(26 beds) 22 Wagner St, PO Box 6107, Windhoek; tel/fax: 061 247668; email: chamnam@chameleon.com.na, chamnam@namib.com; web: www.chameleonbackpackers.com
Just west of Beethoven St, Chameleon is about 15 minutes' walk from the centre (some of it uphill, but you can circumnavigate the steep bits). It is a clean, pleasant and well-run backpackers' lodge catering predominantly for the young, professional traveller, and it certainly sets the trend. Residents are offered free tea/coffee and bed linen in dorms for four people, or in twin rooms, either sharing bathrooms or en suite. Use of an equipped kitchen, pool, and Mnet TV lounge is also part of the deal, and laundry facilities are available. There is a free shuttle to the centre to meet bus arrivals and departures. Chameleon also run scheduled camping safaris, and are happy to arrange car hire.