Ultima Antarctic Expeditions

We've been listed as one of the “The 25 Best Places to Go in 2025”, according to Condé Nast Traveler! "Go for: Land-based travel to the Seventh Continent – with excursions you won't believe." - travel writer Richard Holmes. We are thrilled by this accolade and can’t wait to show you why Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, is one of the top 25 places on Earth you should visit. Of the 100,000 travellers who visit Antarctica each year - most on cruise ships to the Antarctic Peninsula - fewer than 1% venture into the icy deep field landscapes of the world’s largest desert. Read the article (link in the comments) to see why Condé Nast Traveler says it should be on everyone’s ultimate bucket list in 2025, and how Ultima Antarctic Expeditions is changing the game with our fly-in, purpose-driven expeditions in support of science. “We only take in 250 tourists per year. That’s 250 tourists into a continent that is twice the size of Australia... Antarctica is the last true wilderness on Earth, and we have a responsibility to keep it that way,” states Riaan Aucamp, Ultima Antarctic Expeditions CEO. #UltimaAntarcticExpeditions #CondeNastTraveler #Antarctica #AntarcticaTravel #PurposeDrivenTravel #DestinationTravel #UltimaAntarcticExpeditions #CondeNastTraveler #travelnews

Happy Antarctica Day! Today commemorates the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959. The Treaty is an incredible piece of legislation widely acclaimed as a model for international cooperation for diplomacy over conflict. Initially signed by the 12 countries active in Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year of 1957–58, the Treaty is now supported by 57 nations, covering about 95% of the global population. It was even used as a model for the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. The associated protocols of the Antarctic Treaty safeguard its pristine environment to preserve its fragile ecosystems and biodiversity. It also includes the approach to polar tourism and the guidelines of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators. Purpose-driven, responsible travel is at the heart of what we do at Ultima Antarctic Expeditions. Contact our expert team to discover what it takes to create a once-in-a-lifetime, polar luxury experience. Riaan Aucamp @MurrayWilliams Imke Meintjes Jesse Wollenschlaeger David Sinclair Mariette Du Toit-Helmbold #UltimaAntarcticExpeditions #PolarExploration #Antarctica #SustainableTravel #UltimaExperience #PurposeDrivenTravel #ExploreResponsibly

Travelling directly South from Cape Town, South Africa and landing on the blue-ice runway, deep field Antarctica, is the exhilarating first step in your Ultima Antarctic Expedition experience.  In under six hours, you'll find yourself on the world's most remote continent, saving invaluable time compared to a traditional polar coastal cruise.  Let us show you Antarctica. Enquire about availability for our limited season running until February 2025 here, https://lnkd.in/dZdB7AEd #UltimaAntarcticExpeditions #Antarctica #BehindTheScenes #PolarAdventure #CapeTownToAntarctica #SeasonLaunch #AntarcticExpeditions

Our world-class hospitality team on ice this season consists of two chefs, led by Head Chef Jesse Wollenschlaeger, and an expert sommelier. “At Ultima, we elevate every moment, so why not have our sommelier join you for a wine tasting while you admire the views during your excursions?” states Jesse.  They have quite a few culinary tricks up their sleeves, so prepare to be wined and dined with delightful surprises. Learn more here, https://lnkd.in/dZdB7AEd #UltimaAntarcticExpeditions #PolarExploration #Antarctica #SustainableTravel #UltimaExperience #PurposeDrivenTravel #ExploreResponsibly

These are some of the first photos ever captured from the newly-discovered Lazarev North emperor penguin colony in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. While on my recent expedition down south I was fortunate enough to be part of a small group to visit this wild and remote location, one of only 66 emperor colonies on the entire continent, as part of a scientific survey and reccy with Ultima Antarctic Expeditions and Islands and Ice Travel. In January this colony was discovered by a British scientist while analysing satellite imagery from this isolated part of East Antarctica. He noticed some dark anomalies in the ice shelf and determined them to be a brand new colony. In early November we flew from Ultima’s exclusive base in Schirmacher Oasis in a Twin Otter, located the colony between two massive tabular icebergs and managed to land on the ice shelf. We trekked across the ice and reached the emperor penguins, becoming the first humans ever to see them. This was an important mission to conduct an aerial survey count (under permit) and to determine the accessibility to bring a handful of tourists here in the future - something that has now been completed by my friend David Sinclair in partnership with Ultima and will be offered again next year. I don’t really know how to put this whole experience into words. To be one of the first people to see one of the world’s most remote wildlife species is a privilege and honour I’ll never forget. Standing amongst them was emotional - what a truly wonderful planet we live in. I hope you enjoy these images. All IAATO regulations strictly followed. Photos captured on Sony A1 and A7Rv with 300GM and 70-200GMii lenses. #Antarctica #Photographer #Wildlife #Expedition #AdventureTravel

Conservation and Connection in Antarctica! A recent visit by South African conservationist and ultramarathoner Paul Gardiner is a poignant example of our commitment to purpose-driven travel at Ultima. Take a look at his recent interview with BizNews - https://lnkd.in/dXmtXpz9 Paul's visit to Antarctica saw him participate in a gruelling race in sub-zero conditions as he looks to inspire the next generation of conservationists. His new six-part YouTube documentary series, Natural Born Runners, explores critical issues shaping the future of our planet. So, travelling alongside scientists and researchers to Antarctica was a significant highlight for him. Paul's encounter with a newly discovered penguin colony was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a moving reminder of why conservation efforts are essential. These visits always strictly respect important environmental guidelines, rules and commitments. We're honoured to have been part of this journey with you, Paul! Thank you for reminding us that every step counts in the race to safeguard our natural world, whether through running, filmmaking, or rewilding.  Riaan Aucamp @MurrayWilliams @PaulGardiner @MurrayGardiner Mariette Du Toit-Helmbold Mantis Giltedge.travel #UltimaAntarcticExpeditions #ConservationInAction #TravelNews #Antarctica #AntarcticaTravel #ResponsibleTravel #SustainableTravel #Antarctica

Words and images do not do justice to the majesty and magnitude of this vast wilderness. Thanks so much to the fabulous crew at Oasis Camp and Ultima Airbase and Ultima Antarctic Expeditions for partnering with my business Islands and Ice Travel to put together a truly unique itinerary supported by outstanding guides, chefs and hosts. #antarctica Aerial images taken under permit.

At Ultima Antarctic Expeditions, safety and preserving Antarctica’s untouched beauty are our top priorities. Our expert team undergoes rigorous training to ensure they’re fully prepared, while we strictly follow IAATO regulations to safeguard this pristine wilderness. Come adventure responsibly with us. Read more about our commitment to biosecurity on our blog, https://lnkd.in/dana6TUi.

How to Prepare for an Ultima Antarctic Adventure Preparing for an Ultima Antarctic expedition is part of the adventure! To make your journey stress-free, Ultima sends a comprehensive pre-departure package with a checklist, guidelines, and educational resources. Here's how you can prepare yourself for this once-in-a-lifetime trip: Stay in good physical health for the best experience. Ensure you have a valid passport for international travel. Ultima provides polar clothing and gear, so you'll be equipped for the elements. We subscribe to IAATO's best practices for responsible and sustainable tourism to Antarctica. Please familiarise yourself with all environmental protocols, helping protect its pristine beauty. Review the itinerary and safety protocols guided by our expert team for your safety and peace of mind. Ready to Join us? To learn more about our upcoming season from November 2024 to February 2025 visit, https://lnkd.in/eAqDzBNN #ExpeditionGear #TeamUltima #AntarcticaBound #SeasonReadiness #PolarAdventure

What to Pack (and NOT Pack) for an Antarctic Adventure At Ultima, we encourage guests to pack lightly and responsibly. To make your journey stress-free, we give you a comprehensive pre-departure package with a checklist, guidelines, and educational resources. We provide you with all external polar clothing and gear, so you'll be equipped for the elements. Packing for Antarctica is also about what you shouldn't bring. ✅ Biodegradable toiletries only ✅ No single-use plastics ✅ Avoid synthetic materials that could shed microplastics We have a deep sense of duty to have the lightest footprint in Antarctica. Ensure all your clothing is thoroughly cleaned before packing it to prevent the spread of pests or biomaterial that could impact the pristine environment in which you'll find yourself. And don't forget your bathing suit! Our Ultima Oasis Camp is kitted with a traditional banya (bathhouse and sauna)—perfect for post-expedition rejuvenation! Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Visit our website (link below) to learn more about our upcoming season from November 2024 to February 2025. https://lnkd.in/eAqDzBNN