Reviews of Doro Nawas

"An impressive fort like main building with amazing views from the roof terrace and lovely surrounding deck area from where you can enjoy the delicious afternoon cake and savouries.

The thatched tented rooms were lovely with both and indoor and outdoor showers. We were in a standard room with an additional single bed for our 16 year old son, whilst this provided plenty of room, it wasn't the family chalet that we had been advised of on our booking itinerary and meant we were a bathroom and bedroom down. It wasn't made clear whether this was conscious change of room or not and we didn't complain as it appeared that the only family chalet was already occupied and we were happy to make do and share. We didn't take up the option to sleep under the stars with the roll out beds as it was a little chilly so we don't know if this would have been available for all of us had we wanted it.

The staff were very friendly and happy to help but didn't always seem to understand what we were asking them or what was being offered by the lodge in terms of services. Before our trip we had tried to prebook activities at the lodge but were told by Expert Africa that they couldn't do this. We tried contacting Wilderness safaris ( the company that runs Doro Nawas) only for them to have Expert Africa contact us asking us not to contact them directly. We didn't find this very helpful and not terribly polite and whilst Expert Africa did give us an indication of costs of activities and that there would always be availability so there was no need to pre book we couldn't actually find out what options were going to be available for us. We had hoped for a night-time creepy crawly hunt with UV lights but were only told on arrival that this wasn't available in the winter.

The trips to Twyfelfontein and the Petrified Forest seemed to basically be a glorified taxi service to these sites which if self driving seemed very unnecessary. However as we didn't know what the activity options were before arrival we had to miss out on visiting the rock paintings, which was very annoying as we had practically driven past Twyfelfontein with plenty of time on our way to Doro Nawas. The trips offered were basically a taxi service to the rock paintings at Twyfelfontein (including the Organ pipes and Burnt mountain) or the Petrified forest. A game drive to find the desert adapted Elephants as well as a scenic nature drive (we never found out how this differed to the Elephant drive). These activiities were available either in the morning or the afternoon with the more expensive morning option also including lunch which was taken at the lodge. There was an option for an afternoon short guided nature walk from the lodge.

We chose to do the Desert Elephant game drive which was expertly guided by Fanuel, he was knowledgeable and good company, he found the elephants and gave us plenty of time to enjoy the sightings. In the afternoon we took part in the Nature walk which was led by Innocent, this was an enjoyable hour and a half but could have been slightly more planned. Innocent is currently working as a barman with hopes of guiding so we did feel a bit that we were paying for his work experience but we wish him all the best in his further training.

Meals were a buffet selection which were of adequate if not exceptional quality.

On the whole our stay at Doro Nawas was enjoyable but we do feel that are areas for improvement and we feel there must be more professional lodges in the area." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia

"Excellent accommodation in a stunning setting. Friendly and attentive staff. We enjoyed the game drive looking for desert elephant - which we spotted.

The food on the buffet was excellent. However if you were one of the last to arrive for meals, there was little food left, and the staff had to prepare and produce more. This was particularly apparent with breakfast on the second morning.

Amazing staff in that several of them remembered our names after just one introduction." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia

"Amazing accommodation situated in an elevated position with incredible views. Very clean and comfortable. Food was excellent. Mamie our guide was brilliant. We saw desert elephants, giraffes, baboons, antelope etc." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia

"What a stunning lodge and amazing experience!

The only downsize is the difficulty for my elderly parents in getting to and from the main lodge for meals and activities but the staff did everything to help and accommodate us!

The activities and the food and the service - singing welcome was so great - all deserve high praise!

Sleeping under the stars was perhaps my favorite thing to do on the entire trip" See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia

"We enjoyed this community run camp and the location.

The staff were very friendly and also very helpful. The location is stunning. Rooms are large and well appointed.

Good that the staff put hot water bottles in the bed at night as it was cold in the room without heat and we didn't have hot water to shower in the mornings.

Guides were knowledgeable and we enjoyed our excursions." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia

"Loved the setting.

Wonderful staff." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia

"The stay at Doro Nawas was a highpoint of the trip. I would almost fly all the way to Namibia just to stay here.

Location is perfect: As the lodge is perched on a hilltop, you really get a sense of the topography around you, & you are aware of where you are.

Staff: A wonderful mix of professional and personal, everyone is engaging and highly competent. Many (at our encouragement) tried to teach us the local language. They shared much about life in Damaraland.

Lodging: Extremely comfortable chalets, with the option (which we chose each night) of sleeping under the many stars. Food: The best we had in Namibia, every meal, every snack.

Wildlife viewing with Stephanus, highly trained guide: A highlight within a highlight. He provided a well informed successful wildlife trip, and shared a lot of information about Namibia. He was a friend away from home. This was also a valuable cultural experience for us -- in addition to the language lessons, the staff is very embracing, and their nightly singing (and dancing) is something that will stay in our hearts for a very long time." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia

"My welcome started with a rousing song from all of the staff!

Beautiful lodge and the staff went above and beyond to make my stay everything I hoped it would be! The lodge and my accommodations were lovely! Staff so friendly and accommodating!

Made me a special birthday celebration which was unexpected and so fun! Meals fantastic! My guide superb!

The activities which included visits to see the petroglyphs and Damara people were great! My guide was very nice, knowledgeable and went above and beyond to ensure we experienced everything there was to see especially the wildlife!

Can't wait to go back!" See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia

"We booked 2 of the 16 chalets for 3 nights. It took us a little bit of courage to book, fearing at first the rather dark fortress appearance of the common building on top of the hill. You may feel a little bit like Luke Skywalker on Tatooine with the Jawas.

Megan convinced us and we are glad we stayed there. The joint venture between Wilderness and the Doro Nawas community seems to work very well. The majority of the staff is local (not the case in many other lodges) and extremely kind. The checkin & checkout procedure includes being greeted by chants by the staff, not cheesy at all. We could feel true welcome & farewell. Pool area is very nice.

Excellent meals with fantastic view on the desert, and rolling the bed outside the chalet on the platform to sleep under the milky way are two other highlights. Excursions with our very kind guide Stephanos to see the desert elephants and the ancient bushmen engravings at Twyfelfontain are a must. We added the petrified forest, the organ pipes and a Damara living museum.

Great ecofriendly community run experience." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia

"Driving to Doro Nawas we saw many animals along the road. The accommodations are excellent- spacious and private. Staff was like at every other lodge was friendly and knowledgeable and excellent. Food was excellent. You must stop at the bakery Outyu - on the way to the lodge. Location was great - animals were great - people were great." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa