Emperors and Mountains of Dronning Maud Land

Icy Adventure

Emperor Penguins 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 Emperor Penguin colony abutting the Nivl Ice Shelf to quietly observe and capture beautiful images of these incredible creatures in the company of a maximum of 8 guests and two guides.

Emperor Penguin Chicks, Ragnhild Colony, Crown Bay — Emperor Penguin Chicks

Emperor Penguins — Emperor Penguin Colony

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

In scouting Dronning Maud Land last year we identified two extraordinary sites we’d like to share with our guests. One of these sites has not yet been visited by any humans (including us) and the other site has never been visited by tourists. We will attempt to visit both sites, up to one hours flight by Twin Otter from our base. The true sense of the word “Unique” and genuine exploration available to a very few.

Million Dollar Views from the Twin Otter

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 visited Antarctica over 40 times in the past 16 years.

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 our base.

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

12-20 November 2024 (2 places remaining)

Inquire for pricing and detailed briefing

12-20 November 2025 – join the waitlist

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 Lazarev Ice Shelf. We will fly between continents in the legendary Ilyushin which is also used to carry cargo, scientists and expeditioners for national Antarctic programs in the Dronning Maud Land region.

Days 2-7

Our primary objectives are to visit the Astrid Emperor Penguin Colony, magnificent Ulvetanna and Holtanna peaks flanking Fenristunga (Wolf’s Tongue Glacier) in the Drygalski Mountains and two other mystery destinations within an hours flight of our base. Closer to Oasis Camp we will visit stunning ice features including a stunning and readily accessible ice tunnel on the very edge of the Antarctic continent.

Day 8

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.

Accomodation

We will stay in the attractively refitted Oasis Camp 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 wines and other beverages and Starlink internet to stay in touch with your friends and family.