Chameleon Backpackers

Chameleon Backpackers is a hostel in central Windhoek, a short walk from the Wernhill Shopping Centre. It has dormitories and private rooms, some with air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. The property includes a pool for cooling off in the Namibian heat, and an outdoor kitchen where you can cook meals overlooking the garden.

A free walking tour of Windhoek leaves daily at nine in the morning, useful for stretching your legs after a long flight. The on-site travel desk books safaris and day trips across Namibia, and the bar serves home-cooked evening meals or pizza on request. Parking is available for those with rental cars or 4x4s.

The hostel opened in 1995 and was one of the first in Namibia. It runs on solar power and recycles water, with a focus on training young Namibians in hospitality. The travel agency here can also help plan self-drive trips through Namibia and neighboring countries.