Five Magical Moments in Dronning Maud Land

An Ultima guest at the base of the Drygalski Mountains. Photo Source: David Sinclair

With over 60 polar expeditions, David Sinclair is no stranger to the extremes of Earth’s frozen frontiers.

Last year David joined a highly experienced team brought together by Ultima Antarctic Expeditions to scout the very best locations and experiences on offer in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica.

David will host an extraordinary and never-before-offered itinerary this coming November, including one site that has never been visited by humans, offering a unique experience of genuine exploration.

We asked David to share five unforgettable moments from this pristine corner of Antarctica.

Read on to be inspired by a journey that blends the awe of untouched nature with the comfort and luxury of a modern-day, seamless Antarctic expedition, flying into Antarctica direct from beautiful Cape Town.

1. Extraordinary Emperor Penguins

“To land on a vast remote ice shelf and quietly approach an Emperor Penguin colony many thousands strong is an extraordinary experience. Emperors congregate for breeding in extremely inaccessible locations making a visit a very rare privilege,” he says.

This November, as summer nears, Emperor Penguin chicks will be in their downy “Biggles suits” and growing in size after surviving the harsh winter.

Guests will explore an Emperor Penguin Colony during their Ultima Antarctic Expedition. Photo Source: David Sinclair

During your expedition with David, you’ll visit a remote colony on the edge of the Nivl Ice Shelf, offering an intimate opportunity to quietly observe and capture stunning images of these remarkable creatures.  

“If the weather allows we’ll aim to stay into the evening to capture Emperors in beautiful light against a backdrop of icebergs frozen into the sea ice.”

2. Extraordinary views

In Dronning Maud Land every flight is unforgettable, according to David.

“The expansive views over the ice are incredible, giving one a true sense of the isolation and stark beauty of the frozen continent. Truly humbling,” says David.

“A reminder of just how vast and untouched this continent truly is. We have some incredible flights in store and the pilots love to facilitate views for all.”

An aerial view of the Schirmacher Oasis. Photo Source: David Sinclair.

For those lucky enough to join one of Ultima’s expeditions, the aerial views offer a rare perspective that underscores Antarctica’s sheer scale and stark beauty in a way that’s impossible to grasp from the ground. 

3. Exploring the neon blue Ice Tunnel Near the Schirmacher Oasis

Ice caves are not uncommon in the polar regions, but few compare to the otherworldly glow of the ice tunnel abutting the Schirmacher Oasis, according to David.

“I’ve seen many ice features in both the Arctic and Antarctic, but nothing quite like this. The tunnel’s walls pulse with an electric blue, casting an ethereal light that photographers dream about.”

Antarctica is a playground for the extraordinary, with expeditions suited to all fitness levels. Photo Source: David Sinclair.

This hidden gem of Schirmacher Oasis is tucked away, just a short distance from Ultima’s Oasis Camp. It offers a chance to experience the incredible artistry of nature, shaped over millennia by freezing temperatures and relentless winds.

4. Standing in awe atop the Fenristuga Glacier

In Antarctica’s cold, harsh interior, the landscape turns from vast plains to towering peaks, and nowhere is this transformation more dramatic than at Fenristuga, or the Wolf’s Tongue Glacier.

Here, the jagged summits of Ulvetanna and Holtanna rise like fangs from the ice, their silhouettes sharp against the endless sky, adds David.

Capture dramatic images only a few privileged individuals get to experience. Photo Source: David Sinclair.

“Standing here in silence, with nothing but the sound of the wind, is profoundly humbling,” he says.

Here, the Antarctic wilderness feels most raw, a place where the scale of nature makes you feel small in the best possible way— as you reflect on the beauty of our planet.

5. Savoring the Luxury of the Experience

After a day exploring some of the most beautiful icescapes on Earth, returning to the world-class hospitality of Ultima Oasis base camp is a luxury in itself, says David.

“Returning to our comfortable quarters, to a hearty warm meal after a day’s exploring— it makes me think of the hardy explorers that preceded us,” adds David. “I want to pinch myself when I think about the innovation of the past few decades that affords us the luxury of experiencing these extraordinary locations in comfort.”.

The healing luxury of simple solitude. Photo Source: David Sinclair.

Enjoy A Journey Like No Other

David Sinclair’s favourite experiences in Dronning Maud Land are a testament to the awe-inspiring power of Antarctica.

Whether it’s the sight of Emperor Penguins thriving in the frozen wilderness, the neon glow of an ice tunnel, or the quiet contemplation of towering peaks, these moments will stay with you long after you return safely home.

Ultima Antarctic Expeditions is making it easier than ever for travellers of all ages and fitness levels to experience Antarctica’s majestic beauty in a safe, modern, and ultra-exhilarating way. Photo Source: Ultima Antarctic Expeditions.

Come discover Antarctica’s magic in every icy shadow and sun-kissed peak under the expert guidance of the Ultima team.

Reach out to learn more about Ultima’s upcoming Dronning Maud Land trip with David, or to join the 2025/26 Season waitlist for his next specially curated journey in Antarctica.