Antarctica Trips & Tours

Getting there
You are required to arrive in Cape Town, South Africa, at least two days prior to the scheduled flight, which allows for flexibility should weather conditions warrant leaving earlier. You will fly from Cape Town International (CPT) to Wolf Fang's Runway in 5 hours. The White Desert company’s state-of-the-art Gulfstream G550 aircraft has 12 luxurious guest seats and 2 bench seats. An hour before landing, you will change into protective gear and apply plenty of sunscreen. After touching down at the Wolf’s Fang runway, if you are staying at Whichaway Camp, you’ll travel for 25 minutes in a smaller Basler DC3 aircraft followed by a short drive in adapted 6x6 vehicles. Ensure you have proof of your flight exiting South Africa, which will be required when you return from Antarctica, and it is best to book flexible departure tickets in case of weather disruptions.

Health & Safety
Due to the dry air in Antarctica, dehydration is a potential risk, which affects a person’s ability to regulate their body temperature. However, this is easily prevented by drinking plenty of water. The expanse of snow and ice reflect any light, so dark sunglasses with side shields or goggles (ideally with polarized lenses) are necessary whether the skies are overcast or sunny.

At camp and on expeditions, there are strict guidelines to follow, which ensure your safety. However, there is a permanent medical doctor, and all guides and staff have medical training. Each camp also has a fully-stocked medical kit.

Communication
You can send and receive text-only emails via the camp iPad or make satellite calls for a charge.

Money & Gratuities
You need to bring cash to pay for any purchases at the camp shop, emails, satellite phone usage, drone footage and tips. US Dollars are the recommended currency.

We must stress that tipping is not compulsory or expected; rather it is an extra reward for excellent service. If you would like to do so, around $150 per staff member would be welcome, which can be given to the manager at the end of your stay.

Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities:
Compulsory Insurance:

a. Emergency evacuation expenses
b. Medical expenses
c. Repatriation expenses

Recommended Insurance:
a. Cancellation or curtailment of trip
b. Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

Visas
There are no visa requirements to enter Antarctica and all guests are covered by the White Desert company’s British travel permit. However, visa requirements for South Africa need to be taken into account

What to pack
The White Desert company holds a mandatory briefing the day before your flight, during which they assess whether you have everything necessary for an Antarctica trip. Technical clothing can be ordered through the company in advance and items such as Baffin boots and down jackets can be loaned.

Be sure to pack lots of layerable items including warm shirts and trousers, jumpers and thick socks for time spent at camp.

Personal items might include:
Toiletries
A small torch
Spare batteries, plug adaptors and charging equipment
A good pair of Binoculars
Books or a fully loaded Kindle / iPad for siesta time

Mandatory clothing / items include:
Ice climbing boots
Hiking boots
Thermal top and leggings
Lightweight stretch fleece top and bottoms
Midweight fleece or synthetic jacket
Gore-tex jacket with a hood and Gore-tex pants
800g or more fill down jacket with a hood and pants
Dark sunglasses and goggles (ideally with polarized lens)
Hat that covers your ears, neck gaiter or buff, balaclava
Thin liner gloves, fleexe gloves, waterproof gloves
Thin liner socks, thick ski socks
Lipbalm and sunscreen (SPF50 or stronger)

Camera Equipment (for the enthusiasts)
• A telephoto lens (200/300mm)
• Flash and fast film (400 ASA) for night photography
• Lots of film (64,100,200,400 ASA) if using an SLR camera
• Spare memory cards for digital cameras
• Camera cleaning equipment and a good dust proof bag
• Bring spare batteries as although you may recharge your batteries at the camps, charging capacity can be limited.

Luggage
The flight allows 23kg for hold luggage in one soft duffel bag and 7kg for hand luggage in a 30 - 40L backpack, which will be used as your daypack.