Pack your thickest woollens, time travellers, because we’re venturing to the coldest place on Earth: the South Pole! On January 17, 1912, Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his team of British explorers achieved their dream of reaching this icy frontier. But their triumph came with bitter disappointment—they arrived only to discover they had been beaten to the Pole by Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer, a month earlier.
This expedition is a story of courage, hardship, and the relentless human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges. A visit to the South Pole in 1912 offers a front-row seat to this historic event, where icy winds and frozen tundra set the stage for one of the most dramatic tales in exploration history.
Why Visit the South Pole in January 1912?
The South Pole in January is as close to hospitable as it ever gets. This is the height of the Antarctic summer, with 24-hour daylight and temperatures a “balmy” -20°C. For Scott and his team, it was the culmination of a gruelling journey that began in 1910, spanning over 1,500 kilometres of treacherous ice and snow.
Visiting at this time allows you to witness a moment of triumph tinged with heartache—a team of brave explorers who reached their goal only to realise they were second. It’s a poignant reminder of the cost of ambition and the allure of the unknown.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Meet Captain Scott’s Team
Begin your journey at the team’s base camp at Cape Evans, where Scott’s ship, the Terra Nova, remains anchored in the icy waters. Here, you’ll meet the key figures of the expedition:
- Captain Robert Falcon Scott, the determined leader.
- Edward Wilson, a gifted scientist and close friend of Scott.
- Lawrence Oates, an army officer whose story of self-sacrifice will become legend.
- Edgar Evans, the team’s expert navigator and sledging master.
- Henry Bowers, a fiercely loyal team member known for his resilience.
Explore the meticulously planned camp, including their rations (pemmican, biscuits, and tea) and supplies like sledges and skis. Despite their preparation, you’ll quickly sense the enormity of their challenge.
Day 2: The South Pole – Triumph and Tragedy
On January 17, 1912, join Scott’s party as they reach the geographic South Pole, marked by a Norwegian flag planted by Amundsen’s team. The disappointment is palpable as they realise they’ve been bested, but the team’s resolve to continue documenting and researching Antarctic conditions is admirable.
Take a moment to reflect on their achievement—second place does not diminish the incredible determination it took to reach this point. Stand on the ice sheet and imagine the miles of white wilderness stretching endlessly in every direction. It’s humbling and awe-inspiring.
Day 3: The Journey Back
Though not part of the itinerary most would choose to follow, Scott’s return journey is where the story turns tragic. Exhaustion, frostbite, and dwindling supplies take their toll. Stop by Scott’s final camp, where his diary, found months later, will immortalise his words: “We shall stick it out to the end, but we are getting weaker, of course, and the end cannot be far.”
This solemn visit is a powerful reminder of the human cost of exploration and the extraordinary courage of those who push the boundaries of the known world.
Who Was Captain Scott?
Born in 1868, Robert Falcon Scott was a British naval officer and explorer who dreamed of claiming the South Pole for Britain. The Terra Nova Expedition (1910–1913) was his second Antarctic venture, following the Discovery Expedition of 1901–1904.
Scott’s meticulous planning and scientific ambitions made him a revered figure, but his tragic end and defeat by Amundsen have long overshadowed his achievements. Today, he is remembered as both a hero and a cautionary tale about the perils of exploration.
Why the South Pole Matters
The race to the South Pole was about more than glory—it was a symbol of national pride and scientific discovery during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. For Britain, Scott’s expedition represented the spirit of adventure and perseverance, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
The expedition also made significant contributions to science, collecting valuable geological and meteorological data that advanced the understanding of Antarctica’s harsh environment.
Travel Tips for 1912 Antarctica
- Dress Appropriately: Layer up with wool, fur, and leather—modern synthetics aren’t invented yet!
- Mind Your Rations: Sledging over ice requires stamina, so conserve energy and don’t skimp on the pemmican.
- Watch the Weather: Antarctic blizzards are unforgiving, so stick close to the group and follow the guides.
What’s on the Menu?
The Terra Nova team’s rations were simple but energy-packed:
- Pemmican: A mixture of dried meat and fat, ideal for extreme conditions.
- Ship’s Biscuits: Hard and dry but long-lasting.
- Tea and Cocoa: A rare comfort in the frozen wilderness.
Fun Trivia About Scott’s Expedition
- Did you know? Scott’s expedition included motorised sledges, ponies, and dogs, though all struggled in the Antarctic conditions.
- Odd but true: The team carried a Union Jack to plant at the Pole, symbolising Britain’s imperial ambitions.
- Legacy: Scott’s journals and photographs remain some of the most poignant records of Antarctic exploration.
Want to Know More?
Books
- Scott’s Last Expedition: The Journals by Robert Falcon Scott.
- The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard, a member of Scott’s team.
Articles
- “The Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration” in National Geographic.
- “Amundsen vs. Scott: A Tale of Two Expeditions” by the Royal Geographical Society.
Web Resources
- British Antarctic Survey: www.bas.ac.uk
- Scott Polar Research Institute: www.spri.cam.ac.uk
The Final Word
January 17, 1912, marks a moment of triumph and tragedy in the history of exploration. Visiting the South Pole during Scott’s expedition offers a rare glimpse into the courage, camaraderie, and resilience of those who dared to chart the unknown.
Whether you’re standing on the frozen plateau, marvelling at the icy beauty, or reflecting on Scott’s final words, this journey promises to leave you awestruck by the power of the human spirit.
Have you braved the cold for an adventure or found inspiration in stories of exploration? Share your tales—we’ll toast your courage with a steaming cup of cocoa!
