This camp is only accessible with the Schoeman's company, Skeleton Coast Safaris - who run Expert Africa's Skeleton Coast safari trip. It's normally used for the second night of one of these trips, which also visit Kuidas Camp and Kunene River Camp
Day two of our Skeleton Coast safari sees you fly from Kuidas Camp to Purros Camp. You will fly along the coast and explore beaches and dune fields before arriving at Purros for your sundowner drink around a central fire.
Purros Camp is found in the heart of Kaokoland (Kunene region) about 20km from the village of Purros itself. It is situated amongst the camelthorn and makanani palm trees that line the invariably-dry Hoarusib River.
The design of the camp is very simple; however it is comfortable and well equipped. Meals are served in the small central area and drinks are enjoyed in front of this around the warming evening fire.
Each small dome tent is enclosed by reed walls and thatched reed roof; and have proper twin beds with cream coloured bedding, separated by a bedside table with mirror. A small, portable chemical toilet in your tent means that it isn't necessary to go outside during the night if you don't want to. A large battery lamp is provided, as well as bottled water and tissues. Within the reed boundaries of the tent are an en suite, hot bucket shower and a stone table with a bowl placed on it for washing your face and hands. Shampoo/shower gel is provided as well as insect-repellant cream and towels.
The camp has two main flush toilets with hand basins in the camp for the use of all visitors.
After breakfast, visitors often set out in on safari to visit a Himba community near Purros. The drives there and back are nature drives, conducted in the Hoarusib River Valley. You will learn about the local flora and fauna, and often manage to observe the rare desert-adapted elephant that roam these dry river beds in search of food and water.
On our last visit we lucky enough to see several of these fascinating animals and also giraffe, and a troupe of chacma baboons foraging and playing by a spring. We also saw a variety of birds including the black-breasted snake eagle, scimitar-billed wood hoopoe, western red-footed falcon and the endemic Monteiro's hornbill. Once at the Himba settlement you will be told about their traditions and culture, which are unfortunately slowly disappearing.
After lunch here on the third day of your Skeleton Coast safari, you will usually depart for Kunene River Camp.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Safari
No. of bedrooms: Max. 8 people in dome tents
Season: Open Year Round
Ideal length of stay: One night is usually spent here.
Central facilities: Local materials - wood and reed – are used in the construction of the main area. It has an open front, so that you can sit and watch the variety of bird and animals that come through camp. There is a small 'bush bar' to one side where you can make up the drink of your choice; and tables and safari chairs are where visitors dine by lamplight.
Directly in front is a fire pit where you will while away the evening hours chatting about that days activities. In the morning it is a good spot to watch the birds that flit in and out of the camp.
Staff: Your guide is usually a member of the Schoeman family
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: The quality of food at Purros Camp, on our last visit, was very good and the wine on offer of a good standard. Breakfast is a buffet style with a choice of freshly baked bread with jam, cheese, meats etc., cereal, yoghurts and maize porridge. The buffet lunch offers the visitor a selection of cold dishes with a notably good potato salad. Dinner, when we were last there, was a great selection of barbequed food accompanied by potato salad and green salad.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Premium brand and imported wines and spirits are extra - all other drinks included.
Special interests
Birdwatching: On the journey to Purros Camp, we saw sea-birds at Terrace Bay, and then lappet-faced vultures from the air near camp. On our last visit, sightings from camp included red-billed francolins, scimitar-billed wood hoopoe, western red-footed falcon and the endemic Monteiro's hornbill.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Birdwatching
Photographic: Fly-in safaris lend beautifully to photography. Views of the varied landscapes of Damaraland are stunning from the air at ground level you will usually get the opportunity to photograph the desert-adapted elephant near Purros Camp and the Himba people in the settlement close by.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Photographic
Traditional Cultures: An integral part of a stay near Purros is visiting a traditional Himba settlement. During your visit you get a brief insight into the traditions and culture of these semi-nomadic people and get the opportunity to wander around observing how they live.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Traditional Cultures
Wildlife: The Hoarusib River valley, in which Purros Camp is situated, is a great place to track desert-adapted elephant. The vegetation and natural springs in the area act as magnets for these wonderful animals, as well as other desert dwelling species.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Wildlife
Children
Attitude towards children: The Schoemans are happy to accept children on this safari.
Age restrictions: All ages are welcome on this trip.
Generally recommended for children: Although all ages are accepted on this safari, very young children may find it is quite tiring as it involves a lot of activities and flying.
Notes: In order for the Schoemans to make any necessary arrangements, children's ages need to be notified in advance.
Central communications
Power supply: None
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: Medi-rescue can be arranged. Doctors are available in towns.
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Laundry can be done if you require it urgently.
Accepted payment: Cash is only needed to tip camp staff and for buying souvenirs at Himba village.
