Swiss-based South African explorer Mike Horn is set to attempt another Arctic first when he tries to reach the North Pole at night.
Horn announced on Tuesday that he plans to start the 1 000km hike from Russia’s Cape Artichesky on about January 15, together with Norwegian friend Borge Ousland.
If the two men reach the North Pole, it will be the first time an explorer has done so in winter, when the sun never rises over the snowy wilderness.
Horn and Ousland, who will each drag a 180kg sledge carrying their equipment, expect to take 67 days to complete the expedition.
Horn (39) is no stranger to the Arctic.
In 2004, he completed his two-year and three-month ”Arktos” expedition, a solo circumnavigation of the Arctic Circle.
He travelled 20 000km on foot, ski and canoe, becoming the first person to accomplish such a feat under his own steam.
He has also completed a similar trip around the equator.
Ousland was the first man to trek to both the North and South poles alone and unassisted.
The two men have been friends for 15 years, but have never teamed up for such an Arctic adventure. — Sapa-AFP