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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 517 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Yes everything went incredibly smoothly , excellent guide and set up u have . I might need a new pair of calves though !!! Thanks for sorting ALL the changes out. Regards Charlie

    Missingcharles b reviewing 6 Day Toubkal Circuit on 03 May 2023

  • Hi Lisa, We had a fabulous time thank you. The accommodation and other ideation were all terrific - that’s so much for your help. The apartment in Cape Town was particularly good - we would never have found that: Boschendal was great as well and game lodge was superb. Thanks again, Alistair

    MissingAlistair A reviewing Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger on 28 April 2023

  • Dear Lisa
    Well, we are back and still buzzing. We have had a marvellous time. The weather helped. We left Manchester in the snow and arrived in Marrakesh at 30 degrees. We were well looked after in the Riad. I'm glad we booked a meal for the first evening - ate it on the roof terrace. We can recommend that. It was delicious. We ate at the Foundouk, as per your recommendation and on the following night we ate at Le Jardin - got lost on the way to it!. We can really recommend Le Jardin.
    The following day we went to Majorelle gardens. Fortunately we had looked it up before we travelled because you have to book in advance online only from Jan 2023. We found our own way to the Medera Ben Yousef and Latifa took us to Bahia Palace - both were stunning.
    The following morning our lovely taxi driver Mohammond collected us to go to the EcoLodge. Yet another Mohammond made us very welcome. Again we ate well! You were right, the pool was freezing, but I can't sit next to water and not get in. Once you're in you forget how cold it is! I wasn't the only person to try the pool.
    Rashid, our guide for our walk collected us. He was brilliant. It was hard work, but worth it. I was determined I would make it. Kevin is fitter than me! The Berber family were lovely. We stopped when we were nearly there to see how rag rugs were made. When we got back Rashid and Mohammond confessed that Mohammond had said to Rashid that he should get us to a road if we got too tired and they would send a taxi (or a mule!) to collect us - or me, but Rashid was sure that I'd be OK. He was right. I think they wondered about these 2 70+ year olds. We can't praise Rashid enough. He had walked over from Imlil in the morning and was going to walk back after he left us.
    Thank you so much for putting our holiday together. We never thought it would be 3 years before we went. We are so glad we persevered. We did wonder what we had let ourselves in for as 2 oldies!
    Fiona and Kevin

    MissingFiona B reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 21 April 2023

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