Wilderness Doro Nawas

• Upmarket bush camp in the dry Aba-Huab river valley
• Choice of optional game drives, bush walks and rock art excursions
• Overlooks the Etendeka plateau
• Close to the Twyfelfontein rock engravings
•  Spacious well-appointed rooms

Wilderness Doro Nawas nestles against a small hill on the edge of the dry Aba-Huab River with glorious views of the ancient plains of rugged Damaraland. This Namibian landscape ranges from boulder-strewn floodplains to curious rock formations surrounded by sand dunes. This is prime desert elephant territory as the herds traverse the riverbed daily in search of water and foliage.

Accommodation

Wilderness Doro Nawas has 16 spacious chalets made of stone, canvas, wood and thatch. Each chalet has stunning panoramic views of the Etendeka plateau and the sandstone cliffs of nearby Twyfelfontein. Each has a spacious en suite bathroom and bedroom with floor to ceiling glass walls that open up completely onto your own private veranda with outdoor shower. The unusual roll-out beds mean you can opt to enjoy a sleepout under the Namibian stars on this raised deck.

The unusual and slightly curious main lodge is perched on the rocky outcrop with commanding views of the spectacular Etendeka mountains to the north, the sandstone cliffs of Twfelfontein to the south and the plains of the dry river below. The design and décor is unique to the surrounding Damaraland scenery. However it provides a cool refuge from the summer heat with both indoor and outdoor dining areas including a courtyard boma, as well as a sitting area, bar and small curio shop. Just below lies a pool deck with sun loungers. Upstairs the rooftop deck offers 360 degree views over the valley – perfect for relaxing sundowners or perhaps a spot of star gazing.

Activities

The primary activities are the nature/game drives into the arid Aba-Huab river valley which offers the possibility of seeing desert elephant or even black rhino, gemsbok, ostrich and springbok. At Twyfelfontein you can view Africa's largest collection of petroglyphs (prehistoric rock engravings) by the original San (bushmen) people. Other excursions include visits to the local village, the petrified forest and the Damara Living Museum if you stay for 3 nights. The combination of Africa’s past and present makes Doro Nawas a fascinating visit.

The lodge lies in the Doros Nawas conservancy which is actually community-owned so that the wildlife belongs to the people. This ownership has led to remarkable conservation initiatives where communities have learnt to live in harmony with desert animals such as elephants. This is because they benefit from tourism to see the wildlife, with wells being maintained for both man and animal. The conservancy is a joint venture between Wilderness, the Doro !Nawas community and a Namibian empowerment company.

Doro Nawas is an easy accessible base for exploring the local area. This allows the combination of a luxury safari experience with economic empowerment for the local community. You can explore either using your own rental car, or participate in the lodge's game drives and guided excursions to Twyfelfontein and elsewhere. This is included if you book the fully inclusive rate, or available as extras if you book DBB.