Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy
Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy is a protected area in Namibia.
Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy at a Glance
- Location
- Central Coast & Erongo, Namibia, Southern Africa
- Coordinates
- -20.708525, 14.195172
- Crowds
- Very Quiet
- Malaria Risk
- Low
- Best Time to Visit
- May to October (dry winter) for Etosha wildlife. Year-round for Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast.
Getting to Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy
Nearest airport: Okakarara Airfield (FYOK), 341 km away.
Nearest international airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), 392 km away.
Big Five in Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy
2 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, Black Rhinoceros.
Wildlife in Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy
Home to 25 recorded species including 7 iconic birds, 5 birds of prey, 3 big five, 3 waterbirds, 2 big herbivores, 2 antelope & gazelle.
Notable Species
- Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus leucomelas) - Iconic Birds
- Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) - Iconic Birds
- African Savanna Elephant (Loxodonta africana) - Big Five
- Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) - Birds of Prey
- Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) - Birds of Prey
- Southern Giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) - Big Herbivores
- Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) - Birds of Prey
- Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) - Antelope & Gazelle
- Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus) - Birds of Prey
- African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) - Waterbirds
- Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus) - Iconic Birds
- Gemsbok (Oryx gazella) - Antelope & Gazelle
- Abdim's Stork (Ciconia abdimii) - Waterbirds
- Lion (Panthera leo) - Big Five
- Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) - Big Five
- Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) - Big Herbivores
- Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) - Waterbirds
- Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) - Birds of Prey
- Flap-necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) - Reptiles
- Gray Go-away-bird (Crinifer concolor) - Iconic Birds
Safari Lodges in Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy
5 safari lodges available.
ultra-luxury
- Damaraland Camp - https://www.wildernessdestinations.com/camps/namibia/damaraland/damaraland-camp
- Desert Rhino Camp - https://www.wildernessdestinations.com/camps/namibia/palmwag/desert-rhino-camp
- Onduli Ridge - https://naturalselection.travel/camps/onduli-ridge/
luxury
mid-range
Similar Parks in Central Coast & Erongo
- //Audi
- Cape Cross Seal Reserve
- Dorob National Park
- Doro !nawas Area2 Conservancy
- Erongo Mountain Nature Sanctuary
- #Gaingu Conservancy
- //Huab Conservancy
- Ohungu Conservancy
- Otjimboyo Conservancy
- Skeleton Coast Park
- Sorris Sorris Conservancy
- Spitzkoppe National Park
- Tsiseb Conservancy
- Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancy
- ǃKhoro ǃGoreb Conservancy
Visitor Tips - Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy
The stark beauty of the ancient desert landscapes here is truly humbling, a place where the silence speaks volumes. We love the feeling of profound remoteness and the chance to connect with nature on a deeply personal level.
Gate Times
Access to the conservancy is generally controlled by the lodges within it. We recommend confirming gate times and any specific access requirements directly with your chosen accommodation. Permits are usually arranged by the lodge. For Etosha, gates typically open at sunrise and close at sunset, with variations depending on the camp.
Tipping
Tipping is customary and appreciated. For guides, we suggest around N$100-N$200 per guest per day, depending on the service. For camp staff, a general tip pool of N$50-N$100 per guest per day is a good benchmark, distributed amongst housekeeping, kitchen, and other support staff. Hand cash tips directly to individuals or leave them in a designated tip box.
Health & Travel Info
Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy FAQs
What is the ideal time to visit Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy for wildlife viewing and to experience its unique solitude?
The dry season, from May to October, is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around scarce water sources. This period also offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures, perfect for experiencing the conservancy's exceptional solitude and stargazing opportunities due to its extremely low crowding.
Beyond wildlife, what unique experiences can visitors expect at Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy, given its low crowding?
Doro !nawas offers an unparalleled sense of remote wilderness and tranquility, making it ideal for those seeking an escape from bustling tourist areas. You can expect vast, dramatic desert landscapes, ancient geological formations, and a profound connection with nature, often feeling like you have the entire conservancy to yourself.
What specific types of wildlife can I hope to encounter in Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy, distinct from other safari destinations?
Doro !nawas is renowned for its desert-adapted wildlife, including the elusive desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos, which have evolved unique survival strategies in this arid environment. You might also spot oryx, springbok, and a variety of unique bird species thriving in the Namibian desert landscape.
How safe is Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy for travelers, particularly concerning health and navigating such a remote area?
Doro !nawas is considered very safe for travelers, with a notably low malaria risk, which is a significant advantage for health-conscious visitors. While self-driving is possible, it's highly recommended to use a reputable tour operator or experienced guide due to the challenging terrain and vast, unmarked areas.
What kind of safari experience and associated costs should I anticipate for a trip to Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy?
A safari to Doro !nawas typically offers a more exclusive, high-quality wilderness experience, often involving eco-lodges or tented camps that blend into the environment. Costs can vary widely but generally reflect the remote location, specialized guiding, and low-impact tourism model, making it a premium destination for discerning travelers.
Recommended Books
- The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
- Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
- Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
- Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
- Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
- National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
- Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
- The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
- Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
- Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
- The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
- The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
- Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
- Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
- African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
- Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
- Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
- Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
- The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
- The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
- Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
- When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
- Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
- Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
- Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
- Bradt Guide: Namibia by Chris McIntyre - Comprehensive guide to Namibia - Etosha, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland. Self-drive routes, camp reviews, and wildlife guides.
- Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
- Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
- Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
- Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
- Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.
Bookable Safari Packages in Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy
Curated safari packages featuring Doro !nawas Area1 Conservancy, bookable through Safari.com.
- 10 Day Namibia Must-See - Namibia Must-See is an exciting self-drive adventure, exploring the popular areas of this beautiful country. The colossal red dunes and desert-adapted wildlife are intensified by the luxurious accommodation and rich cultural experiences in private reserves. On this adventure, you will go out to the heart of Windhoek, experience the idyllic Okonjima Nature Reserve, search for desert-adapted Elephant at Mowani Mountain Lodge, visit Swakopmund where the Namibian sand dunes meet the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, and finally take in the impressive red dunes of Sossusvlei. (From R58,217)
- 12-Day Rovos Rail Namibia to South Africa Safari - This journey commences in Walvis Bay, Namibia, traversing the Namib Desert to Otjiwarongo, where guests can observe desert-adapted wildlife in Etosha National Park. Experience the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei and marvel at the quiver trees in Garas Park. Explore Luderitz for its colonial architecture and abundant wildlife, including seals and flamingos, before visiting the largest canyon in the southern hemisphere. Discover Upington and enjoy an exclusive cruise on the Orange River as you cross into South Africa to explore the Diamond Mine Museum in Kimberley. (From R215,000)
- 5-Day Luxury Walvis Bay Safari at Pelican Point Lodge (From R49,494)
- 4-Day Zannier Omaanda Safari - Zannier Omaanda, nestled in the heart of the Namibian savannah, is an exclusive lodge that offers a unique blend of luxury, wildlife, and authentic African charm. Located within the Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê, a sprawling 9,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary, Omaanda provides an unparalleled safari experience. (From R20,510)
- 10-Day Namibian Highlights Tour - Enjoy Namibia’s most popular destinations on this compact guided tour that incorporates visits to the Kalahari and Namib deserts – including the famed Sossusvlei dunes, the intriguing coastal town of Swakopmund, the Twyfelfontein rock engravings and Etosha National Park. The easiest way to travel the country, the Highlights Tour provides a comprehensive, informative, and fun-filled Namibian feast, without the hassle. It could not be simpler. Just hop aboard, sit back, and savour the delights this superlative country has to offer (From R63,722)
- 9 Day Diverse Namibia - Experience the incredible wonders Namibia has to offer with this amazing 9-day safari. This tour is created on past client experiences but you are welcome to replace your accommodation to a level that suits your comfort preference and your wallet. Our travel experts will be happy to assist you with alternative options. (From R113,439)