White Desert
Pioneering Luxury Adventures in Antarctica
Arrive by Gulfstream jet and stay at our unique camp, for a carbon-neutral experience that is as luxurious as it is adventurous.
With only 12 guests on each departure, we tailor the experience to be as relaxed or as adrenalin-fueled as you wish
The vision for White Desert started on an expedition in 2004, when we were stuck in a little tent waiting out a storm. My three teammates and I were in the midst of a 1,850km traverse of the Antarctic continent and all of us were feeling a little defeated. For four days the storm had raged outside. We were getting low on supplies and – even worse – starting to tell the same stories. We wondered why only scientists and the odd polar explorer ever got to see the real Antarctica.
By that we meant the interior of the continent.
We knew that thousands of people went on the cruise ships that patrolled the periphery, but that the interior was almost untouched. We had already found it to be such a surreal and inspiring place – surely others should be able to do the same?
The other aspect was that it had to be environmentally sound. With 24 hours of sunshine and the intensity of the wind we had already experienced, it was obvious to us that wind and solar power were initiatives we wanted to incorporate from the outset.
Founded by genuine polar explorers, White Desert continues to expand whilst staying true to our principles of adventure and environmentally responsible travel.
Now White Desert is a reality. We have taken hundreds of clients to experience this forbidding and rarely seen interior and, despite all the challenges, it remains an incredible privilege to be here!
Antarctica's First Luxury Camp
WHICHAWAY CAMP
Whichaway Camp is unique, and the perfect base from which to start your adventure. Having won the World Travel Awards five times, the camp is also designed to have a minimal environmental footprint.
ENVIRONMENT
We recognise that Antarctica is a pristine wilderness and make stringent efforts to ensure that our footprint is absolutely minimal. With an ENDS environmental award and carbon neutral since 2007, we are continually working to improve the ways in which we interact with this incredible environment.
WOLF’S GANG RUNWAY
Using specialist techniques and machinery, we have created a runway that is uncompromising in its safety and with minimal delays. With experienced pilots flying over 25 flights a season, it is now regarded as a well-established and reliable airbridge between Africa and Antarctica.
OUR FLEET
Being the only company in the world to fly business jets to Antarctica, our emphasis has always been on luxury and safety. That same commitment extends to the ski-equipped aircraft that we use in the interior.
Gulfstream G550
With a 6,750NM range the Gulfstream G550 is one of the most capable business jets in the world, and has the capacity to fly from Cape Town to Wolf’s Fang runway and back again without refuelling. It is also fast. Traveling at 0.85 mach, we reach Antarctica in only five hours and with more than 20 landings each season, our pilots have built up a huge amount of experience.
Basler BT-67
The Basler BT-67 is a versatile and durable aircraft that is able to land on snow and ice. It has a wide cabin, extended range and is used for flying in the interior of Antarctica – most notably to the South Pole and Emperor Penguins. We have two identical aircraft and the crew are highly experienced in polar operations. Our chief pilot has nine seasons of Antarctic experience, and last year, all our groups reached the South Pole.
Whichaway Camp
Whichaway Camp is unique and the perfect place from which to base your adventure. There are seven state-of-the-art sleeping pods that are heated and designed for two people in each. At just over 6m (20ft) in diameter, they are also spacious with a writing desk, wash area and toilet.
The rest of the camp comprises a shower pod, kitchen and three centralised pods that make up the reception, lounge and dining room. While the exterior is made from cutting edge materials, the interior has an old-world feel with rich textures. Here you can relax and enjoy the food from our award-winning chef.
The dining table accommodates 14 people and is the ideal space for sharing adventures and enjoying great food. Busy days exploring Antarctica are sure to work up an appetite and hearty breakfasts, elegant lunches and three course dinners will mean you are well-fed whilst staying at the bottom of the world.
Daily activities
Our philosophy is simple : do as much or as little as you like. After all, its your adventure.
With only 12 clients on each adventure and professional polar explorers as your guides, the day’s itineraries are tailored to each individual. From gentle treks and picnics overlooking the ice waves, to more adrenalin-fueled activities, such as kite-skiing and ice climbing.
The stars show the level of fitness required for any specific activity.
Ice Tunnels **
A photographer’s dream. Explore a maze or surreal ice-tunnels that have been sculpted by seasonal melt water.
Ice Climbing ****
Lirn this exciting sport by using crampons and ice-axes, allowing you to scale seemingly impossible walls of ice.
Nunatak Climb ***
With the help or our expert guides, scale a blue ice glacier and reach the easy summit of Nunatak mountain for spectacular views.
Rock Climbing ***
Our former world champions will teach you how to safety scale the stunning red granite walls that encircle our camp.
Mighty Abseil **
Experience the exhilarating descent from the summit of a 100-metre high cliff surrounded by an amphitheater of glimmering blue ice.
Rope Walk **
An easy traverse above a 200 ft cliff with spectacular views across the ice waves below.
Zip Line ***
Sometimes the fastest way is to zip ! Feel free as free as a snow petrel as you fly across an ice lake, suspended in the air.
4×4 excursions *
We offer daily driving safaris to explore the wonders of the Schirmacher Oasis
Aventurer Picnic *
Refuel on the top of a rugged peak with views on every horizon, the perfect opportunity to sip on a cocktail with 1000-year-old ice.
Science Bases *
Learn first hand about the scientific work that is underway at the different Antarctic research stations near our camp.
Polar Talks *
Learn the extraordinary tales of the explorers of old whilst in the same environment.
All images featured on this page Courtesy of White Desert
Itineraries for the pioneering traveler
Emperors & South Pole
USD 92'500
28 Nov - 06 Dec 2020
06 Dec - 14 Dec 2020
14 Dec - 21 Dec 2020
02 Jan - 10 Jan 2021
10 Jan - 18 Jan 2021
18 Jan - 26 Jan 2021
Early Emperors
USD 58'000
18 Nov - 23 Nov 2020
23 Nov - 28 Nov 2020
29 Dec 2020 - 02 Jan 2021
The Greatest Day
USD 13'500
18 Dec 2020
05 Jan 2021
Explorer's Academy
USD 38'500
26 Jan - 30 Jan 2021
