Reviews of Doro Nawas
Wildlife sightings and reviews
497 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
57% success
53% success
19% success
6% success
5% success
2% success
2% success
"Not up to Wilderness Standards!"
The game drive was reliant on 5 or 6 desert elephants with not much else. The group dinner out in the coma featured skimpy food...literally my lamb chop had 2 bites of meat on it and the food was running out due to a large Spanish tour group. The breakfast buffet was skimpy and the offer of a hot breakfast was not made.
I really wish we had not paid the price for this place and just driven on to stay at Palmwag lodge where we could have seen elephants on a morning walk before awaiting our 3 pm transfer to Desert Rhino...would have been a much better value.
I really am very surprised this place was so bad." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Doro Nawas review"
The staff singing to us at reception on arrival should be seen for what it is, a truly joyous welcome to their home and not interpreted unkindly and described as cringing by some reviewers. Try just smiling back and applauding their warmth, they are a beautiful bunch of people.
The entire camp is professionally run, with everything clearly explained by staff. The guiding was outstanding and our guide, Nesley, was exceptionally good. We enjoyed an early morning guided walk with him and a late afternoon tracking the desert adapted elephants. The elephants proved hard to find, but he never gave up and we eventually enjoyed 1.5hrs watching 6 elephants, including 2 young, from close range.
We visited Twyfelfontein, the Damara Living Museum and the Petrified Forest on our own. These are all well worth visiting, and our advice is as follows:-
Twyfelfontein - go very early if you can and beat the crowds; sadly the guide we had was not at all interested in her job.
Damara Living Museum - clearly aimed at tourists but great fun; run by an enthusiastic, smiley and warm group. Our expectation was for a quick visit, but we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Lovely people.
Petrified Forest - be careful to get the official site; picturesque walk, scenic and enthusiastic, helpful guide. Very interesting." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Comfortable camp, with good food"
The room was large and comfortable with an outside shower and a view out over the bush - though we did have people from the camp walking past the front of the room (and shower!). There is a nice, if small, pool for relaxing, and the terrace area in front of the dining room was comfortable.
Food was very good, served at individual tables" See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Interesting but a little too long"
It also meant that two out of three evenings had a "bush dinner" which was entertaining the first time but repetitious after that. Similarly, the singing/dancing routines, which the staff engaged in at every opportunity, eventually became a little excessive.
Service and facilities, like the other Wilderness camps, are of a good standard, but the rooms are a little dark." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"A musical interlude!"
Had an excellent guided tour with Leslie (new to the lodge) to see the desert-adapted elephants. After showing us the main herd, his determination to track down the lone bull paid off which was a real bonus.
We also much appreciated the efforts of all the staff to provide us with a memorable 'bush supper'." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Singing lodge :-)"
Great excursion to look for desert elephants and memorable bush dinner.
We were given room 13, which unluckily was the one with less privacy and rather noisy (vehicles dropped and picked up clients just behind). They were fully booked, so we could not change room." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Doro Nawas review"
"Great Damaraland experience"
Great singing welcome and departure. Great setting.
Stayed in family accommodation - two separate units joined by wooden walkway. Kids wanted one adult in each unit, but this was fine. All slept outside on verandas under the stars.
Nice pool area.
Dinner was on a single table out in the bush (twice a week). Great atmosphere. Food introduced in local language with plenty of clicking and chicken impressions. Kids a bit reticent at first but then loved it. Food largely from the braai and very good. Kids menu available if chosen in advance and excellent. Breakfast fairly basic.
Should have stayed for 2 nights but had to balance where we wanted to go with time available. Didn't do any lodge activities.
Self-drove to Twyfelfontein. Road very poor (Aug 2017) and wouldn't want to do it in a hurry or in a low clearance vehicle. Children interested in rock art to a surprising degree." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Weird architecture great location"
The main building is unusual architecture and looks more like a fort than a lodge, but is very comfortable and had great outdoor seating to enjoy the stunning views. The staff singing your welcome and your departure was a particularly nice touch, as were the hot and cold towels at the beginning and end of each safari.
The chalet at Doro Nawas was excellent ( as the one at Grootberg had been too). The meals were good too.
Our Desert Elephant Drive was a big success and our visit to the Twyfelfontein Petroglyphs was well worth while.
We had a great two night stay!" See all these reviews: 24n in Namibia
"fantastic - loved it!!"
staff tried to teach us the clicks of the language....failed, but we had fun. Their guide - Marcus - was brilliant and very helpful! he helped us with petrol - the ride there took 7 hrs from Swapo - due to the awful road - and then took all our fuel. Marcus helped by getting us 25L and helping us get it into the car.
Bushmans dinner was great - really nice idea - and well executed. Liked the staff dancing and joined in.
Great to have all inclusive including laundry as we had been in RSA and Namibia a while by then and everything was dusty!! Would always suggest this on future trips - wash every 7 days or so!" See all these reviews: 15n 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.