Reviews of Doro Nawas
Wildlife sightings and reviews
469 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Doro Nawas and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
0% success
0% success
2% success
90% success
59% success
49% success
21% success
9% success
6% success
2% success
2% success
"Great experience sleeping outside at Doro"
The rooms were lovely and very spacious although in the searing heat air conditioning would be good, there was only a ceiling fan. Massive patio doors on to a large deck area meant you could pull the beds outside and sleep under the stars, however the wildlife (moths, bats, lizards, birds) could make sleeping disturbed all the same it was a great experience. The outside shower was also good.
On the first night we had dinner outside on the roof and after dinner entertainment from the staff.
A good location from which to visit Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain and the rock paintings at Twelfylfontein. Afternoon tea was a nice touch too." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Doro Nawas review"
We chose to spend our days staying at the lodge rather than driving to other nearby sites....we were driving past the cave drawings on our way to Swapkopmund when we left. The weather was very warm for us so we were happy to just sit and relax.
The staff was very nice and the sunsets were great." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
"Full of nice characters."
Bob was poorly one night so I ate on my own and the staff were really considerate. Some meals much better than others." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Doro Nawas review"
Everything started well when we were greeted at our car with a welcome drink and a chilled towel upon arrival. Our room was large and spacious, so should have been a pleasant place to spend two nights. We also really enjoyed our dinner on the first night.
However, the resort has no visible management and has too many rough edges to make for a pleasant stay:
* we had no hot water in our room for our entire stay. Nothing was done about this despite reporting the problem after our first night
* the reception desk is never manned and the gift shop is constantly locked
* we chose to have a late breakfast and had to request a long list of essentials when we arrived e.g. cereal bowls, cereal spoons, teaspoons, butter, coffee, etc
* birds walk all over the breakfast buffet
* restaurant and bar staff seem to spend more time in the kitchen than with customers
* lunch prices are exhorbitant at NAD 150 per person to eat in or NAD 135 per person for a lunch pack. This is a rip-off if you normally just have a toasted sandwich for lunch
As seems to be customary for resorts in the north that offer game drives, dinner is served at 8pm.
This has the potential to be a nice resort, but is currently very poorly managed and should be avoided." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Doro Nawas review"
The staff were less friendly than at Hoodia and less concerned with individual needs. There was no mosquito net so one didn't feel like pushing the bed outside although the room was hot. Outside, there was not even a small trail to walk from camp which was frustrating." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Doro Nawas review"
We were, however, very disappointed at the lack of imagination in the variety and choice of food at Dora Nawas. Since completing the trip, our enjoyment of food at the other camps only emphasised the difference, e.g. on 2 out of 3 lunches we were served a cold chicken drumstick, with a very mediocre green salad. In addition, food was left uncovered on the verandah at lunch which attracted the birds !" See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 9n in Botswana
"Doro Nawas review"
However the rooms are superb and although we didn't, you could roll your bed outside at night. Again there was no air conditioning but the fan was efficient and quiet.
Food was disappointing as the main course was buffet style and not particularly interesting. Overall not very well run and no obvious sign of any management." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Not if you are serious about wildlife"
We had never stayed at a Wilderness property before, and after this and more particularly Ongava, I am not sure that I am particularly enamoured. There is somehow an impersonal air. Having said that, the rooms, food and service were all excellent and dinner was particularly noteworthy. We had lunch here twice, and that was also excellent. The outdoor showers are great when you are hot and dusty. Three of us did not like the singing after dinner, finding it a bit intrusive and difficult to escape, but I accept that many would like it very much. There is a very nice pool of decent length and depth which was crystal clear. The staff are clearly enthusiastic.
We went on an afternoon elephant drive with 8 in a landrover, which is too many at the price. We are used to east africa camps where 4 is the norm. 6 is acceptable, but 8 is hopeless. We found elephants quickly, and our guide then did not seem to know what to do to fill the remaing time; a really good guide can always find something to talk about. We went for a walk next morning with the same guide, who said that they did not have many visitors interested in birds and general wildlife. I suspect that the guides are simply rusty about anything other than elephants and the Twyfelfontein area because of the type of client they get. He was very friendly, and arranging to check out late to accommodate the walk, and then staying for lunch was no problem.
We thought that the rock art at Twyfelfontein was extremely impressive in a beautiful setting. The petrified forest is not to be missed with a particularly good on-site guide who really knew his stuff, both about the trees and also the birds and plant life, being particularly interesting about the Welwitschia. Our sons were a bit concerned that the sites would be not that great, but were very impressed.
As we only had a short drive to Etendeka from Doro Nawas, we felt that we could have seen the rock art and petrified forest and driven to Etendeka afterwards, using the spare night to add to our stay at Erongo. The desert elephant drive was not very good, certainly if you have seen plenty of ellies before. If we had not been going to North Damaraland, however, two nights would have been needed." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Doro Nawas review"
Very friendly staff - and the choir was great fun. Efficient guest briefing detailing costs of activities and max no of people per vehicle - it's worth confirming before booking.
Desert adapted elephant outing was wonderful. We also did a guided walk which was adapted to the time we had available before leaving. We plan to go back the next time we're in Namibia." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Doro Nawas review"
The guide we had for our trip was excellent- very knowledgeable. Food and accommodation was superb." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.
Other lodges in Damaraland
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani is a beautiful and stylish mountain retreat in southern Damaraland; it makes a great base for visits toTwyfelfontein.
Damaraland Camp
Setting the standard for community partnerships, Damaraland Camp offers a beautiful location, a range of activities – and a genuine welcome.
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.
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.
Camp Kipwe
With unusual, igloo-like rooms, open-air bathrooms and beautiful scenery, Camp Kipwe is well placed for nature and cultural excursions.
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.
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.
Spitzkoppen Lodge
Spitzkoppen Lodge provides stylish accommodation in an area of scenic grandeur with guided access to sites of ancient Bushman rock art.
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.
Huab Lodge
Huab is a classic little Namibian Lodge which is slightly off the beaten track in a lesser visited part of Damaraland.
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'.
Vingerklip Lodge
Vingerklip Lodge occupies a lovely location, but is a little too far east for guests to visit Damaraland's main attractions.
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.
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.
White Lady B & B
White Lady B&B, a small, comfortable guesthouse, offers a stepping stone to the sites of southern Damaraland.
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.
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 .
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge is a luxurious, low-impact luxury camp offering top-notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of Damaraland.
Ugab Terrace Lodge
Ugab Terrace Lodge is a comfortable stopover between Damaraland and Etosha National Park or Namibia’s Central Highlands.
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.
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
Huab Under Canvas
Huab under Canvas is a no thrills bush camp offering top notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of Damaraland.
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
Camp Doros
Small, intimate and with excellent eco-credentials, Camp Doros is set above an ephemeral river within a remote community concession of Damaraland.
Sorris Sorris Lodge
Overlooking the Brandberg Massif, Sorris Sorris is probably the most luxurious lodge in southern Damaraland.
