Flagship Expedition

The South Pole &
Emperor Penguins

The ultimate Antarctic journey — stand at 90°S, the bottom of the world, then witness the planet's most extraordinary wildlife spectacle. Two bucket-list experiences, one seamless expedition.

7 DaysDuration
6 hrsFlight from Cape Town
8 MaxGuests Per Departure
Nov–FebAustral Summer

Where every direction is north

Standing at the geographic South Pole is an achievement only a handful of humans have ever experienced. At 90°S, every direction you face is north — a profound, humbling moment that connects you with the greatest explorers in history.

After conquering the Pole, your journey continues northward to the edge of the continental ice shelf, where thousands of emperor penguins gather to raise their chicks. This is the ultimate Antarctic expedition — a seamless combination of polar history and wildlife wonder.

$91,000 per person

Based on double occupancy · Terms apply

  • Nov 11 - Nov 18, 2026 ● Seats Open
  • Nov 17 - Nov 24, 2026 ● Seats Open
  • Nov 23 - Nov 30, 2026 ● Fully Booked
  • Dec 5 - Dec 12, 2026 ● Seats Open
  • Dec 11 - Dec 18, 2026 ● Seats Open
Check Availability →

What will you experience?

✧ Journey to the South Pole

After flying from Cape Town to our Polar Camp, your South Pole quest begins aboard our capable ski‑equipped aircraft. A four‑hour flight takes you across the vast Antarctic plateau, landing at our remote Wilderness Camp to rest and refuel before the final leg to 90°S.

At the Pole, you'll stand at the exact point where every direction is north — following in the footsteps of Amundsen, Scott, and all the great explorers. Time here is yours to absorb the magnitude of this achievement, take photographs, and savor the rarest of moments.

✧ The Emperor Penguins

After returning to Polar Camp, your second great adventure begins. A flight north to the edge of the continental ice shelf brings you to a remote emperor penguin colony — one of the few places on Earth where these majestic birds can be seen in the wild.

Under strict conservation protocols, you'll observe fluffy chicks awaiting their parents' return, courtship rituals, and the daily drama of the colony — all while surrounded by the pristine white silence of Antarctica.

"To stand at the South Pole is as significant today as it was for Scott and his men so many years ago. You will return with a marvelous story and cherished memories."

✧ Beyond the Bucket List

This isn't just a journey — it's a transformation. The silence, the scale, the surreal light of the midnight sun. Our expert guides ensure you return home not just with photographs, but with a deeper understanding of this fragile, magnificent continent.

Your Expedition Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Cape Town

Morning briefing and gear distribution. Afternoon flight from Cape Town to Antarctica (approx. 6 hours). Land on blue‑ice runway. Transfer to Polar Camp. Welcome dinner under the midnight sun.

Day 2

Acclimatization & Briefing

Rest and acclimatization at Polar Camp. Safety briefing, equipment check, and introduction to your polar guides. Optional short guided walk near camp.

Day 3

Flight to South Pole

Morning flight to the South Pole (approx. 4.5 hours) with refueling stop at Wilderness Camp. Arrive at 90°S. Time on the ice: photographs, ceremony, and quiet reflection. Return to Wilderness Camp for overnight in heated tents.

Day 4

Return to Polar Camp

Morning flight back to Polar Camp. Rest, hot showers, and share stories of your Pole experience. Evening briefing about the emperor penguin excursion.

Day 5

Emperor Penguin Colony Visit

Flight to remote emperor penguin colony. Guided observation following strict IAATO protocols. Spend hours watching colony life — chicks feeding, adults returning from sea, and the spectacular backdrop of ice cliffs.

Day 6

Exploration & Photography

Flex day for additional excursions, photography workshop, or optional glacier walk. Evening farewell dinner at Polar Camp.

Day 7

Return to Cape Town

Morning flight back to Cape Town. Arrive late afternoon. Transfer to hotel (own arrangement) or connect with onward travel.

What's Included

✈️
Cape Town flights
Return flights between Cape Town and Antarctica
🧥
All outer polar gear
Expedition parka, boots, gloves, and mitts
🏕
Polar & Wilderness Camp
Heated accommodations throughout your journey
🍽
All meals & beverages
Gourmet dining on the ice
🧭
Expert polar guides
Decades of Antarctic experience
🛡
Comprehensive insurance
Emergency evacuation coverage

Not included: International flights to Cape Town, polar thermal undergarments, travel insurance beyond expedition coverage, gratuities.

Fact File:
The South Pole

  • ✦ Roald Amundsen and his team were the first to reach the South Pole on 14 December 1911
  • ✦ Summer temperatures at the Pole reach a high of -20°C (-2°F)
  • ✦ At 90°S, the altitude is over 9,000ft (2,700 m)
  • ✦ The ice at the South Pole is over 1 mile (1.6 km) deep
  • ✦ The USA maintains the Amundsen‑Scott Station at the Geographic South Pole

The Largest Penguin
on Earth

  • ✦ Emperor penguins grow up to 122 cm (4 ft) tall — the size of a small adult human
  • ✦ They weigh up to 40 kg (88 lbs)
  • ✦ They are the only penguin species that breeds during the Antarctic winter
  • ✦ Emperors can dive to depths of over 500 meters — deeper than any other bird

FAQs & Fast Facts

Why fly, not sail?

We fly direct from Cape Town in under 6 hours — no rough Drake Passage crossing, no seasickness. You arrive on the continent refreshed and ready to explore.

Do I need to be super fit?

Not at all. Unlike the heroic explorers of old, our guests don't need to be tough or brave — just healthy enough to fly. Our expeditions are open to all.

What about visas?

Antarctica requires no visa. However, you may need a multiple-entry visa for South Africa, as you'll transit through Cape Town both ways.

When should I arrive in Cape Town?

We require guests to arrive 48 hours before departure and book flexible flights. This allows for weather-related schedule adjustments.

Can children join?

We accept guests aged 12 and above when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Teenagers have happily joined several expeditions.

What's the weather like?

Austral summer (November–February) offers nearly 24-hour daylight and milder temperatures around -5°C to +5°C (23°F–41°F).

The ultimate journey
to Antarctica awaits

You are now within reach of mesmerizing landscapes, pristine snow, massive glaciers, and wild, rugged mountains. Speak with a polar specialist to reserve your place.

Enquire About This Expedition →

Begin Your
South Pole Journey

With only 8 guests per departure, this flagship expedition fills quickly. Speak with a polar specialist to secure your place.

Cape Town | +27 21 555 0198 | info@antillaantarctic.com