You are now within reach of mesmerizing landscapes, pristine snow, massive glaciers, sparkling-blue ice caves, howling blizzards and wild, rugged mountains. In this vast, icy continent, awaits a range of our Antarctic Expeditions, filled with diverse and unique experiences. Join us on our unforgettable journeys to the end of the earth.
Experience ALL the activities of The Ultima Day and Emperor Penguins expeditions – plus, journey to the Geographic South Pole.
Visit the emperor penguin colony, the Antarctic ice wall, the Antarctic ice tunnel and the continental ice shelf.
Visit Antarctica and return within just 24 hours – a magical taste of the world’s most isolated wilderness.
Ultima Antarctic Expeditions, previously operating as “The Antarctic Company”, has for 13 years offered the ultimate polar tours and packages to Antarctica. Flying in from our base in Cape Town, South Africa, these expeditions can be fully customised to our adventurers’ requirements. We deeply revere Antarctica and have always done our utmost to protect its pristine biodiversity in accordance with the Antarctic Treaty, the Protocol for the Protection of the Antarctic Environment and related agreements.
Very few humans are blessed in their lifetime to encounter these majestic birds in their natural habitat. The 1.5-hour or 2.5-hour flight to their colony offers staggering vistas – vast ice-plains with castle-like icebergs trapped in their grip, the edge of the Eckström ice shelf, the Antarctic ice cap with its crevasses, shelf-ice areas, steep cliffs and fast ice with icebergs on the horizon.
Explore the magnificent landscape of the Schirmacher Oasis – near-vertical glacier walls, rocky hills and partly frozen lakes. Depending on the weather and snow conditions, it may be possible to visit ice-caves – a frozen world of shining blue ice.
Marvel at the contrast of warm-coloured mountains piercing through the sparkling surface of ice and snow in Queen Maud Land. Immerse yourself in the beauty and emptiness of Antarctica. A magnificent, mesmerising landscape to view from the air – and a visceral visual feast to experience first-hand.
“To find the most remote and bizarre mountains on the planet, one must travel to the end of the world: Antarctica. Beyond the consciousness of most people, lies the mysterious and mountainous world of Queen Maud Land.” – Christoph Höbenreich, the Austrian polar specialist, UIAGM-qualified mountain guide and PhD-geographer. Discover the changing character of this landscape as the midnight sun disappears behind the peaks.
Perhaps the ultimate, with Ultima: A flight to the southern-most point on Planet Earth. The interior of Antarctica is characterised by extreme, hostile weather and good conditions are needed to safely complete this trip and the seven-hour flight. After visiting the Pole we fly to our camp for a night on the Polar Plateau – perhaps the ultimate immersion in the remoteness of Antarctica.
Situated approximately 12km, or 30 minutes’ drive from Novo Air Base, the Ultima Oasis Camp is an oasis of quality comfort, cosy warmth and delicious fare, in from the cold. The camp gazes east, affording magnificent views of a sheltered ice valley and pristine lake, beneath an amphitheatre of rocky nunatak.
Three beautifully-appointed wooden cabins offer an exquisite refuge, from even the iciest blizzards and bitter cold. The character is intimate and personal, as the camp sleeps just 20 guests.
The Antarctic Company has since 2009 served as a full member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). Ultima Antarctic Expeditions intends to continue with this proud association and membership. We support science in Antarctica through co-operation with national Antarctic programs, including logistical support and research, and to encourage co-operation between private-sector travel and the international scientific community in the Antarctic.
In 1991, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties adopted the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, which designates the Antarctic as a natural reserve. This, we honour. As such, we operate in strict accordance with the environmental tourism guidelines to keep Antarctica pristine, to protect Antarctic wildlife, and to respect protected areas. We endeavour to leave nothing behind but footprints and take nothing back but memories.
Our staff have the knowledge, experience and – above all else – understanding of the safety precautions that are required when venturing into such a rare, extreme environment. We have well-established search-and-rescue and medical procedures in place to ensure your safety in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Please email
connect@ultima-antarcticexpeditions.com
to receive the full Pre-Expedition Information Pack.
Please meet our Ultima Antarctic Expeditions team, including:
Ultima Oasis Camp Manager
Antarctic Expeditions Guide
Antarctic Expeditions Logistics Manager
Head Chef
Medical Doctor