When you’re travelling it’s not always easy to meet with local people in a comfortable way – where you know people are happy to spend time with you and are not being ripped off or compelled to do something they don’t want to do. That’s why we love Purros in the north west Damaraland region of Namibia (see our Namibia itineraries). The local community have really taken control in this area, and have not only invested huge amounts of energy into looking after the desert elephants and other desert animals, but have also actively taken control of tourism. The wonderful Purros Community Campsite, right on the banks of the dry Hoarusib Riverbed, has been in operation for more than 17 years. It’s the perfect base from which to look for desert elephants. The campsite will arrange for a local guide to help you on your search and they will also take you to a local village where you can start to appreciate what calling this spectacular area home must mean for the Himba pastoralists. A real privilege to not only share some moments in this truly breathtaking area but also to meet the people who’ve nurtured and cared for it for so long.
