This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Doro Nawas
Doro Nawas
Doro Nawas
Doro Nawas
Doro Nawas
Doro Nawas
Doro Nawas
Doro Nawas

Doro Nawas: Our full report

Doro Nawas Camp is perched on top of a rugged, rocky hill, on the floodplains of Namibia’s dry Aba Huab River.

Solid, castle-like and almost foreboding in appearance, it has open and attractive views across the plains to the mountains and sandstone cliffs of Twyfelfontein.

The camp is a joint venture between Wilderness Safaris and the Doro !Nawas community. (Note that the exclamation mark in “!Nawas” indicates a “click” in the local Damara language. However, for simplicity here, we'll often use “Nawas”.) It's a particularly good example of the growing cooperation in Namibia between the tourism industry and individual communities, something that we are keen to support. Most of the lodge staff come from the surrounding villages, having been trained to fill various positions here, and the conservancy and its people benefit from the revenue generated by the lodge.

Many of the Expert Africa team have visited Doro Nawas since it opened in 2005, and the camp has long been a favourite amongst our self-drive travellers. On our most recent visit, in April 2019, we found the staff exceedingly friendly and helpful, and at ease with themselves and the lodge.

The 16 chalets at Doro Nawas, one of which is a family unit, are built on stone bases and arranged in a circle at the foot of the hill, with canvas walls supported on wooden poles that in turn hold up the thatched roof. Inside, each chalet is open plan, with a large bedroom in which you'll find a double bed, or twins, below a ceiling fan, and a couple of comfortable, padded wicker chairs. There are duvets on the beds, with extra blankets provided for the colder months, but no mosquito nets, which are considered unnecessary in such a dry area. There is no air conditioning, either, but the chalets are spacious and cool, albeit rather dark – not helped by the dark concrete floors; we thought they could have done with a few more lights. While the chalets aren’t lacking anything in particular, this coupled with simple decoration and their well-worn appearance gave something of a dated feel.

At the side of each room, sectioned off slightly by canvas and stone dividers, the bathroom has a flushing toilet, a hot shower, and twin washbasins standing on wooden wash-stands – each with a large mirror. Complimentary toiletries are provided, as well as nice big fluffy towels. On the veranda at the front of the chalet there is an additional outdoor shower, reached through a large set of sliding glass doors. Wooden palisades at the sides of the veranda keep things private.

During the day, you can relax and soak in the view from a couple of iron chairs on your veranda, while at night, the beds can be rolled out here, allowing you to sleep under the stars. This is a truly magical experience that we’d recommend everyone tries when they stay here – although in the cooler winter months the weather may preclude it.

We love the open-plan main area of Doro Nawas Camp, too. Located at the top of the hill, it incorporates a long indoor dining area, a smaller lounge area with comfortable sofas and a fireplace, a bar, and a curio shop with a small picture gallery. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors make the most of the views from this amazing hilltop viewpoint. In the middle of the main area is an open-air courtyard, with a firepit and comfy red beanbags. Stairs from here lead to an open roof-top terrace with panoramic views, often used for dining, sundowner drinks and after-dinner stargazing.

Between the main area and the chalets is a rectangular swimming pool, surrounded by a few sunloungers. It may not be big – this is a very arid area! – but it is very inviting on a hot day, albeit surprisingly cold.

The team at Doro Nawas runs many activities, including guided 4WD trips to track desert-adapted elephants, normally in the Huab River Valley, and to see the Bushman rock engravings at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein, usually taking in the Petrified Forest and the Organ Pipes. Do note, though, that at Twyfelfontein you are taken around by a local guide, not your guide from Doro Nawas. Back at the lodge, there's also a walking trail in the vicinity that can be done with a guide.

On our last visit we were lucky enough to find a herd of desert elephants early on our morning drive from the lodge – a real bonus as we had an hour or two with the elephants before vehicles from other lodges in the area turned up. Once they did, we departed. These drives can be relatively dusty and bumpy but you are usually rewarded with sightings of oryx, springbok, various birds and/or the elephants themselves, although the only things that are guaranteed are spectacular views and the extraordinary geology.

Although the guided activities here are popular, Doro Nawas is also very convenient for self-driving visitors, who can easily make their own trips to Twyfelfontein, the Petrified Forest and the Organ Pipes.


Our view

Doro Nawas Camp is a striking, fortress-looking lodge in an attractive location with friendly staff. It is a good choice for a one- or two-night stop in Damaraland, especially if you are self-driving and want the flexibility to decide on the day whether to drive yourself to places like Twyfelfontein, or to take a guided trip.

Tom Morris

Tom Morris

Country manager: Namibia

Geographics

Location
Damaraland, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
1–2 nights
Directions
Doro Nawas is about 5km from the C39 between Khorixas and Palmwag, and is clearly signposted. Visitors arriving by air fly to Doro Nawas' own airstrip, which is a 5-minute drive away from camp.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Half Board
Food quality
The standard of food at Doro Nawas has varied over the years, and we have received mixed reports from our travellers. Of late, however, things seem to be improving and on our last visit in April 2019 we enjoyed our meals here.

Breakfast is served between 6.00am and 10.00am, lunch from 1.00pm to 2.30pm, and dinner between 7.00pm and 9.00pm. Dinner is normally announced with singing and dancing by the staff. Vegetarians are catered for and a children's menu is also available.

Doro Nawas serves a substantial buffet breakfast of freshly baked bread and muffins, cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurt, cold meats and cheeses., along with a selection of fruit juices, teas and coffee. Hot breakfast items such as bacon, sausages, grilled tomatoes or mushrooms and eggs are cooked to order in the kitchen.

We did not have lunch on our most recent visit but on a previous stay we were served a tomato, cucumber and avocado salad followed by a choice of beefburger with chips or vegetable pasta. This was finished off with fresh fruit salad and vanilla ice cream.

For dinner on our last stay we enjoyed a “traditional” Namibian braai (BBQ) in the bush. Our starter of lentil soup was served at the table. This was followed by oryx stew, pork chops and/or vegetarian lasagne with sides of steamed vegetables, wild rice and creamed spinach served by the chefs straight off the braai. The dessert, a tasty coffee and pecan pudding with custard, was again served to the table.

On a previous stay when we ate at the lodge we had a starter of gnocchi with mushrooms and cherry tomatoes, followed by a buffet choice of baked hake with lemon butter sauce or a Thai beef curry; both were served with wild rice, broccoli and red cabbage. Dessert was a pear sponge pudding.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No room service is available at Doro Nawas.
Drinks included
For those staying on a half-board basis, no drinks are included at Doro Nawas Camp. Drinks on game drives and house wine at dinner are included if you're staying on full board and activities.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children of all ages are welcome at Doro Nawas Camp.
Property’s age restrictions
None
Special activities & services
There are no special activities at Doro Nawas for children, although the pool will appeal to some. Babysitting can be arranged on request, but do note that babysitters will be local members of staff, who are not professionally trained in childcare.
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
Yes – although children should always be supervised by a parent or guardian and there are some drop offs around the lodge and the pool is unfenced and unguarded.
Notes
The area’s desert-adapted elephants can get very close to camp, so children need to be closely supervised. The pool is not fenced and so caution should always be taken.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Doro Nawas

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Doro Nawas have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Elephant

90% success

Oryx

59% success

Giraffe

49% success

Zebra

21% success

Wildebeest

9% success

Brown Hyena

6% success

Black Rhino

2% success

Cheetah

2% success

Spotted Hyena

2% success

Leopard

0% success

Lion

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
The generator is switched off between 10.30pm and 5.00am. The lodge has battery back-up. Plug sockets are for three-round-pin plugs.
Communications
There are no phones, but there is cellphone reception in the vicinity, and WiFi in the main area.
TV & radio
There are no TVs or radios at Doro Nawas.
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
All bathrooms are fully plumbed with hot and cold water and flushing toilets.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The closest hospital is in Outjo, about a 2½hr drive from the lodge. In case of emergency, guests can be flown to Windhoek. For more minor treatment, the guides and managers are trained in first aid,
Dangerous animals
Moderate Risk
Security measures
There are security staff on duty at night. All chalets are provided with an air horn to attract attention in case of emergency.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers in all the chalets and in and around the main building.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Night drive

    Night drive

  • Sleeping under the stars

    Sleeping under the stars

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A full laundry service is available, with clothes usually returned within 24 hours. This service is free if you are staying here on a “full board and all activities” basis, but clothes will be charged by item if you are staying on a half-board basis.
Money
There is a small safe in each chalet.
Accepted payment on location
Doro Nawas Camp accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash payments may be made in Namibian dollars and South African rand.

Other lodges in Damaraland

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Mowani Mountain Camp

Mowani Mountain Camp

Mowani is a beautiful and stylish mountain retreat in southern Damaraland; it makes a great base for visits toTwyfelfontein.


94% (152 reviews)
Damaraland Camp

Damaraland Camp

Setting the standard for community partnerships, Damaraland Camp offers a beautiful location, a range of activities – and a genuine welcome.


95% (121 reviews)
Desert Rhino Camp

Desert Rhino Camp

Desert Rhino Camp offers a rare opportunity to track black rhino on foot in one of the last true wilderness areas – an amazing experience.


97% (116 reviews)
Etendeka Mountain Camp

Etendeka Camp

Etendeka is an owner-run camp in the remote and less visited north of Damaraland. The camp is renowned for it's spectacular guided walking trails.


96% (114 reviews)
Camp Kipwe

Camp Kipwe

With unusual, igloo-like rooms, open-air bathrooms and beautiful scenery, Camp Kipwe is well placed for nature and cultural excursions.


96% (114 reviews)
Grootberg Lodge

Grootberg Lodge

On the edge of an ancient plateau Grootberg Lodge has a stunning location and arguably the best views of any lodge in Namibia.


92% (97 reviews)
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Twyfelfontein C'try Lod.

A large lodge set among the rocks, Twyfelfontein Country Lodge is a convenient base for visiting the rock engravings, which are only 4km away.


83% (54 reviews)
Spitzkoppen Lodge

Spitzkoppen Lodge

Spitzkoppen Lodge provides stylish accommodation in an area of scenic grandeur with guided access to sites of ancient Bushman rock art.


94% (38 reviews)
Palmwag Lodge

Palmwag Lodge

Palmwag Lodge has a great location by a spring in the Uniab River and offers access to an area where you can see a variety of desert-dwelling animals.


81% (36 reviews)
Huab Lodge

Huab Lodge

Huab is a classic little Namibian Lodge which is slightly off the beaten track in a lesser visited part of Damaraland.


90% (28 reviews)
Brandberg White Lady Lodge

Brandberg White Lady

Brandberg White Lady Lodge, nestled at the foot of its namesake, makes a good base from which to visit bushman rock paintings including the 'White Lady'.


70% (24 reviews)
Vingerklip Lodge

Vingerklip Lodge

Vingerklip Lodge occupies a lovely location, but is a little too far east for guests to visit Damaraland's main attractions.


86% (21 reviews)
Khowarib Lodge

Khowarib Lodge

Khowarib Lodge has a great location overlooking the Hoanib River. This is one of the few places to offer authentic Himba village visits.


82% (9 reviews)
Malansrus Tented Camp

Malansrus Camp

Within easy reach of Twyfelfontein, Malansrus offers a simple but comfortable base for visits to the rock engravings or seek out desert-adapted elephants.


83% (7 reviews)
White Lady B & B

White Lady B & B

White Lady B&B, a small, comfortable guesthouse, offers a stepping stone to the sites of southern Damaraland.


67% (6 reviews)
Brandberg Restcamp

Brandberg Restcamp

Brandberg Restcamp is a simple, no-frills place, close to many attractions, offering sundowner drives, guided hikes up the Brandberg and game drives .


56% (5 reviews)
Etendeka Walking Trail

Etendeka Walking Trail

The Etendeka Walking Trail promises to offer a back-to-basics walking and camping experience in one of Namibia's most remote and untouched wilderness areas.


96% (5 reviews)
Ugab Terrace Lodge

Ugab Terrace Lodge

Ugab Terrace Lodge is a comfortable stopover between Damaraland and Etosha National Park or Namibia’s Central Highlands.


75% (4 reviews)
Onduli Ridge

Onduli Ridge

Onduli Ridge is a luxurious, low-impact luxury camp offering top-notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of Damaraland.


95% (4 reviews)
Ozondjou Trails

Ozondjou Trails

The simple Ozondjou Trails gives a unique perspective on living with Damaraland’s desert-adapted elephants and how tourism is key to protecting them and the livelihood of the people.


93% (3 reviews)
Damara Mopane Lodge

Damara Mopane Lodge

Damara Mopane Lodge is a large 60 room lodge surrounded by beautiful gardens. It can be used as a comfortable stopover between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast


67% (3 reviews)
Huab Under Canvas

Huab Under Canvas

Huab under Canvas is a no thrills bush camp offering top notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of Damaraland.


100% (2 reviews)
Palmwag Sleep-out

Palmwag Sleep-out

Palmwag Sleep-out is a simple camping experience and a great way to enjoy the remote beauty of the vast Palmwag Concession


100% (1 review)
Sorris Sorris Lodge

Sorris Sorris Lodge

Overlooking the Brandberg Massif, Sorris Sorris is probably the most luxurious lodge in southern Damaraland.


No reviews yet
Camp Doros

Camp Doros

Small, intimate and with excellent eco-credentials, Camp Doros is set above an ephemeral river within a remote community concession of Damaraland.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa