Damaraland, Namibia
Wilderness Doro Nawas Camp
Wake up with dramatic views of the desert
Blending in with the surrounding rugged terrain, the thatched stone Wilderness Doro Nawas Camp is set atop a rocky mount in the dry and dramatic Aba-Huab River Valley. Taking full advantage of those sweeping Damaraland vistas, the main portion of the camp provides indoor and alfresco dining, a pool plus a flat roof for perfect sundowning and stargazing.
Meanwhile each of the sixteen open-plan chalets also enjoy fantastic views with their large glass doors opening out onto a verandah. Take in the awesome plains and Etendeka mountains from here and on warm evenings wheel your bed out for a magical night under the stars.
Head out into the diverse land on exploratory hikes and 4×4 drives in search of desert-adapted elephant, springbok and – if you’re lucky – the black rhino. The ancient Twyfelfontein San Rock art engravings are also nearby, while cultural visits provide an insight into the work undertaken by Doro Nawas to create economic empowerment for the local community.
Highlights
16 thatch suites with views over the desert
Opprtunity to engage with the local Doro Nawas community
A chance to spot black rhinos, elephants and other desert-adapted animals
Sleep under one of the least polluted skies in the world
Locally grown ingredients used in traditional recipes
Sleep-out deck for incredible stargazing
The impact of your stay:
- Wilderness has made a significant impact in Namibia, covering a cumulative area of approximately 1,673,100 hectares. Through the Namibia Large Fauna Programme, they actively engage in ongoing conservation initiatives for desert-adapted wildlife species, including large predators such as lions, leopards, brown and spotted hyenas, as well as the desert-adapted elephant and black rhinos, giraffes, and other ungulates.
- Doro Nawas operates under a joint venture conservancy lease scheme, marking the first of its kind in Namibia. These conservancies empower local communities by providing them with a stake in the ownership of the camps, along with receiving annual lease fees. Wilderness prioritises training and local hiring, further supporting these communities through employment opportunities.
- In a bid to reduce their environmental footprint and strengthen community ties, Doro Nawas incorporates a variety of traditional recipes and indigenous ingredients into their menu. This includes venison, dates, local spinach, and beans cooked on an open fire in the boma or served fresh from the BBQ, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and local culture.
Trip Inspiration
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Places to combine Wilderness Doro Nawas with
Sossusvlei
Offering more of a ‘boutique’ polish and size set in the 37,000- hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, and a stone’s throw from the Sossusvlei dunes, this beautiful lodge is easily the most luxurious in the area.
Wilderness Little Kulala consists of 11 climate-controlled thatched suites, sympathetically designed so as to merge deceptively into the desert landscape. Each one is air conditioned with an en-suite bathroom, and has its own private outdoor pool and shower. The rooms are huge and with floor-to-ceiling windows designed to spoil you with the incredible views that flood in. Or take it a step further and star gaze in style on your own private rooftop.
The main lodge is built on three levels and provides an elegant entertainment area, with a spacious lounge, stylish dining area , well-stocked reference library and its own wine cellar to boot.
Namibia
Wilderness Serra Cafema is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia on the banks of the Kunene River in the Hartmann Valley. Undoubtedly amongst the most remote camps in Southern Africa, Serra Cafema is only reachable by light aircraft which adds to the exclusivity of this beautiful property.
Wilderness Serra Cafema is an intimate, peaceful camp with a unique mix of rustic and luxury elements nestled amongst the shady Albida trees on the banks of the Kunene. Rapids just below camp provide a calming ambiance with guests often lulled into dreamland by the gurgling waters after a day exploring one of the driest, starkly beautiful regions in the world.
Accommodation at here consists of eight riverside Meru-style canvas and thatched villas on spacious, elevated decks blended smoothly into the picturesque surroundings. Each fully furnished tent has an en-suite bathroom, ceiling fan and mosquito nets. A late afternoon spent lounging on the front deck soaking up the breathtaking vistas of this contrasting wilderness is an absolute must.
