(18 dorm beds, 3 double rooms) 5 Voight St, Windhoek Central, PO Box 6107, Windhoek; tel: 061 244347; fax: 061 247668; email: chamnam@chameleon.com.na, chamnam@namib.com; web: www.chameleonbackpackers.com
An offshoot of the established Chameleon Backpackers, City Lodge was opened in 2001 and is already proving a success. Guests are collected at any time of day or night off incoming buses at the terminal by the Grab-a-phone kiosk in central Windhoek. Those who are walking from the stop should head north up Independence Avenue, then turn right on Sam Nujoma and left on to Daniel Mandume, where the Chameleon sign will be above you to the left (turn left, then left again into Trift St, and finaly left into Voight St).

City lodge is set to become the benchmark for backpackers' hostels. Bright, cheerful and clean, its small, well-decorated dormitories are comfortable and well thought out, while double rooms offer a degree of privacy, with their own washbasins. Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, TV and video, a safe for valuables and a secure cage for luggage, not to mention phone, bar, and internet access. There's a barbecue area too, with umbrellas set out on the grass for shade. And for N$25 they'll do your laundry! Secure parking is also available.