Doro Nawas Lodge

Doro Nawas sits on the edge of the dry Aba-Huab River overlooking the vast open plains with glorious views of the rugged Damaraland region. The lodge provides an excellent base for exploring the landscape in game drive vehicles and on foot, as well as excursions to view fascinating geological phenomena, petroglyphs – prehistoric rock engravings – and San rock art at Twyfelfontein, Namibia’s first World Heritage Site. It is also possible at certain times of the year to see desert-adapted elephant that come to look for water in the ancient river bed nearby.

Doro Nawas is a joint venture with the Doro !Nawas community creating a safari experience that has brought in economic empowerment and jobs for the local community. The staff at the lodge have an intimate knowledge of the surrounding country and are happy to share stories of their experiences growing up in Namibia. One of the high lights is the introduction to the dinner menu which is read out first in the local clicking dialect, and then followed in English. Staff will patiently (and humorously) try to teach guests a few sounds and clicks but always with the same result – lots of laughter!

In the main building there is a lounge area and dining room as well as outdoor seating on the veranda and roof top. There is a small but welcome swimming pool and shaded sun loungers. Each guest is given an aluminium water bottle with their name on it, these can be refilled at the chilled water coolers before activities and are just one of the eco-friendly policies at Doro Nawas.

Rooms at Doro Nawas
From the exterior the rooms look a little dour, especially as you enter from the rear. Inside they are quite stark but there is purpose to their stone floors and walls which is to help keep the interior cool. Large glass patio doors sweep back to reveal a private deck and spectacular vistas. Each unit comprises a bedroom, bathroom, outdoor shower, and veranda for stargazing or sleep-outs under the stars.

Dining
All meals are taken in the dining area which has an indoor and outdoor area. By day temperatures can be stifling and guests are glad for the air conditioned interior but it is lovely to take drinks or meals outside when it is cooler. Breakfast is a buffet with an additional hot selection which can be ordered from the kitchen. Lunch is a light meal with salads, quiches and home baked bread whilst dinner is a three course affair with a choice of options. All of it is freshly prepared  and a high light of a stay at the property.

Activities
The two most popular activities are the Wildlife and Scenic Drives, and the visits to the geological excursions. The wildlife drives head to a dry river bed where the desert adapted elephant congregate in the shade of the trees and dig for water. Along the way you might be lucky to see springbok and gemsbok. You can enjoy a picnic lunch or a sun downer stop before returning to the lodge.

There are some amazing opportunities for guided walks in the area. Visit the ancient San rock art at Twylfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes, all amazing geological phenomena. Learn about the flora and fauna of this incredibly harsh environment where adaptation to the desert environment is the miracle of all that survives here.

Your guides will also be happy to show you the behind the scenes work of the Doro !Nawas Conservancy and the Damara Living Museum which gives an insight into the traditional culture of the Damara people.

For more information about safari holidays in Namibia, or staying at Doro Nawas, contact us here or call +44 208 249 5919 to speak to our Africa holidays and honeymoon team.