Doros Crater | Otjiwarongo

Information

Landmark: Doros Crater
City: Otjiwarongo
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Doros Crater, Otjiwarongo, Namibia, Africa

The Doros Complex (frequently referred to as the Doros Crater) is a specialized geological site in remote Damaraland, northwestern Namibia, located northwest of the Brandberg Massif.

Geological Profile

Despite the common name, Doros is not an impact crater or a volcanic caldera. It is a differentiated igneous intrusion known as a lopolith. It formed approximately 132 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous, coinciding with the breakup of the Gondwana supercontinent. The teardrop-shaped body covers about 17.4 square kilometers and consists of layered gabbro that dips toward the center, creating a bowl-like underground geometry.

Visual Characteristics

From an aerial perspective, Doros appears as a dark, concentric ringed structure. It is divided into three distinct zones: a red-toned outer ring of rounded hills, a dark inner ring of boulder piles, and a central foliated region. While the surrounding terrain is hyper-arid, the interior of the complex supports hardy vegetation that serves as a micro-habitat for desert-adapted wildlife such as black rhino, gemsbok, and mountain zebra.

Location and Access Logistics

The site is situated at coordinates 20°44'42"S, 14°17'59"E. Reaching Doros requires extreme 4x4 capability. The terrain is rugged, featuring sharp rocks and deep sand with no formal roads.

The Route: The "Doros Crater Trail" (D2303) is a 75 km track running from Rhino Camp near the Ugab River to Twyfelfontein.

Safety: This is a high-risk area for solo travelers due to the lack of water and zero mobile reception. Travel is strictly recommended in multi-vehicle convoys or with professional guides.

Best Time: May is considered the optimal month, as it falls at the end of the rainy season but before the extreme winter nights.

Key Highlights

The area surrounding the crater is home to fragile, ancient lichen fields and the rare Welwitschia mirabilis. Driving off-track is strictly prohibited, as tire marks can destroy these organisms and remain visible for decades. Evidence of early human habitation, including stone tools and rock shelters, has also been documented around the perimeter.