they refill twice per day. At Whichaway, there is even a beautiful sauna. Note that showers are in a heated building separate from the room.
Food - 9/10
Three courses, always well thought out. The day we arrived there was caviar canapes out and Champaign. You really need to pinch yourself to remember you are in the middle of Antarctica eating like this. This is what differentiates WD - making Antarctica comfortable. No MREs here.
Activities - 10/10
From flying to see emperor penguins to ice climbing, there are mountain guides who expertly show you the beauty of Antarctica every day. They actively fill up each day for you, and think of the little things. For example, when we got down from ice climbing, there was a luxury spread out in the middle of the snow.
Some more notes
This operation runs by the weather forecast. You must be flexible. Even for the flight in and out, you have a 3-day window that is entirely dependent on Antarctic weather. Same for activities: the guides decide the night before based on the weather. This is not one of those situations where they say weather could change to CYA, you may actually get a call at midnight 3 days early saying they want to leave.
That said, the weather was clear and beautiful for the majority of our days. No colder than a ski resort.
Overall - 10/10
Strong recommend. Obviously dependent on your budget and interests. I would classify as a life-changing experience.
Ill try to stay active and answer questions in the comments. Thanks.
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For those who arent aware, WD offers flights directly from Cape Town to Antarctica. This way, you can spend your time exploring the continent rather than transiting on a ship. I have not done a ship-based tour, but this method seems *far* more convenient, especially given the newer nonstops from the U.S. to CPT.
White Desert has 2 camps: the futuristic Echo and the more warm-feeling Wichaway.
Vibes - 10/10
I know it sounds trite, but the staff is really like family. They hug each other when they arrive back at camp. They are excellent and love their jobs.
Further, being disconnected in Antarctica is magical. Wonderful communal spaces. I would recommend trying to go with a group that you know or want to get to know, as the opportunity to really connect on human level is rare this day and age.
Rooms - 8/10
The rooms are spectacular for Antarctica The beds are warm and comfortable, the pod well-appointed. There are two separate toilets due to waste removal rules. They use a warm water carafe over the sink that they refill twice per day. At Whichaway, there is even a beautiful sauna. Note that showers are in a heated building separate from the room.
Food - 9/10
Three courses, always well thought out. The day we arrived there was caviar canapes out and Champaign. You really need to pinch yourself to remember you are in the middle of Antarctica eating like this. This is what differentiates WD - making Antarctica comfortable. No MREs here.
Activities - 10/10
From flying to see emperor penguins to ice climbing, there are mountain guides who expertly show you the beauty of Antarctica every day. They actively fill up each day for you, and think of the little things. For example, when we got down from ice climbing, there was a luxury spread out in the middle of the snow.
Some more notes
This operation runs by the weather forecast. You must be flexible. Even for the flight in and out, you have a 3-day window that is entirely dependent on Antarctic weather. Same for activities: the guides decide the night before based on the weather. This is not one of those situations where they say weather could change to CYA, you may actually get a call at midnight 3 days early saying they want to leave.
That said, the weather was clear and beautiful for the majority of our days. No colder than a ski resort.
Overall - 10/10
Strong recommend. Obviously dependent on your budget and interests. I would classify as a life-changing experience.
Ill try to stay active and answer questions in the comments. Thanks.
