The White Desert, White Lion Package
Viewing the big five in Africa and in the same week trekking through the mountains in Antarctica don’t exactly seem to go hand in hand when planning a vacation. But push any doubts aside, because the Mantis Collection is offering a one-of-a-kind package combining the best of both these hot spots. From a wild game safari at the five star Sanbona Wildlife Reserve all the way to a -5 degree C ice adventure throughout Antarctica, this adventure is truly an unrivalled experience.
Arriving in Cape Town, you will be transferred to one of Mantis’ luxurious Last Word properties. Spend the following day exploring this beautiful city and meet with the White Desert team for a safety briefing. In the evening you will board the luxurious Princess Emma for a romantic sunset cruise and cocktail party on the gorgeous waters of Cape Town.
Adventurers depart in the morning by, of course, private jet! Destination: Unknown International Airport in Antarctica. From there, you are transported to the only property on the ice in Antarctica, the deluxe Whichaway Camp, perched on top of a 200-foot icefall. Offering five spacious tent accommodations, each one is outfitted with everything one needs to get cozy on a cold night: comfortable beds, plush fur rugs, hot water bottles and heating stoves. The main living space even includes a dining room, library, kitchen and communication area. You will immediately fall in love with the décor—old world opulence meets African safari, equipped with the latest technology for your convenience.
In addition to nearly a 2:1 ratio for clients to guide, guests will feel like they have the world at their fingertips while in Antarctica. Looking for a rush? White Desert offers kite-skiing, ice climbing, abseiling (rappelling), ski trips to largely unexplored mountain ranges and drives to the edge of the ice to see the monumental 200-foot barrier. However, if that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea White Desert also features gentle treks, visits to the nearby Russian science base, as well as excursions to see the Empire and Adelie Penguins, picnics on the summit of Mt. Shirmacher and scenic flights through breathtaking unknown mountains.
After six action-filled days in Antarctica return to the warmth in South Africa, where you will once again reside for a night at a Last Word property near Cape Town. The following day travelers will head to the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, a luxury safari lodge three hours from Cape Town.
In this malaria-free region, known as Little Karoo, you will discover the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard). The most exciting part? The opportunity to view the only free-roaming White Lions in the entire world. Top it off with a massage, compliments of the Sanbona Bush Spa, and you are in for one memorable day.
The White Desert, White Lion package is available November and December 2010, and is priced at $49,173* per person.
Pricing includes: three nights’ accommodation at one of Mantis’ Last Word properties; a cruise around Cape Town aboard the Princess Emma; all accommodations, food and beverages (excluding premium brand alcohol) at Sanbona; a complimentary massage at Sanbona Bush Spa; round-trip fights from Cape Town International Airport to Antarctica’s Unknown International Airport; all accommodation, food and beverages (including alcohol) at Whichaway Camp; expert guides on the ice; and a carbon tax to offset emissions from flights and transportation. Insurance and international flights are not included.
*Based on the exchange rate between the Euro and the US dollar.
To learn more about White Desert or to make a reservation visit the Mantis Collection website.
