Reviews of Doro Nawas
(91%) From 202 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Viewing desert elephants was wonderful
I thourougly enjoyed my stay here, and my guide, Michael was both interesting to talk to and an excellent and informative guide.
My only criticism would be that the access track from the road was terrible. I do think that for such a very good lodge they should do something to level it out/grade it.
Expert Africa comments
When we sent this feedback to the team running Doro Nawas, they came back to us within a week commenting, rather impressively:
"We would like to thank your traveller for this useful feedback.
Our Namibia Operations Team have followed up and the area manager has admitted that the road was indeed in a terrible condition. Thus she has, in the last few days, organised a grader to address the problem. The issue seems to have been that the previous contractor no longer operated in that area and she has taken a little time to find someone new to assist.
It is all sorted now."
Doro Nawas
Another wonderful experience. Agnes and her staff, food, and accommodations were terrific. The road leading in to the property is in desperate need of repair.
Some of the 'hidden charges' (laundry and a few drinks (beer & wine)), although not too expensive, were a bit of a surprise. We did not incur these costs at the other Wilderness Safari locations.
Expert Africa comments
Travellers can arrange with us to stay at Doro Nawas Camp on one of two possible different board bases:
Like many self-driving visitors to Namibia, this traveller stayed at Doro Nawas on a "dinner, bed and breakfast basis" (DBB), which excludes all drinks and laundry. Thus this guest had to settle some extra costs directly, in camp, on the day of departure.
Alternatively, some travellers stay here on a "full board & activities" (FBA) basis - in which case there's a higher up-front cost, but everything is already included. This is more common amongst guests who fly in to the lodge.
Fantastic experience at Doro Nawas.
Really cannot praise this Safari Camp enough. We had been driving for seven hours and were quite exhausted when we parked the car. Reception staff must have seen us coming as we were welcomed on the steps with a refreshing flannel. We were also very hungry, having not eaten since breakfast yet dinner was not going to be served until 8 o'clock (three hours away). That was not a problem as savoury snacks were already available in the restaurant as was chocolate cake which was absolutely delicious! Tea and coffee were always available to help yourself.
Our thatched chalet was comfortable and very spacious. It was also extremely well designed with a large veranda onto which you could pull the bed in order to sleep under the stars (which were a fantastic sight) but we chose not to as it was still a bit nippy at night in early September! Privacy is maintained because of the clever way each chalet is arranged in a circle at the bottom of a small hill (with the restaurant and reception being on top of the hill) and when standing on the veranda to admire the great view, you cannot see the chalet next door.
The bed was really comfortable, (so much so that we didn't want to get up in the morning!) the en-suite facilities were good and there was even an outside shower in the corner of the veranda. Due to limited electric power it was not possible to use a hair dryer and there was no fridge although chilled water was supplied in a flask.
The Restaurant was large with an adjoining bar and lounge area. There was also an open air viewing deck upstairs, ideal for enjoying sundowners and for an incredible view of the night sky. The meals were help yourself buffets and the two dinners we had were absolutely superb.
On the first night there was a choice of beef or pork chops but you could have both if you wished! The meal on our second night was chicken breast stuffed with spinach and feta cheese or game steak with red wine sauce and with each meal three portions of vegetable were available. All of it was beautifully cooked and I would add that the meals were of three courses with a beautifully presented starter and delicious dessert. The wine selection was pretty good too!
We opted for a morning safari in search of desert-adapted elephants, which set out at 8 o'clock after breakfast. My wife and I were the only passengers and what a treat we had! It wasn't long before Richardt, our driver, had tracked down a large bull elephant at a waterhole in a spectacular setting. We thought it was a privilege to be able to sit and watch this magnificent animal from just a few yards away but as we were driven along the beautiful and remote Huab River valley we encountered a herd of eleven elephants and we stopped to watch them for half an hour in a stunning and peaceful setting.
We were then taken for a drive across the plains to admire the magnificent views and to see what else we could find. After being driven along a dried up river bed, we quite by chance spotted a second herd of elephants known to visit the area from time to time. They were on their way to visit a water storage tank at a remote tribal village. Although we were heading back to camp, Richardt turned around and headed for the deserted village, parking up close to the water tank. Sure enough, the elephants (14 of them) soon arrived to refresh themselves and to cool down. Another amazing sight!
The safari drive was certainly not cheap but we were out for almost 5 hours (advertised duration is three and a half) and, boy, it was worth the money. Lunch on arrival back at camp was included and what a treat that was. Probably the best Bobotie we have ever tasted! After that, there was only one thing to do. Relax on our veranda in the glorious afternoon sunshine and wait for dinner!
Doro Nawas was a fabulous place to stay and our only regret was to stay just two nights. We'll have to go back!
Looking for Oscar
Having been here before we knew what to expect. The setting is absolutely stunning and the rooms generously proportioned. The main building is an example of what might be called stark architecture and not to everyone's taste but since you don't spend a lot of time in it, not a problem.
The staff were helpful and friendly and always responsive to our needs. The main reason for visiting was to see the Desert Elephants which we did with guide Wilhelm and fortunately had the vehicle to ourselves. Wilhelm found the Oscar group for us some way from the lodge in a beautiful area where he obligingly took us pretty much where we wanted to go. On the return he took us to see some of the beautiful landscapes of the area which merit a visit on their own.
The restaurant operates operates a buffet for the main meal and the the food was adequate rather than exciting but perfectly acceptable. The cost of the morning game drive is higher than other lodges we used but since we had exclusive use of the vehicle was acceptable. Overall the return visit was well justified but attention to some small details could easily raise the bar to place it in the excellent category.
Doro Nawas review
Doro Nawas was our favorite of the lodges. The room was wonderful, we loved the terrace overlooking the desert, loved the outdoor shower and the room was huge. Staff here was delightful and just couldn't do enough for us. Our guide was excellent. When we left, we felt like we were leaving old friends.
Nature drive from Doro Nawas:
Our guide was wonderful (Wilhelm). We had a great time and saw many elephants and other animals. A definite highlight of our trip
Doro Nawas review
only spent one night here in the end, clean and comfortable
Read more about the whole safariDoro Nawas review
This lodge for us was one of the highlights. Very remote and scenic area. The staff were extremely friendly and warm hearted. We should have stayed longer than 2 nights.
The drive to find the desert elephants was immense fun, especially watching the guide tracking them from signs left on the ground. The staff singing in the evening was a nice bonus. The atmosphere in the lodge made it very easy to socialise with the other guests in the evening.
Loved our stay here
We really enjoyed our stay here.
We went on the elephant trip on the afternoon we arrived and then the next day saw the same herd of elephants walking in front of the lodge when we were having afternoon tea. This was a relaxing place to stay, the rooms are beautiful and staff are great.
Doro Nawas - a unique place to stay
We were the only guests at Doro Nawas and were given exceptional service.
On our first night we were served dinner under the stars on the roof terrace. On our second night we ate by the swimming pool.
The first morning we left at 6am for our desert elephant trip. After a short ride we stopped to be treated to a surprise sit down breakfast and a welcome in song from the staff. They had been up for ages preparing every possible item you could possibly want on the camp fire. A magical experience and one we will never forget.
We had an excellent guide for our desert elephant trip and saw lots and lots of elephants as well as being given much information about the natural history of the area.
The rooms were very comfortable and spacious and the restaurant and lounge areas are attractive and comfortable. Splendid views from the terrace and the rooftop.
This is a "must" place to stay - for its location and for the elephants but what made our visit extra special was the amazing treatment we were given by the staff who couldn't do enough to ensure we enjoyed our stay and who clearly enjoyed themselves too.
Doro Nawas review
What a setting! The view from our bed was mind-blowing.
Wonderfully low-key; but everything was there that we wanted.
Easy access to rock engravings. We particularly enjoyed the Damara Living Museum
The walking guides were so informative .... and impassioned about their country.
We much enjoyed the staff choir.
One or two waitresses seemed a little distracted at our second breakfast.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
