TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

GETTING TO ANTARCTICA

Fly to Buenos Aires; from there connect to Ushuaia (southernmost tip of Argentina) and onto the ship

FOOD

Chefs are internationally trained; the menu changes every day. Breakfast and lunch is usually a buffet. Dinner is plated service, with a choice of three main dishes. A vegetarian choice is always offered; desserts are fabulous. Afternoon tea with pastries or cookies is served at 4 pm every day. Fresh pastries that arrive warm from the oven for early birds can be enjoyed at 6 am.

COSTS

range between USD 7000 to USD 17000 per person depending on cabin type

WEATHER

February’s temperatures range between + 10 degrees Celsius to – 15 degrees Celsius.

WHEN TO GO

From October to December, it’s covered in snow to the water’s edge. Penguins build highways as they waddle the same path, from the sea to their nests. During this period, penguins, shags and seabirds court and lay their eggs. From December through February, the snow retreats, exposing rocky headlands. Penguin chicks hatch and their parents spend endless hours feeding their hungry young. From Mid-February to March, the whales return to feed, seals haul out on the beachheads and penguins. Highlights for travellers are whales, red snow and fledging gentoo penguins.

CLOTHING

Base layer (long underwear); insulation layer (stretch top and bottoms); loft jacket, pullover or vest; waterproof pants; waterproof trekking shoes; heavyweight socks made of wool or wool blend; sock liners, hats and windproof and waterproof ski gloves and liners.

RESERVATIONS

Ibex Expeditions P Ltd., Tel: 91-11-26460246, 26460244. Email: ibex@ibexexpeditions. com Website: www. ibexexpeditions.com