Safaris with a difference in Antarctica

In November 2009, travel company Exodus has exclusive use of the icebreaker ship Kapitan Khlebnikov for a landmark expedition to Snow Hill Rookery, Antarctica. The voyage will be guided by Paul Goldstein, and accompanied by acclaimed wildlife photographers Jonathan and Angie Scott, and Andrew Chastney from the BBC's Natural History Unit. This extraordinary voyage is unlikely to be repeated.

The Kapitan Khlebnikov is the only vessel capable of penetrating the ice-choked Weddell Sea so early in the season. The ship is capable of going into the spectacular icy seascapes that others cannot, and the rewards are huge. The Khlebnikov carves into the teeth of the sea ice, leaving shards in its wake and a satisfying exhilaration for those on the bow.

Weather conditions may still play a part in the itinerary, but after aerial reconnaissance passengers are dropped a short distance from the colony by helicopter. To watch the Emperors feed, toboggan and cajole and cuddle their young grey chicks is wildlife viewing from the very top drawer, and best of all, guests will have extended time in the Snow Hill Rookery. Adelies, Chinstraps and Gentoos can also be seen on other parts of the Peninsula, yet it is the Emperors, on ice, that are the major quarry.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Start Ushuaia; overnight in hotel
Day 2 - Board the Kapitan Khlebnikov and sail the Beagle Channel
Day 3/4 - Cross the Drake Passage
Day 5 to 8 - Four, maybe five, full days at the Emperor Rookery
Day 9 to 11 - Iceberg Alley, the Antarctic continent and Paulet Island
Day 12 to 13 - Sail back through the Drake Passage
Day 14 - Disembark in Ushuaia

The Emperor Penguin Safari is priced at £9,450 per person, and departs on 3 November 2009. This price includes twelve nights on board the Kapitan Khlebnikov vessel full board in a twin en-suite cabin, and one night hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, services of Paul, Jonathan, Andy and crew and all helicopter and zodiac excursions.

Triple cabins are available for £7,400 per person. Minimum age seven years. Trip code AWE. This trip will be available in the new Polar Expeditions brochure 2009/10 (available NOW).

For more information, visit Exodus.co.uk.

Paul Goldstein will also be giving a number of Polar lectures throughout the year, to be held at the Barkston Gardens Hotel, 34-44 Barkston Gardens, London SW5 0EW:

23 July (Venue: Copthorne Tara Hotel, Scarsdale Place, London, W8 5SR)
19 August
4 November
17 December

Time: 7.00pm