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Doro Nawas

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Spectacular setting with amazing views
- Easy access to rock art at Twyfelfontein
- A chance to see desert-adapted elephant
- Game drives and cultural interaction

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Overview

Doro Nawas Camp sits amidst break-taking scenery in the dry Aba-Huab River Valley within the Doro Nawas Conservancy in central Damaraland, north-western Namibia. Jutting out from the rocky hillside, this striking fortress boasts spectacular vistas of the flat-topped Etendeka Mountains to the north, and the red sandstone cliffs of Twyfelfontein to the south. The road to the camp is long and often bumpy so it’s usually best to arrive by air, but however you get there, the rugged beauty of this dramatic landscape makes it worth the ride. This fascinating landscape is home to desert-adapted elephant, gemsbok, springbok, ostrich, black rhino, and baboons, along with excellent examples of endemic Namibian birdlife.

Although the main building’s exterior may seem initially imposing, once inside guests are greeted by an atmosphere of tremendous warmth and hospitality. All staff are from surrounding villages, and are keen to share their traditional songs and stories, providing real insight into local culture. The camp exists as a successful tripartite venture between Wilderness Safaris, a Namibian empowerment company, and the Doro Nawas community, a project that supports the local economy through sustainable eco-tourism.

The camp’s stylish main areas consist of a dining room and lounge with tasteful exposed wooden beams and stone floors. The minimalist décor is designed so as not to detract from the splendid landscape which is visible through the 360° glass panels and door. The bar and swimming pool are also privy to the fabulous views, not to mention the roof terrace, which provides an excellent setting for sundowner drinks, meals, and star-gazing. Vegetarian options are available in the restaurant, and supper is served in a communal dining style either in the long dining room or on the veranda outside. On some evenings a bush BBQ may be offered. At the centre of the main area, an open-air courtyard features a fire-pit and comfortable bean bag chairs. There is no WiFi, although internet access is available via a communal computer in the reception.

Doro Nawas camp provides an excellent base from which to explore the local vicinity. The ancient Twyfelfontein rock art engravings are within easy reach, and can be explored independently or with a local guide. Game drives with expert guides around the Aba-Huab and Haub riverbeds in search of the elusive desert-adapted elephants are well worth doing, with potential sightings of gemsbok, springbok, bat-eared fox, ostriches, baboons, black rhino and perhaps even cheetah along the way. Note that this is not a pure wilderness area, so vehicles from other lodges, local villages, and farms will be encountered when out on safari. Nature trails around the property are also offered, along with night time scorpion trails.

The accommodation comprises 16 thatch-roofed chalets located downhill from the main lodge. There are 12 twin bedded units, 3 double units, and one family unit. A combination of stone and canvas walls allow the units to blend seamlessly into the hillside, with reed panels at each side of the veranda providing some privacy. All units are spacious and open plan, featuring an en-suite bathroom with outdoor shower. Guests are encouraged to collect excess shower water for recycling, maintaining the eco-friendly approach essential in such a dry environment. On the plus side, the aridity renders mosquito nets unnecessary, and stone floors and a ceiling fan keep the units nice and cool. The décor is simple but stylish and every room contains a writing desk, tea and coffee facilities, padded wicker chairs, a safety deposit box, and beds which can be wheeled out onto the veranda should guests wish to sleep beneath the stars.

Children of all ages are welcome, and there is a family unit which sleeps 4. Although there is no dedicated children’s programme, younger family members can enjoy the pool and nature walks, and babysitting can be arranged on request. Note, however, that babysitters will be local members of staff and not professionally trained in childcare. At certain times of the year elephant can get very close to camp, so children will need to remain under close supervision at all times.

Doro Nawas is a pristine and comfortable camp set in striking surroundings with a particularly welcoming feel, ideal for adventurous travellers seeking a certain level of cultural interaction and a good range of desert activities.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 530 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again

    MissingGodfrey R reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana on 25 September 2023

  • We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil

    MissingPhilip R reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach on 01 September 2023

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

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