This November, join award-winning photographer David Sinclair on an awe-inspiring Ultima photographic expedition to Deep Field Antarctica.
With over 40 visits to the continent, David Sinclair is considered a polar travel veteran. Now, a select group of fortunate individuals has the chance to join David and the team to explore the majestic landscapes of Queen Maud Land, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture images of Emperor Penguins, stunning mountains, and unique wildlife. This journey promises extraordinary encounters for passionate nature photographers of all skill levels.
Far fewer people have visited the “Deep Field” Antarctic sites on this trip than have summited Mount Everest, so this adventure is truly unique. The expedition is scheduled to take place from 12-20 November 2024 and begins with a flight from Cape Town, South Africa, to Ultima Air Base aboard a versatile aircraft used for Antarctic missions.
On arrival, guests will transfer to the warm luxury of Ultima’s new Oasis Camp in the Schirmacher Oasis, situated on the edge of the Lazarev Ice Shelf. Oasis will serve as the base from which you will explore the region’s wonders, while an experienced team ensures that every expectation is exceeded.
During your time on the ice you’ll be able to witness penguin chicks in their natural habitat as they emerge from their winter “Biggles suits,” at the Astrid Emperor penguin colony, gaining size as summer approaches. With the retreating sea ice and lengthening days, this is the perfect time to observe these remarkable creatures. The visit, under the careful guidance of David, ensures an intimate and respectful experience, allowing for once in a lifetime photographic opportunities.
You’ll also explore around the base of magnificent Ulvetanna and Holtanna peaks of the Drygalski Mountains, which flank the Fenristunga (Wolf’s Tongue Glacier). Ulvetanna’s sheer north face rises 4,500 feet from the ice, while Holtanna’s west face illuminated by early evening light, provides a spectacular sight.
Closer to the base in the Schirmacher Oasis, guests can marvel at incredible ice features, including a hike to an ice tunnel or ice cave in the Lazarev Ice Shelf and a stunning ice wall located a short drive from our quarters.
And to really hone the sense of adventure, David has also planned for a mystery flight to one of two other spectacular locations in Queen Maud Land that have never before been visited by non-governmental visitors.
This exclusive expedition is limited to just seven people, ensuring a personalised and immersive experience. Explorers, adventure seekers, unique experience hunters or passionate nature and wildlife-loving photographers, looking to explore the unknown will need to act fast to secure their place on this expedition, as spaces are expected to fill rapidly.