Doro Nawas Camp

Doro Nawas rests on the edge of the dry Aba-Huab River overlooking ancient plains with glorious views of the rugged Damaraland area. The camp provides an excellent base for exploring 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.

The design and décor of these natural-walled units blend in with the surrounding scenery.

NUMBER OF TENTS: This camp can accommodate 34 guests in total (32 adults and 02 children), plus 08 guide/pilot/tour leaders on a shared accommodation basis, subject to concession numbers and/or concession availability.

16 x Tents in total comprising:

15 x twin-bedded tents each with two three quarter beds.

01 x family unit with two three quarter beds in each bedroom (consists of 02 bedrooms, each with their own bathroom (no outdoor shower) and separate entrances. Tents are separated by a short boardwalk.

Mattress converters are available that transforms twin beds into king-size beds. To be arranged prior to arrival.

Plus guide/pilot/tour leader accommodation comprising:

[04 Pilot/Guide (08 beds in total (with 02 beds per each tent), on a shared accommodation basis, with one adjoining bathroom facility (per each tent) – not of the same standard as guest accommodation)].

Room details

Standard Rooms

Family Unit

There is just one family unit at the property  that can accommodate a family of up to four. As the camp is unfenced and sometimes visited by wildlife such as elephant, children should be supervised at all times.

The design and décor blends seamlessly into the surrounding scenery and comprises of a bedroom, bathroom and an outdoor shower. There is also a veranda for stargazing or sleep-outs under the stars, making your stay an unforgettable experience. Each room also features a safe and access to property amenities such as the pool area and dining areas.

The terrace to spend the night sleeping beneath the stars. Large glass windows provide views and natural light, while the decor has a traditional African style, with polished stone floors, African print fabrics and wooden and wicker furniture.

Standard Room(s)

(15 ROOMS)

The camp comprises 15 canvas tented, twin accommodation, with en-suite facilities. Each built on a raised wooden deck, with rocky pathways on the ground linking through to the main area. The beds are equipped with wheels to roll out onto the deck for sleep-outs.

Family Unit

(1 ROOM)

There is one family unit consisting of two bedrooms, each with two three quarter beds per bedroom, and own en-suite facilities. Separate entrances lead to each bedroom, while a shared outdoor deck and outdoor seating area connects both units (each of the tents are separated by a short boardwalk).

Standard Rooms

Family Unit

CAMP DESIGN AND FACILITIES

Pool in main area with partially shaded deck and loungers.

Living area combining indoor and outdoor dining area and bar with rooftop access for 360 degree panoramic views (weather permitting).

Reading area with a selection of reference books.

Open fireplace.

During winter months a gas heater is stationed in the main area.

Safari Trading Store.

A pair of Olympus binoculars in the main area.

ïComplimentary Wi-Fi access in the main area.

TENT FACILITIES

Canvas tented accommodation on a raised deck, with rocky pathways on the ground.

En-suite facilities with indoor shower, outdoor shower, vanity and toilet.

Beds equipped with wheels (mosquito net available on request only) to roll out onto the deck for sleep-outs (weather permitting and operated subject to the discretion of the Camp Manager).

During winter months hot water bottles and extra blankets are provided.

Writing desk and chair, electronic safe, hairdryer (available on request from reception), tea and coffee making facilities.

No air-conditioning, however, a ceiling and pedestal fan is provided.

Amenities include liquid soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, room spray, insect repellents, washing powder (for smalls), tissues dispensers, an umbrella and laundry bag are supplied in each tent.

ROOM FACILITIES

Electrical Outlets

En-Suite

Fan

Laundry Service (Available)

Mosquito Nets

Outside Shower

Safe

Tea / Coffee

Verandah

Activities Information

You can cool off and relax at the pool between activities, which revolve around game and bird viewing on day and night game drives and guided walks. You can also visit Twyfelfontein, where Africa’s largest collection of ancient petroglyphs can be seen. The art often reflects the area’s wildlife, including springbok, oryx and ostrich found on the plains. Meanwhile, Hartmann’s mountain zebra frequents the higher mountain slopes, and desert-adapted elephant, bat-eared fox and, occasionally, black rhino and cheetah can also be spotted.

Activities on Site

Bird Watching
Game Drives
Sleep Outs
Walks (Guided)

Activities Nearby

Cultural Tours

Game Drives

Game drives are available both in the morning and the afternoon at the camp, revealing the wildlife and scenery of the region in all its glory. A highlight is spotting the desert-adapted elephant. The natural cycle of rainfall will dictate the seasonal movement of wildlife in the area which will affect what guests are able to witness during their trip.

Guided Walks

Guided nature walks will allow guests to learn about the geological wonders of the area as well as explore the flora and fauna that has adapted to survive such harsh conditions in the desert. Other sightings include birds and reptiles.

Star Bed/Sleep Out

Guests can choose to sleep outside on their private veranda under the starry skies of the Namib, falling asleep to the tranquil sounds of the natural environment as well as star gazing as the night draws in.

Cultural Experiences

Guests are welcome to take back of house tours and camp chats about the conservancy that the property is based on. Rewarding insights are available by learning about the Damara/ Nama language while the Damara Living Museum displays the traditional culture of the local people.

Geological Excursions

Visit the ancient San rock art at Twyfelfontein, a World Heritage Site, as well as the Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes, all unusual and ancient geological phenomena.

RATING

Adventures Camp

TYPE

Safari Lodge

NO. ROOMS

16

SPOKEN LANGUAGES

English

AVAILABLE SERVICES

Credit Card

CHILD POLICY

All ages are welcome

PET POLICY

Not Allowed

SPECIAL INTERESTS

Birding, Nature, Wildlife

ACCESS – SELF DRIVE BASIS

The camp can be accessed by road, parking in camp at own risk. Closer to the time of travel, we recommend that you contact your travel consultant with regards to road conditions which may be affected by seasonal changes, e.g. high rains.

Doro Nawas Coordinates: 20°26’57.84″S 14°18’09.14″E

ACCESS – FLY IN BASIS

Airstrip Name: Doro Nawas Airstrip

Duration to Camp: Approximate 10 minute road transfer (depending on wildlife sightings, scenery and photographic opportunities en-route)

Airstrip Coordinates: 20°27’20.00″S 14°18’00.00″E

Altitude/Elevation: 1 600 feet

Runway Length: 1 550 metres

Runway Heading: 07/25

Airstrip Surface: Compacted gravel surface

Airstrip Services: Doro Nawas

By vehicle or on foot, marvel at how local desert-adapted creatures survive: elephants, springbok, gembok, zebras, and other species. Spot one of the endemic avian species, perhaps a Ruppell’s korhaan or Benguela long-billed lark.

Drive across the plains for the astounding San rock art, including prehistoric rock engravings, at Twyfelfontein, Namibia’s first World Heritage Site. Imagine millions of years past, when the geological formations around you were formed. Watch the setting sun paint the sky orange, pink, and gold. Fall asleep under one of the least polluted skies on Earth, and a canopy of infinite stars.

Damaraland is not a classic wildlife destination; wildlife is sparse and the main attraction is the arid desert environment. Desert elephant and black rhino are the animals most people come to see, but other wildlife includes gemsbok, greater kudu, eland and springbok. Giraffe and Hartmann’s Mountain zebra are nomadic visitors to the area.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Damaraland can be visited any time of the year, although the Dry season (May to October) is the most productive for wildlife watching. At this time animals tend to seek out limited water sources and can be more easily seen. During the Wet season (November to April), animals tend to scatter and become harder to locate.

Birding Information

Damaraland has more than 200 bird species recorded, including several arid-country specials. The area is rich in near-endemics, which are sought after because of their restricted range. These include violet wood-hoopoe, Hartlaub’s francolin, Rüppel’s parrot, Monteiro’s hornbill, Carp’s tit, bare-cheeked babbler, rockrunner and white-tailed shrike. Raptors are also well represented and the majestic Verreaux’s eagle can sometimes be seen soaring above the rocky cliffs. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Best Time for Bird Watching

Damaraland is a great birding destination year-round. A lot of the specials are resident and present throughout the year. Bird watching is at its best in the hot summer months from November to April when migrants are present.

Situated within the Doro! Nawas Conservancy in the dry Aba-Huab River Valley, the camp makes an excellent base for exploring the area’s diverse range of wildlife, including desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, springbok, oryx, ostrich and an array of birdlife, some of which are endemic to the region such as the Damara hornbill, Carp’s tit and Rüpell’s korhaan. The camp is also close to Twyfelfontein, home to over 2,000 ancient rock art sites.

Guests can enjoy expansive 360-degree views over starkly scenic Damaraland during their stay.

The area has Africa’s largest collection of prehistoric rock art at Twyfelfontein, and ancient rock formations.

Desert-adapted elephant herds traverse the riverbed seasonally.

Facilities at the property include an indoor and outdoor dining area, a swimming pool and small curio shop.

Each room includes amenities such as an En-suite, outdoor shower and a veranda for stargazing.

Guests can learn about the sustainability in place in the property, witnessing the work between the property and Wilderness Safaris

ELECTRICITY AND WATER

Camp is connected to the national grid, with a 220 V generator as back-up.

220V multi-plug adaptor charging facilities for mobile devices. Additional charging facilities (available on request and prior notice essential) for the use of sleep apnoea machines (guests to provide own device, spare batteries, charging unit and adaptors).

Solar heated water for showers.

EXAMPLE OF A TYPICAL DAY: Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer and wildlife sightings.

Early morning wake-up call.

Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.

Return to camp for a meal and rest period.

Meet for afternoon tea before departing on the activity.

Return to camp – freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.

Enjoy a nightcap or discussion around the fire before retiring.

CHILD POLICY

Children of all ages are accommodated and are permitted to participate in activities with all other guests.

Children between 06 and 16 years of age must share with at least one adult in the same tent.

The minimum age for walking activities is 13 years.

LAUNDRY FACILITIES: Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day) and included on the FI rate basis. Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned, washed, dried and ironed, by the evening.

Due to prevailing local cultural traditions, please place any underwear items in the mesh laundry bag provided, so that these can be machine washed separately. Should guests prefer to hand wash, environmentally friendly detergent is available in the tents or can be provided on request.

As an environmentally aware company, we strive to reduce our water usage where we can. Since towel washing consumes an enormous amount of water, we follow the same policy used by most top establishments around the world: should guests want their towels washed, we request that guests please place these into the laundry basket/laundry bag supplied. Towels not in the laundry basket/laundry bag will be hung up and dried for their reuse.

Note that laundry services may be limited as a result of water shortages. We cannot be held liable for any damage to clothing.

Environmental and social responsibility

Doro Nawas Camp is a joint venture between Wilderness Safaris, the Doro! Nawas community and a Namibian empowerment company; the result is therefore a safari experience that provides economic empowerment for the local community and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for its guests.

All the staff are local, and funds are put directly back into the community, which has a 40% share in the property.

Doro Nawas Camp

Some of the animals found in this area.

Skeleton Coastal National Park, Namibia

A head of Elephants – Doro Nawas Camp

A Lizard – Doro Nawas Camp

A White Rhino – Doro Nawas Camp

Impala – Doro Nawas Camp

Kutu fleeing – Doro Nawas Camp

Hartmann’s mountain zebra – Credit- Yathin S Krishnappa (Doro Nawas Camp)

Springbok – Credit Yathin S Krishnappa (Doro Nawas Camp)

Cheetah – Credit: Doro Nawas Camp

The Baboon on the Elephant’s dung – Doro Nawas Camp

Some of the birds found in this area.

Skeleton Coastal National Park, Namibia

Red Billed Spurfowl – Credit Yathin sk (Doro Nawas Camp)

Acacia pied barbet -Credit Ragnhild&Neil (Doro Nawas Camp)

African cuckoo – Credit Maans Booysen,( Doro Nawas Camp)

Bare-cheeked babbler – Credit Ron Knight (Doro Nawas Camp)

Benguela long-billed lark – Credit Katie Reese (Doro Nawas Camp)

Booted eagle – Credit Subramanya C K (Doro Nawas Camp

Cape bunting – Credit Wikimedia Commons (Doro Nawas Camp)

Carp’s tit – Credit Ken Thomas (Doro Nawas Camp)