Antarctica’s Ultima Oasis Camp will offer a comfortable, eco-conscious retreat for exploring the remotest place on Earth. Rose Dykins reports
Ultima Antarctic Expeditions will launch Ultima Oasis Camp in November 2024, offering a plush base camp for exploring the Deep Field of Antarctica.
With more than 20 years’ experience in Antarctic logistics and expeditions, Ultima Antarctic Expeditions will operate Ultima Oasis Camp, and create expeditions for guests that are light-touch on the surrounding Antarctic wilderness.
Ultima Oasis Camp embodies Ultima’s commitment to providing unparalleled experiences in one of the most inaccessible places on Earth, as well as protecting its pristine biodiversity. The company operates in accordance with the Antarctic Treaty, the Protocol for the Protection of the Antarctic Environment and other related agreements.
Riaan Aucamp, CEO of Ultima Antarctic Expeditions and Ultima Antarctic Logistics, says: “We are creating a corps of Antarctic advocates and ambassadors among our visitors, whilst practically assisting and cross-financing the precious practice of science. Our expeditions sit hand-in-glove with the honourable practice of expert science, a symbiosis we protect and treasure.”
With a short season that starts in November and runs until early February, a limited number of expeditioners can undertake the journey to Ultima Oasis Camp. Departing from Cape Town, all expeditions are fully inclusive of flights, accommodation, meals, excursions in Antarctica and highly qualified guides.
Guests staying at Oasis can choose from a range of adventures, including a seven-day South Pole and Emperor Penguins Expedition (priced at US$75,000 per person), a seven-day Emperor Penguins Expedition (US$32,000 per person) and a 24-hour Ultima Day. (US$16,000 per person). Tailor-made expeditions and experiences can also be designed for small groups looking for the ultimate Antarctic adventure.
Expedititioners can fly to Antarctica in just 5.5 hours from Cape Town, South Africa, which creates a time-saving advantage over ship-based visits to the continent. Their journey starts in a cargo plane, setting the tone for an authentic adventure.
Travellers will share the comfortable flight with scientists and researchers from all over the world, before changing into the polar gear provided by Ultima, and touching down on the ice sheet at Novo Air Base.
Situated in the Schirmacher Oasis, the camp will offer two plush Scandi-style accommodation units for at least 14 guests. There will be a dining facility with scenic views, and a traditional Banya (sauna), luxe lounge areas overlooking the Oasis ice lake, and shared bio-shower and bathroom facilities. 
The camp is designed to offer plenty of warmth, convenience and comfort amidst the Antarctic wilderness. Each accommodation unit can also be customised to suit guests’ preferences, whether they are travelling on their own, as a couple, or with family.
Oasis will offer a variety of adventurous activities for its guests, such as visiting Emperor Penguin colonies, traversing mountains, and exploring ice caves and ice walls. Oasis is also surrounded by fresh-water lakes and waterfalls during the peak summer months of December and January. An easy ten-minute hike takes guests to the edge of the ever-moving ice sheet, that stretches out north towards the Antarctic ocean.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be in with the chance to spot Antarctic Skuas, Wilson’s Storm Petrels, and Snow Petrels at Oasis. With the possibility of Adelie penguins wandering through the camp, and Emperor Penguin colonies a short flight away, guests will be in an exclusive position witness the wonders of Antarctic wildlife up close and personal.
“At Ultima Antarctic Expeditions, we are thrilled to introduce Oasis as the epitome of luxury and adventure in Antarctica,” says Aucamp. “Guests will have the opportunity to explore the Antarctic wilderness while enjoying unparalleled comfort and hospitality. We look forward to welcoming guests to this extraordinary destination and creating memories that will last a lifetime.”