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
"Doro Nawas review"
We had a wildlife drive to see the desert elephants with Liberty, and saw the group in close proximity for the duration of the trip. Liberty was very informative and made sure we had excellent views of the animals. We self drove to Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes and were slightly disappointed by these features and the road was bad compared to other gravel roads.
We were very impressed with Twylfontein and the petrified forest that we visited on our journey north. Excellent guides at both sites.
The museum at Tsumeb is interesting and gives a lot of information on the German influences in the area, particularly the mining. It also gives the history of their involvement in WW1." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
"Doro Nawas"
The room was excellent and the surroundings wonderful. The meals were very good. Pushing the beds out and sleeping under the stars one night was superb.
We did a short walk around the area (3/4 km or so) and enjoyed seeing various wildlife around us.
Staff were generally helpful and attentive, but attention to detail lacked on a number of occasions. Examples include:
- waiting at reception for nearly 10 minutes on arrival; perhaps the delay was to round up the singing chorus.
- we were not told that a glass of wine was included with each meal (and were not fully taken off our final bill which included a bottle of wine and a fair few beers);
- we were not told that on the second night dinner was a braai in the desert. We only just turned up at reception in time and were not really dressed for a meal outside;
- we were disappointed that there was no written information about the trips/activities, and no pricing. There was verbal information from the guides at dinner, but the content was inaccurate. We booked an activity, and our guide Liberty was very knowledgeable and informative, but the trip was not the one that we thought we had booked. Not Liberty's fault though, one of the other guides had given the trip details and taken the booking. (There may have been some hanky panky amongst the guides at play here). Fortunately, we did get to see the rock art and had an enjoyable trip but did not get to see the organ pipes.
Our comment are not intended as complaints, our intention is more to be helpful because Doro Nawas is so close to being excellent." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Brilliant in every respect"
Doro Nawas' location - perched on a hilltop above the surrounding plain, with views to the mountains around - is commanding. The decor is in tune with the country, so the building fits in very well.
The rooms ('tents') are located at the base of the hill - all with private aspects across the plain to the mountains. You are able to open the sliding doors wide enough to roll out your bed onto the verandah and sleep under the stars - which was a wonderful experience. I also really enjoyed the outdoor shower, also located on the verandah.
The small but perfectly formed pool was a welcome dip after a hot morning's walk at Twylfontain
The most enjoyable part of our stay at Doro Nawas was, without doubt, the staff. Not only their singing - but their entire welcoming, friendly and helpful attitude." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 6n in Zambia; 3n in Botswana
"Great rough athmosfere at Doro Nawas"
"Doro Nawas review"
We booked an afternoon trip to to see the desert-adapted elephants; we found it extremely exciting, as our guide located tracks and we left the jeep to walk towards a group of elephants. We had a perfect view of the group, across a gorge, which fulfilled all our hopes.
Later, we enjoyed an evening meal, with the menu again sung in the Damara language. The service was excellent and we would certainly recommend this lodge." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 3n in South Africa
"Outstanding hospitality in remoteness"
Anyway, the accommodation was great with large spacious rooms where the beds being on wheels allow you to move them onto your verandah for a night under the stars - thoroughly recommended! Housekeeping were exemplary with turndown service each evening and immaculate rooms.
Staff here were outstanding, obviously working very hard and making all guests trips nice and special. We had lovely food too - first night being a barbecue in the bush, followed by a nice three course meal in the restaurant the next evening. The whole place is set atop of a hill, overlooking the barren desert landscape.
A special place with attentive staff - no wifi though (not a bad thing to be honest)." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Doro Nawas"
It served no purpose, plus the large crowd of people stood around waiting for buses to the dinner spot.
We asked and were able to walk there and back." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa
"Fantastic Lodge"
We enjoyed the evening meal out in the bush, which we believe they do 3 times a week. No mean feat for the kitchen staff and waiters! We were given hot water bottles to keep us warm, and the food was delicious - especially the soup. All the food was once again very nice, although breakfast on the first morning was a bit haphazard but I think it was due to so many of us being up early for tours. However, the cooked breakfast and cold selection was good once it had all come out. Breakfast on the second day when we had it later was more organised and tasted excellent.
The tour we booked onto to see the desert adapted elephants was very good. It was just the two of us and we got within meters of a family of 4 elephants where we stayed for about 2 hours watching them.
The room was very nice - spacious and light, and the honeymoon surprise was lovely. The bathroom was lovely too, unfortunately it was a bit windy in the afternoons for us to try the outdoor shower. The lodge itself was also very attractive and they made it look lovely at night with a fire and lanterns. The pool didn't look very inviting and we didn't see anyone in it.
On leaving we got another lovely song - it made me feel sad to leave this lodge. Again their English is excellent but also their willingness to show us their Damara Language brings special warmth to this lodge.
Before arriving at the lodge we did the rock engravings and burnt mountain. The rock engravings were good, and some imagination is needed. Although I get the impression different guides give different stories. Burnt mountain for us was not spectacular but maybe we went at the wrong time of day. We also visited the petrified forest after leaving Doro Nawas - my husband especially enjoyed learning how the trees have become fossilized, and they have a nice little craft shop there." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Doro Nawas review"
Had a good trip to find Elephants, which we did eventually. Excellent guide and very knowledgeable.
The rock paintings which we did by ourselves were fascinating." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Sleeping under the stars"
Staff are charming and the service was excellent. We had dinner out in the "bush" the first night and it was a delicious buffet. Walking through the desert at night was fun. The next night was table service in the dining area. Food was excellent and the meals were finished with singing from the very good staff choir.
We went on a long morning tour to the desert elephants, rock carvings, and the living museum. Our guide was very good and I recommend the tour. We were fortunate as it was just the two of us on the tour. Many guests chose to drive around by themselves but we saw much more by having a guide. Plus self drivers would not have seen the desert elephants." See all these reviews: 27n 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.
Camp Kipwe
With unusual, igloo-like rooms, open-air bathrooms and beautiful scenery, Camp Kipwe is well placed for nature and cultural excursions.
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.
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.
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.
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge is a luxurious, low-impact luxury camp offering top-notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of Damaraland.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
