A Porsche, an Hermès Birkin or visiting penguins in Antarctica? For around US$100,000, White Desert Camp takes you on a wild adventure via the icy continent’s first and only luxury hotel
- The journey begins with a private jet from Cape Town to Whichaway Camp, where luxury pods are served by a private chef and a ‘cellar’ of South African wines
- Itineraries range from penguin colony visits to kayaking, skiing and a climb into the Drygalski Mountains
Then there’s the school of thought that says we should buy experiences and not things, perhaps a feeling only sharpened in this travel-starved time. If this is more your bag, then how about laying out for the chance to scale a virgin summit in the Drygalski Mountains in Antarctica’s Queen Maud Land?
Starting your journey in Cape Town, you’ll be flown by private jet to Wolf’s Fang runway from where you are ferried to White Desert, the only luxury hotel on the frozen continent.
From there, a variety of adventurous itineraries are available, ranging from a day trip priced at US$14,500 per person to a 24-day ultimate experience for up to 12 people for almost £3 million (around US$4 million).
The list of exciting activities awaiting intrepid travellers starts with visiting emperor penguin colonies and ice caves, and runs to kite skiing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, kayaking and more, all against the backdrop of the planet’s wildest and most unspoilt continent.
Staying overnight is a comparatively luxurious affair at Whichaway Camp, where thickly insulated, double-walled pods come with en suite bathrooms and are accented with wood and textured fabrics. A private chef is on hand to prepare everything from hearty warming breakfasts to six-course dinners paired with the best vintages Cape Town has to offer.