Doro Nawas rests on the edge of the dry Aba-Huab River overlooking ancient plains, with glorious views of north-west Namibia’s rugged Damaraland stretching in every direction. The otherworldly panoramas range from tabletop outcrops to small canyons to dry riverbeds to golden savannah.
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.
Doro Nawas – ‘the place where rhinos used to live’ in the Damara language – appears as a fortress on a rocky citadel, its main area, surrounded by 16 wood, canvas, and thatch suites, including a family unit. The camp blends with the surrounding ochres and rusts, open to the desert but with plenty of nooks for shade; an inviting pool area offers further cool respite. Each guest room comprises a bedroom, bathroom, outdoor shower, and veranda for star gazing or sleeping under the stars. There are indoor and outdoor dining areas and a small curio shop.
This is a wonderful area for enjoying the dramatic Damaraland landscape. There are no large concentrations of wildlife; however this seemingly stark environment is amazingly home to a range of wildlife including desert-adapted elephant, gemsbok, springbok and a variety of other species such as bat-eared fox and the occasional glimpse of black rhino and cheetah. Birdlife is excellent with several Namibian endemics, such as Damara hornbill, Carp’s tit and Rüpell’s korhaan.
Desert-adapted wildlife such as springbok, gemsbok and elephant can be seen on nature drives which are topped off with a river lunch or scenic walk at “Little Table Mountain”.
Back of house tours and camp chats about the Doro !Nawas Conservancy, the Damara/Nama language and traditions offer rewarding insights into the community, while the Damara Living Museum displays the traditional culture of the Damara people.
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.
Nature walks from camp take in the magnificent surrounds as well as offer a glimpse at vestiges of the Strandloper (Beachcomber) lifestyle from hundreds of years ago. It is also a good opportunity to study the smaller creatures and the fascinating plant life of the concession.
Learn more about the survival strategies of the desert-adapted flora and fauna of this challenging environment.
A number of endemic bird species call Doro Nawas’ rocky slopes and seemingly barren valleys home, such as Ruppell’s korhaan or Benuela long-billed lark.
