Country: Settings: Country:
Currency: Currency:

Spring Emperor Penguins of Atka Bay

An incredible journey flying into the Great White Continent and sleeping on the ice in a camp made using aerospace technology. Spend your days hiking and ice-climbing and of course visiting the Emperor Penguin colony in Spring just as the chicks are stepping off their parents' feet. Starting in Cape Town, you fly down to the world’s largest desert, Antarctica; where upon arrival you settle into one of the most luxurious camps you can find in the Polar Regions. Each day of your safari you will be able to choose from a range of activities, taking it as easy as you like, or packing your days with adrenaline-charged adventures. Enjoy trekking, exploring ice tunnels and hikes of the surrounding mountains. Fly to Atka Bay, home to a breeding colony of Emperor penguins, the largest penguin species in the world. These incredible animals stand at up to 1.3 metres in height, and weigh in at up to 45kg, you’ll truly appreciate them as they wander around you. This safari is for those who want to experience the Antarctic continent without compromising on luxury.

Why book this trip?

See Antarctica from the air as you fly across the Antarctic Circle, including an aerial view of the Atka Bay Emperor Penguin Colony.
Spend your time exploring the Antarctic continent, including ice tunnels beneath your camp, and frozen waves of ice.
Photograph the Akta Bay emperor penguins in spring as the chicks are just leaving their parents feet for the first time and venturing out to explore.
Enjoy the luxury of Whichaway Camp and the surrounding area with your expert guides.

ANT Emperor Penguin Colony Copyright Whichaway Camp

Cl Antarctica South Georgia Credit Jonathan Z Lee

Talk to an Antarctica Specialist Today

What to expect

Arrive into Cape Town a minimum of 2 days before the start of your trip. With the official destination registered as ‘Unknown International Airport’, you will board your 5.5 hour flight to Antarctica, crossing the polar circle into 24 hour daylight. You will be met on arrival and taken to the incredible Whichaway Camp where you can settle in to your warm and comfortable ‘pod’ and go for a gentle trek around the Oasis.

You have the unrivalled opportunity to visit an Atka Bay Emperor Penguin Colony. Fly 2.5 each way hours across the high polar plateau on board a BT67 plane, delivering spectacular vistas of the High Polar Plateau before reaching the colony which is home to over 6,000 penguins and their chicks. A land unfrequented by humans means these majestic birds have no fear of man. You will stand where few have stood before and watch as their curiosity draws them closer and closer to you. You will have the pleasure of filming, or capturing your very own ‘March of the Penguins’. We visit in the beginning of the season when the colony is still in full swing and emperor chicks are leaving their parents feet for the first time.

Explore the ice waves beneath the camp, delving into the series of ice tunnels that are as surreal as they are beautiful. Time for an Arctic Truck safari, winding your way through the snow and ice to an incredible panoramic viewpoint over the waves you have just explored. An adventurous hike along a winding cliff face shows you stunning views of the extraordinary waves of ice that have been created over millennia by constant pressure from the ocean. The world-class mountain guides will lead you on this challenging hike, ensuring your safety at all times on this unforgettable day.

Atka Bay Emperor Penguin Colony

Whichaway Camp

Become one of only a few guests to ever stay at the most luxurious camp in the Polar Regions. The camp has a very easy and friendly feel to it and is run to strict environmental guidelines to minimise the impact on the environment. Accessible only by private charter flight, and with space for just 12 guests in six luxury sleeping pods.