South Africa & Antaritca - Ultimate Safari

The Continent of Antarctica is a great white desert which is larger than Europe. It is a land of extremes----the driest, coldest and most isolated place on Earth. The coldest temperature ever recorded is -89 degrees Celsius or -112 Fahrenheit. In summer at the coast temperatures can reach a balmy 15 Celsius or 59 Fahrenheit.

Unlike the Arctic, there are no permanent residents. There are various research stations, the largest being Russian. The average year round “population” is about 3,750, with a significant 5,000 plus during the summer months from November to February. There is an Orthodox church at the Russian Bellingshausen Station.

The Antarctic is colder than the Arctic as most of it is at an altitude of around 3,000 metres above sea level (nearly 10,000 feet). Much of it resembles the Andes, and there are several volcanoes, some active. The most recent eruption was in 2008. The highest peak is Vinson Massif located in the Ellsworth Mountains and is at 4,892 metres or 16,050 feet.

There is unique flora and fauna with numerous penguins, blue whales, orcas, colossal suids and fur seals. There are no polar bears.

Antarctica is both romantic and awesome. It has definite “wow” factor. Vast and ownerless, it is unique and a journey there is like no other.

We are now able to offer visits from Cape Town with accommodation in custom built camps and research centres, and itineraries which include flying to the South Pole! The flying time from Cape Town to base camp in the Shirmacher Mountains, Queen Maud Land is 5 hours 30 minutes.

We offer a range of adventures from 9-day safaris to visit the Emperor penguins and the Geographic South Pole, to shorter trips designed to cater for those with tighter schedules. With genuine polar explorers as your guides, you will see, touch and experience a place that is unlike anything on earth.

Those who visit will experience something that more than ninety nine per cent of the World’s population cannot and never will. Very few people you know will ever have the chance to set foot on this huge Continent. A visit is expensive but in context it is extremely good value.

Come with us on an unforgettable journey. Come explore…

Currency 

Local currency: No local currency 
Symbol: N/A 
ISO code: N/A 
Subunit: N/A 
Banknotes: N/A 
Coins: N/A 

Banking 

Card Transactions: No 
ATMs: No 
Mastercard: No 
Visa: No 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: Not applicable 
Weekdays: Not applicable 
Weekends: Not applicable 
Public Holidays: Not applicable 
Foreign exchange services: Not applicable 

Air: 
Main airlines: No commercial airlines 
International Airports: Limited research stations with airstrips 
Domestic Airports: Limited research station airstrips 

Road: 
Driving on the: Not applicable 
Tar roads: No 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Not applicable 
Car hire available: Not applicable 
Taxis: No 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: No 
Local city bus networks: No 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: Limited availability near research stations 
Leisure cruises: Yes, there are expedition ships and cruises: 
Expedition ships and cruises offer a popular means of exploring Antarctica. They provide comprehensive travel packages including accommodations, meals, and guided excursions. Several reputable cruise operators offer voyages to Antarctica during the austral summer season, typically departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. These voyages provide a unique opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes, abundant wildlife, and scientific research stations of Antarctica. 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Limited availability 
Ice: No 
Meat: Limited availability 
Street food: No 

Local cuisine: Antarctica does not have a native human population, so there is no local cuisine. 

Drinks: No notable local drinks 

Tipping: Not applicable 

Annual rainfall: Low to zero (Very rare)

Average temperature: -37°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: -20°C 
Average lows: -40°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: -30°C 
Average lows: -50°C 

Best time to visit: Antarctica's climate is extreme and inhospitable, making it challenging to visit outside of scientific expeditions. However, for tourists, the austral summer from November to March offers slightly milder temperatures and 24-hour daylight, making it the best time for expeditions and wildlife viewing. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Not applicable 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: No 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): No 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: No 
Smart-casual attire: No 

Plug Type: Type C, Type E, Type F 
Voltage (V): 220 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.