Whichaway

Antarctica, the southernmost continent and the least visited of the world’s seven, is a place of unparalleled beauty and seclusion and the land of the geographical and magnetic South Poles. This remote wilderness is technically a desert: its vast ice sheets hold over 70% of the planet’s freshwater, yet rainfall is rare. Historically the domain of scientists and intrepid explorers, luxury tourism in Antarctica is a recent innovation, pursued with careful attention to conservation. Whichaway, a groundbreaking retreat by White Desert, exemplifies this delicate balance, offering an intimate, sustainable gateway to one of Earth's most pristine and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Whichaway is set on the rocky shores of the Schirmacher Oasis, a rare iceless area beside a freshwater lake. The camp features a select number of “polar pods”, expertly engineered to shield guests from the harsh Antarctic conditions while offering interiors styled with timeless elegance. Open during the continent's brief summer from mid-November onward, the experience includes unforgettable encounters with emperor penguins early in the season, as well as season-long ice climbing, exploring ethereal ice tunnels, scaling blue-ice glaciers to reach a nunatak summit, and abseiling down a 100-meter cliff surrounded by dazzling blue ice. These one-of-a-kind adventures make Whichaway a destination unlike any other.

More than a luxury retreat, Whichaway is a model of sustainable tourism, committed to minimising environmental impact while assisting with vital research and conservation. By prioritising preservation, it sets a benchmark for eco-conscious travel in Antarctica. The adventure begins with a private flight from Cape Town, where guests are briefed and outfitted with specialised cold-weather gear. For those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime pairing, a trip to Antarctica can be seamlessly combined with a safari in Africa, particularly South Africa—a perfect union of two extraordinary worlds.