Get ready for an ultra-luxurious experience and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the 7th Continent.
The sight of Echo Base from up above in the frozen wilderness of Antarctica reminds us of images from a different planet. The futuristic complex of White Desert’s third arctic camp looks like it landed on Earth from Mars and gives glamping on the 7th continent a whole new meaning. Inspired by astronauts and intended for explorers, the six sky-pods reserve a luxurious stay experience in one of the most exciting places on Earth. Designed with clean lines and perfect symmetry, the impressive pods can accommodate up to 12 people. They are made of state-of-the-art materials that ensure absolute silence even when winds of 80 knots blow outside, while large floor-to-ceiling windows offer direct visual contact with the wild, lunar landscape.
According to Patrick Woodhead, CEO & Founder of White Desert, “the inspiration behind Echo Base comes from too many years of watching Star Wars as a kid. I loved the style and vision of how the future would be in the 1970s. The fusion of ‘space’ and ‘exploration’ seemed entirely natural to the Antarctic environment, as only there do we get such vast moonscapes, needle-point mountains and incredible ice formations. I am often asked what travelling to Antarctica is really like and my response is always the same – it’s the closest you can get to being on another planet.”
Patrick Woodhead and his wife Robyn
With only 12 guests on each departure, White Desert tailor the experience to be as relaxed or as adrenalin-fueled as you wish. Guests will have access to all the company activities, including fat biking, skiing, skidooing and 4×4 Arctic Truck driving as well as expertly guided hiking, ice-climbing and mountaineering. Among the Antarctic interior highlights is a visit to Atka Bay to see the 28,000 strong Emperor Penguin colony.
A Sustainable Trip
White Desert has designed Echo to be dismantled without a trace, leaving no more than a minor or transitory impact on Antarctica. In a landmark first for any Antarctic operator, the company is delivering the first test quantity of 40,000 litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to Antarctica for their 2021/22 operations, while they aim to replace all Jet A-1 fuel over the next 3-5 years. At the same time, they mitigate all emissions generated by their flights and activities through fully accredited carbon offset schemes. Having been CarbonNeutral® since 2007, this commitment has always been a core tenet of the company.
INFO
Prices start from $780,000 for an exclusive group of 12 pax or $65,000pp for FIT guests for a 5-day tour which includes return flights & transfers from Cape Town to Antarctica, all accommodation, food & beverages and activities around camp. White Desert Antarctica have pledged to use $1,000 per person per trip on their conservation, community and sustainability initiatives.
As published at Skipper OnDeck issue 68
WORDS ELENA MATHIOPOULOU | PHOTOS WHITE DESERT ANTARCTICA
