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
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90% success
57% success
53% success
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2% success
"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"
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"
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"
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
"Doro Nawas review"
We went on a desert elephant tracking trip which was great fun. We only came across one adult male but had a great time searching for others.
The food was ok but could have been better. My only critisism really is that compared to other places we stayed of a similar standard Doro Nawas was very expensive particularly the activities." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 4n in Zambia; 1n in Botswana
"Doro Nawas with wonderful views"
We were met at the bottom of the hill by staff with lovely cool flannels to refresh us, and then taken up into reception and given a welcome drink, before being shown round. The panoramic views are breathtaking." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
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