Emperors and Mountains of Dronning Maud Land

Icy Adventure

Emperors and Mountains of Dronning Maud Land

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 the 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 2 guides.

View the November 2024 Emperors and Mountains of Dronning Maud Land video here

Our second major objective on this trip is to fly south-west in the Twin Otter to the spectacular 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 attempt to 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.

Twin Otter, Holtanna, Drygalski Mountains

Closer to our well appointed and very comfortable base 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 ice wall a 45 minute drive across the ice plateau from Oasis Camp.

Ice Tunnel, Lazarev Ice Shelf, Schirmacher Oasis — Ice Tunnel, a photographer’s dream

More people have scaled the highest peak on every continent than have visited many of the sites we plan to visit. Over 100,000 people now voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula every year. This is a path less trodden, truly an adventure of a lifetime and is limited to just 8 people. Your host will be Islands & Ice Founder David Sinclair who has been guiding and leading trips in the polar regions since 2007 and is an award-winning nature photographer.

2025 Dates: 28 Oct – 4 Nov | 12-20 Nov | 20-27 Nov (Max 8 guests per trip)

Inquire for pricing and detailed briefing

November 2025 – Join the waitlist

Day 1

We will fly from Cape Town, South Africa to Novo Runway in Dronning Maud Land and transfer to the warm and comfortable Oasis Guesthouse on the eastern end of the Schirmacher Oasis. We will fly between continents in the legendary Ilyushin which also carries cargo, scientists and expeditioners for national Antarctic programs in the Dronning Maud Land region.

Expedition Days

Our primary objectives are to fly to each of the Astrid and Lazarev North Emperor Penguin colonies and the Drygalski Mountains, home to towering ‘Ulvetanna’ and ‘Holtanna’ peaks flanking the Fenristunga (Wolf’s Tongue Glacier). Closer to Oasis Camp we will visit stunning ice features and enjoy hikes and fat bike rides. We will also enjoy fine wine and cuisine and even a traditional banya (sauna).

Final day

We will return to Novo Runway for the flight back to Cape Town. Noting all flights are subject to weather conditions in Dronning Maud Land.

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. Airport transfers in Cape Town are also included together with a range of specialised warm weather outer layers and boots that can be loaned for the duration of your expedition to save you purchasing and travelling with bulky items.

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), meals and accommodation in Cape Town, satellite phone use in Antarctica.

Accomodation in Antarctica

We will stay at the Oasis Guesthouse at the eastern end of the Schirmacher Oasis which sits right on the edge of the Antarctic continent. Enjoy a sauna, delicious cuisine and an excellent range of South African wines and Starlink internet to stay in touch with your friends and family.