Emperors and mountains of dronning maud land
Visit emperor penguin colonies and explore the mountains of Dronning Maud Land with award-winning photographer and Antarctic advocate David Sinclair
Duration
6 - 8 days / nights
Pricing
USD 56 000 per person
Departs from
Cape Town
Dates
2025/2026 Season:
Expedition Tour Dates
Availability: Limited
Availability: Limited
maximum of 8 guests and two guides
Explore the emperors and mountains of Dronning Maud Land with award-winning photographer and Antarctic advocate David Sinclair
In November Emperor Penguin chicks are still in their “biggles suits” but gaining size as they emerge from a long dark winter. As summer approaches the days lengthen and the sea ice breeding ground retreats. We plan to visit each of the recently discovered Astrid and Lazarev North Emperor Penguin colonies to quietly observe and capture beautiful images of these incredible creatures in the company of a maximum of 8 guests and two guides.
Our second major objective on this trip is to fly south-west in the Twin Otter to the spectacular Drygaslki Mountains fringing the Fenristunga (Wolf’s Tongue Glacier). Ulvetanna’s sheer north face rises some 4500 feet from the ice. Holtanna’s west face illuminated by late evening light is an incredible site. We will land at a couple of locations around these impressive peaks to capture beautiful images and experience the true majesty and solitude of this very special place.
Closer to our very comfortable Oasis Camp in the Schirmacher Oasis are some incredible ice features including an extraordinary neon blue ice tunnel in the Lazarev Ice Shelf on the very edge of the Antarctic continent and an extraordinary ice wall a 45 minute drive across the ice plateau from Oasis Camp.
More people have scaled the highest peak on every continent than have visited some of the sites we plan to visit on this itinerary. Over 100,000 people now voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula every year. This Antarctic deep field adventure is a path less trodden, truly an adventure of a lifetime and is limited to just three groups of 8 people in 2025. Your host will be our partner in adventure, Islands & Ice Travel’s Founder David Sinclair who has been guiding and leading trips in Antarctica for nearly two decades.
To get a sense of what to expect on the Emperors and Mountains of Dronning Maud Land trip, click here for a trip video prepared by David from a similar trip he hosted in November 2024. If you are interested to join David on this truly unique and extraordinary experience, click here and follow the prompts to get in touch with David directly at Islands & Ice Travel. David is taking bookings for 2025 and is also maintaining a register of interest for 2026 and 2027.
Day 1
We will fly from Cape Town, South Africa to Novo airstrip in Dronning Maud Land and transfer to our warm and comfortable quarters amid the Shirmacher Oasis on the edge of the Antarctic mainland. We will fly between continents in the legendary Ilyushin 76 which is also used to carry cargo, scientists and expeditioners for national Antarctic programs in the Dronning Maud Land region.
Expedition Days
Our primary objectives are to visit the recently discovered Astrid and Lazarev North Emperor Penguin Colonies and the Drygalksi Mountains (home to magnificent Ulvetanna and Holtanna peaks). Closer to Oasis Camp we will visit stunning ice features and we will enjoy fine cuisine and wines and short strolls after dinner to enjoy stunning views over the nearby ice shelf.
Final Day
We will return to Novo airstrip for the flight back to Cape Town. Noting all flights are subject to weather conditions in Antarctica.
Inclusions
Flights between Cape Town and Dronning Maud Land in the Ilyushin 76-TD90, all internal twin otter flights to and from the Emperors, Lake Untersee and Drygalski Mountains, all internal transfers, meals, accomodation, guides, drinks, Starlink internet at Oasis Camp and special clothing and equipment.
Exclusions
Travel to and from Cape Town (flexible flights are recommended and arrival into Cape Town three days in advance of departure for Antarctica is required allowing time to conduct mandatory briefings and issue specialist clothing and equipment for your adventure), any additional costs incurred due to changes to flights beyond our control (in particular weather delays), evacuation, medical treatment costs and insurance (insurance is mandatory), hotel transfers for non-Antarctic flights, meals and accommodation in Cape Town (we can provide recommendations), satellite phone use in Antarctica. Baggage weight restrictions apply.
Where will you stay?
Ultima Oasis Camp
Throughout your time in Antarctica, you will overnight in our Ultima Oasis Camp, which offers delicious food and comfortable surroundings, while you rest between the eight days’ excursions and explore the camp’s surrounds – mountains, lakes, snow and ice, as you are immersed in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Did you know?
Fact file: The South Pole
- Roald Amundsen and his team of 4 men were the first people to reach the South Pole on 14 December 1911
- Temperatures in the summer months can reach a high of -20°C (-2°F). During winter the temperature will plummet to -60°C (-76°F)
- At 90°South the altitude is over 9,000ft (2,700 m)
- The ice at the South Pole is over 1 mile (1.6 km) deep before reaching the land mass below.
- The USA maintains a scientific base at the Geographical South Pole named Amundsen- Scott Station
Secure Your Expedition with David Sinclair
Join award-winning photographer and Antarctica advocate David Sinclair on a limited expedition to Antarctica. Experience Emperor Penguin chicks in their “biggles suits” at the colony and marvel at the majestic Fenristunga Glacier mountains. With only 8 guests, secure your spot for this exclusive adventure of a lifetime today!
Enquire now
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