NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – July 27, 2010) –  Kensington Tours has launched Kensington Antarctica, an exclusive luxury eco-camp offering once-in-a-lifetime forays into the untouched heart of Antarctica’s interior. The only camp of its kind, guests at Kensington Antarctica are given the rare opportunity to experience the beauty of this awe-inspiring landscape, while being guided by world-renowned polar explorers and enjoying the amenities of this refined camp. “When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime travel,” says Jeff Willner, founder of Kensington Tours, “this is the real McCoy.”

Accessible only by private jet from Cape Town, South Africa, the camp, perched on top of a 200 foot icefall, is the first of its kind. Furnished in the old world opulence of African safaris, the tents are heated and spacious and include all modern conveniences. The main living area is comprised of two large, dome tents (fusing traditional materials with cutting-edge technology) which house a dining room, library, kitchen and communications area. The camp has only six sleeping tents, each one shared by two clients, to ensure an intimate experience for every guest as well as personalized service from our five accomplished polar explorers/guides. Gourmet meals are served by an acclaimed chef. 

Rarely offered experiences at the camp range from the astonishing to the adrenalin inducing, setting this trip apart from the ordinary. Bespoke adventures include: kite skiing, rock and ice climbing, abseiling into crevasses, 4×4 adventures to the coastal ice barrier or to one of the science bases, a flight to the South Pole as well as access to a 12,000-strong colony of fearless Emperor Penguins and their hatchlings — one of the most rarely seen wildlife events on the planet. 

“Kensington Antarctica is a step forward in our mission to offer private travel to the entire world,” says Willner, an experienced explorer himself and a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society. “Once the exclusive domain of explorers and scientists, Kensington Antarctica now gives amateur explorers the opportunity to see landscapes and wildlife at their most untouched with personalized service from experienced professionals and the comfort of a luxury camp.”

Kensington Tours has signed an agreement with White Desert, which first opened the camp in 2007, to take on the exclusive North American rights to all sales and marketing for the Antarctica camp and introduce the camp to new and wider markets. “We are very pleased to be partnering with Kensington to showcase a deeper and more experiential side of Antarctica and one of the world’s most awe-striking wonders,” said Patrick Woodhead of White Desert. “Jeff Willner and I share an explorer’s heart and together have a vision for offering bespoke experiences that are unrivaled anywhere.” 

Kensington Tours also operates Kensington Portfolio, a collection of premium tented camps and lodges in Africa — Kensington Mara West, Kensington Serengeti and Kensington Endoro. Kensington Antarctica is the newest addition to the Portfolio. 

The Antarctica season runs from late November through January when temperatures average a mild 23 degrees Fahrenheit.

Departures for the 2010-2011 season include:

• 1 Day Trip from $9,635: 1 departure Nov 29, 2010

• 5 Day Antarctica Explorer from $24,900: 1 departure Dec 17, 2010

• 5 Day Antarctica & South Pole from US $48,990: 1 departure Dec 17, 2010

• 8 day Antarctica and Emperor Penguins from US $45,050: 1 departure Dec 8, 2010

• 11 day Antarctica and Emperor Penguins from $48,075: 2 departures Nov 19 & 29, 2010

• Private and custom departures can also be arranged through Kensington Tours

About Kensington Tours
Kensington Tours offers custom private guided tours to over 80 countries around the world. The flexibility of Kensington’s offerings allows for personalization of every tour at a wide range of price points — resulting in a handcrafted vacation experience at an unbeatable value. Kensington Tours was named one of the ‘Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth’ by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine.