White Desert to open third Antarctic camp

The new venture is the third camp from the operator. It will have space exploration-themed pods and provide exclusive access to the rarely seen interior of the Antarctic continent.

Echo will feature six heated, bedroom “sky pods” complete with floor-to-ceiling windows. Each is designed for two guests, with interiors featuring retro space-age detailing and luxurious furnishings. 

The camp will also offer a central lounge area, dining space and heated shower pods.

Original photos taken from the International Space Station by former astronaut colonel Terry Virts will feature in each pod. 

Virts said: “The mountains are the most beautiful I have seen across Earth, Venus and Mars.” 

White Desert said it had designed Echo to be dismantled without a trace, “leaving no more than a transitory impact on Antarctica”.

Echo caters for up to 12 guests, with access to all White Desert activities, including fat biking, skiing, skidooing and 4x4 Arctic truck driving as well as guided hiking, ice-climbing and mountaineering. 

Antarctic interior highlights such as visiting Atka Bay to see the 28,000 strong emperor penguin colony or a bucket-list journey to the South Pole are also possible.

Prices start from $780,000 for an exclusive group of 12 passengers or $65,000pp for a five-day tour and include return flights and transfers from Cape Town, all accommodation, food and drink and activities around camp.

White Desert Antarctica will donate $1,000pp to conservation, community and sustainability initiatives for each person booked.