Early Emperors: Echo Camp

We fly over thousands of icebergs on our 5-hour flight across the Southern Ocean to Antarctica. During the flight, we enter the Polar Circle and the continuous daylight of the
Antarctic summer. After landing on the ancient blue ice of the runway, you will transfer to our camp at Echo and take in the view from astride a fat bike.

Settle into Echo and do as much or as little as you like each day. Activities range from restorative massages and inspiring treks to exploring incredible mountains and glaciers, summiting a nunatak, ice climbing and even abseiling! After the day’s activities you will hear a talk about the incredible life cycle of the Emperor Penguins in preparation for your visit the following day.

You fly 2.5 hours across Antarctica on our BT-67 aircraft, enjoying immense views of the High Polar Plateau, before landing at the Emperor Penguin colony at Atka Bay. Wrapped up in the sights and sounds of thousands of penguins, you will be among the very few who have ever witnessed such a spectacle, observing the real-life stars of March of the Penguins.

Your visit to the penguins begins with a 2.5-hour flight to Atka Bay, the site of the first episode of Sir David Attenborough’s groundbreaking documentary Seven Worlds, One Planet. Here you’ll see over 14,000 breeding pairs and their newly-hatched chicks, a spectacle full of noise and energy that is a favourite with wildlife watchers and photographers. There are so few visitors to this colony that the chicks are unafraid of humans and often waddle close by. Mindful of our responsibility to the Antarctic environment and of IAATO guidelines, we keep at least 25m (80ft) from the penguins while taking in all the sights and sounds of this rare wildlife spectacle, which remains one of the greatest thrills on Earth!

We spend the day exploring the nearby mountains and enjoy a gentle hike overlooking the endless ice sheet, followed by a champagne picnic. Then you’ll head off with your guide, winding your way through the snow and ice to an incredible vantage point where you can take in the panoramic view over the mountains that you have just explored.

An adventurous hike along a winding cliff face affords guests stunning views over the last pristine wilderness on Earth. Our world-class mountain guides will lead you on this challenging hike, ensuring your safety at all times.

With only 12 guests on each adventure, our professional guides will ensure that you are always safe and well looked after, and that you get the most out of your time. Choose between climbing, fat biking, abseiling and cross country skiing or explore ice caves.

The flight out of Antarctica will be the last of your enduring Antarctic memories before you delve back into the vibrant energy of Africa. You will be transferred to your hotel where you will have a chance to relax and reflect on your Antarctic adventure!