Reviews of Doro Nawas
Wildlife sightings and reviews
493 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
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"Welcoming"
Evening meals were made to be an occasion - the first was in the dining room - it was fun listening to the menu in 'click' language & the singing was fun ; on the second night we were led out into the bush where a long table had been set out under the stars - a lovely touch. It was good to have house wine included in the price.
As we only had 1 full day to explore the area we didnt go on the elephant safari (my guidebook said it was the wrong time of the year for them to be close), which we regretted as people who went had a great experience. We did enjoy our visit to see the rock paintings, organ pipes & fingerklip." See all these reviews: 23n in Namibia
"A wonderful experience"
The staff were wonderful and super happy to be involved.
Sorry we did not have time for the elephant tour." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
"Doro Nawas review"
Our guide found us the desert adapted elephants which was wonderful and we spent as long as we wanted with them. However we did feel that he was perhaps a bit less energised than some of the guides we had in Namibia.
Of special note was our guide at Twyfelfontein, Dion, who was extraordinarily well informed. (He also had an extensive knowledge of Britain that he had obtained from books!)" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"What an amazing location"
There are two routes to and from Swakop - we debated for a couple of days which to take and eventually opted for the longer Skeleton Coast route. If you go that way, be sure to turn right at the coast for a few miles just to make sure you go far enough to see the endless sand dunes. It's only about 10km to the end of the road, though we didn't go all the way - the park staff had told us the road was closed though we had decided to ignore their advice not to go that way. But make sure you feel comfortable with any sand you might encounter, don't take risks. There are NO dunes once you go south, it turns to (amazingly remote) endless gravel plains with distant mountains.
We were told the inland route between Swakop the Doro Nawas region is just as good, if you are short of time. the Skeleton Coast road took us nine hours including stops - not to be under-estimated. But worth it." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Doro Nawas review"
The view from excellent breakfast , lunch , drinks and dinner (with a choice ) was unparalleled ." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Doro Nawas review"
We were given a warm welcome and the service was very good. The reason we didn't give it excellent is that we found the room, although huge and very well furnished, gloomy. I add this is an entirely person view and I know that other people will find it paradise.
The room had two showers and was very well appointed. We did pull our beds outside onto the deck one night to sleep under the stars. Incredibly memorable!" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Desert treat"
The staff were really friendly. The food was good.
The lodges are lovely and we enjoyed the outdoor shower- a great experience.
The nearby sites are easy to drive to and view." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Spectacular location"
The main lodge building with the roof terrace (unfortunately there was too much cloud/rain to do any star gazing), sitting area and indoor/outdoor dining is excellent. The meals - we had breakfast, dinner and lunch - were first rate.
The morning safari to look for wildlife was very well led and we had very good close views of elephants and good bird identification. The vehicle we were in - there were 4 of us and one guide - was not the most comfortable, especially on a hot day. We decided against doing a further trip in the afternoon - largely because we decided we had spent long enough in the vehicle already that day." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Doro Nawas review"
In retrospect we should have done Twyfelfontein the previous evening, on our way thee, and left the morning free for an elephant hunting excursion" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Vetry sadly, not recommended"
To be fair judgement was probably skewed by the journey from Swakop to Doro Nawas in a car that wasn't fit for the journey on dirt roads.
The two page Wilderness indemnity should be dealt with in the UK before departure, and had I been given it I would have suggested a stay elsewhere. Asking someone to sign that at the end of a long day with no option isn't a good idea.
Having a receptionist who doesn't understand eye contact or a firm handshake creates a negative impression at the outset.
There was no question of viewing the stars; it rained. Equally no walking was permitted outside the strict perimeter, but drive 5 minutes down the road and you can go where you like.
The lady who carried our bags to our room, considerably helped by me I should add, had the nerve to stand there and demand N$10.
Wheels on one bed didn't work. No plugs for the basins. By late afternoon (and I do understand that it's a difficult environment) there was a good scum on the pool at the lee end. Etc.
The rooms (and indeed the whole place) is downright gloomy. Our rooms looked straight out onto the staff camp and its lamp post. Avoid rooms 1 to 3.
The singing was very jolly, but couldn't paper over the cracks.
Obviously I haven't been to the other offers in the area but the Bradt guide suggests that Doro Nawas the most expensive in the area and I am unclear as to why it has an AE recommendation." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
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