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Chameleon Backpackers Hostel

5 Voigt Street, North Off Trift Street, Windhoek 9000 Namibia
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Traveler (148)
Room & Suite (53)
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About

#4 of 121 Specialty lodging in Windhoek
Location
4.4
Cleanliness
4.4
Service
4.4
Value
4.5
Travelers' Choice
Chameleon is a modern, fun and cosmopolitan Backpackers for all travelers, regardless of their budget and level of comfort. We have a range of small dormitories, tents, twin, double and triple rooms with own or shared bathroom. For those wanting more comfort we also have a range of spacious rooms with en-suite bathrooms with air-conditioning for our hotter months and heating for our winter months. The premier "Elephant" room has a private balcony, outside shower, queen size 4 poster bed and is perfect for honeymoon couples. Our reasonable rates include off street parking, a continental self serve breakfast and free wifi. We also offer braai nights and pizzas for those that want a lazy and relaxed night in, just ask the staff daily what we are offering for that night. Check the daily board inside for the Day Trips offered for that day or ask the staff for more info, there are Day Activities and Multiday Safaris, offered through our sister company Chameleon Safaris, covering all the highlights of our beautiful country. Arriving on the early flight? Then join the FREE City Walking Tour to support our Tourism Students so they can get some great experience showing you the City highlights, whilst walking off your overnight flight. Tour starts from Chameleon @ 09h00 daily. If you need safe long term accommodation while staying in Windhoek, we have flats and rooms available for stays of more than 3 months, which are ideally suited to volunteers, interns and students studying at NUST. Bookings can be made direct.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Hiking
Horseback riding
Airport transportation
BBQ facilities
Secured parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Shallow end in pool
Bar / lounge
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Wine / champagne
Poolside bar
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Car hire
Taxi service
Baggage storage
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
First aid kit
Laundry service
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Room features
Safe
Wardrobe / closet
Tile / marble floor
Oven
Stovetop
Electric kettle
Cable / satellite TV
Walk-in shower
Kitchenware
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
683Reviews5Q+A55Room tips
Traveler rating
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akempe959691 wrote a review Sep 15
1 contribution
We had three clean and well equipped rooms and experienced a very friendly welcome. Breakfast was good and rich.Quiet place in the center of Windhoek and in walking distance to central places. Thank you
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Brecit Hebach, Guest Services / Front Office at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel
Responded 3 days ago
Hi Akempe Thank you for choosing Chameleon Backpackers in Windhoek and for sharing your positive review. We're glad you enjoyed our location, friendly staff, beautiful environment, and delicious breakfast and food. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jette7815 wrote a review Aug 2022
Bonn, Germany12 contributions13 helpful votes
Property's Favorite Review
Great place to stay - nice, spacious and clean rooms. Open kitchen place. Great breakfast and lot‘s of activities- like braai and quiz night on Mondays. Mall is near also a nice German cafe around the corner. The Lodge was the starting, stopover and final point of our our Namibian family summer holidays and felt like home.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Jackie Burton, Owner at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel
Responded Aug 7, 2022
Thank you so much for taking the time to review our Backpackers. We are very happy that you enjoyed our hospitality and that it felt like home. Safe travels and maybe we will see you again one day, cheers
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Neil E wrote a review Sep 14
3 contributions1 helpful vote
Great hostel in central Windhoek. Good atmosphere with very relaxing bar and pool area with tasty food. Good buffet breakfast. Very friendly staff. Recommended as a great place to stay to start or finish a trip to Namibia
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Brecit Hebach, Guest Services / Front Office at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel
Responded 1 week ago
Hi Neil, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience at Chameleon Backpackers! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. We take pride in providing a welcoming environment for all our guests, and we're glad that you found the staff friendly and helpful and that you enjoyed the food. We hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again in the future, should your travels bring you back to our area.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emily W wrote a review Sep 14
Singapore, Singapore330 contributions117 helpful votes
The staff was helpful. They did the best they could under our very difficult circumstances. Everything else was not great. I booked 2 private rooms for my party of 3 but on arrival they only reserved one room. I initially accepted a dorm room with shared bathrooms until I found out that the shared bathrooms were of mixed sex. So I asked a bed to be added to the 1 private room so I can sleep with my friends and have private bathroom. My friend especially insisted on it as she felt the dorm room with no aircon was smelly and not clean. In the end they relented and moved a bed into the private room. I know this is a backpackers lodge and shouldn't expect too much but our tour operator insisted that it would be most convenient for them to collect us for the start of the tour and deposit us after. In the end I cancelled our last night here and booked another hotel and the tour operator still sent us there. The room even without the 3rd bed was small. The aircon barely worked even at the lowest temperatures and highest fan. It was colder outside the room. The shower was ok but the sink tap had hardly any water running. We were tired from travelling and so just put up with the situation. We cancelled our other booking after the safari and booked a much better hotel, paying just a bit more. This is not worth the conditions unless you absolutely cannot afford more for a better hotel. They even wanted to charge me for the room we didn’t stay in, the one which they didn’t have in their system. The next day though they decided to just charge me for 1 room.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Hotels in Windhoek is generally not expensive. Unless you cannot afford it pay just a bit more...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Brecit Hebach, Guest Services / Front Office at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel
Responded 3 days ago
Dear Emily, Thank you for reviewing our property and letting us know about the issues that you experienced during your recent stay at our property. Thanks for the critical and needed comments. Guest satisfaction is our top priority here at Chameleon backpackers! That is why we are very disappointed to hear that our rooms did not meet your expectations. Your remarks have been noted and these issues will certainly be raised with the team, and we apologize for the inconvenience you experienced during your stay and will make every effort to remove all shortcomings as soon as possible. We hope that you will give us another chance again sometime in the future. - Chameleon Backpackers guest service team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Saltz11 wrote a review Sep 13
United States15 contributions7 helpful votes
I stayed here a little over 6 weeks, and enjoyed every moment of it. It is such a clean, comfortable and social place, a very professional and well run establishment. You can see the staff are trained to provide the best service they can, and they made me feel welcomed and at home every single day. The free breakfasts each morning were very hearty and such a convenience to wake up to. The nightly dinners offered were also a great deal, with the brai being my favorite. Chameleon is also in a great location, being within a 5 minute walking distance of a mall (with 3 grocery stores), as well several of the main attractions to see in town. It’s really in the heart of Windhoek. I can’t say enough good things about this place. It really stands out as one of the best hostels I’ve ever been to.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Brecit Hebach, Guest Services / Front Office at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel
Responded 3 days ago
Hi Saltz, Thank you for taking the time to post such a great review of our property. We are so happy that you liked the Backpackers and got to experience the amazing atmosphere and the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. We take great pride in the service Chameleon Backpackers provide and the goal is always to exceed your expectations! If there’s anything we can help you with during your next visit, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We hope to see you soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
naeemsiraj2018 wrote a review Sep 12
Huddersfield, United Kingdom11 contributions5 helpful votes
We stayed at this quirky, characterful B&B both before and after our camping safai (also with Chameleon safaris) and thoroughly enjoyed it! We stayed in different rooms, each with its unique character but particularly enjoyed both the honeymoon suite (Elephant room with it's outdoor shower) and the Lovebirds "treehouse," which we found difficult to leave. Staff were fantastic, especially Hennie who sorted out a room change when requested. The standard rooms are basic but comfortable. Plenty of cosy communal seating areas. Excellent breakfast included and free walking tour of the city. Limited food choice in the evening but pizzas were delicious. Easy walking distance to shops and city centre. Would definitely recommend this (and the safaris as well!)
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Brecit Hebach, Guest Services / Front Office at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel
Responded 1 week ago
Hi, Naeemsiraj Thank you for taking the time to post such a great review of our property. We are so happy that you liked the Backpackers and got to experience the amazing atmosphere and the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. We take great pride in the service Chameleon Backpackers provide and the goal is always to exceed your expectations! You have described our experience so well and are welcome back anytime. If there’s anything we can help you with during your next visit, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We hope to see you soon! - Chameleon Backpackers guest service team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lgiann579494 wrote a review Aug 2023
1 contribution
I've used this guesthouse for 1 night and I found it very good. Rooms cleaned and kind staff. Moreover there is a bar near the pool where you can drink something late in the afternoon and you can play pool table. Promoted!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
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Response from Brecit Hebach, Guest Services / Front Office at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel
Responded 3 weeks ago
Hi, Igiann Thank you for taking the time to post a review of our property. We are so happy that you liked the Backpackers and got to experience the cozy atmosphere and the kindness of the staff. Our goal is always to exceed your expectations! If there’s anything we can help you with during your next visit, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We hope to see you soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
shar0nleahy wrote a review Aug 2023
Kettering, United Kingdom4 contributions
The Chameleon Backpackers Hostel is excellent value for money. The staff are friendly and helpful, the accommodation is quite clean, and a substantial breakfast is included in the price! A worthwhile city tour is also provided as well as information on other tours in Namibia.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
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Response from Brecit Hebach, Guest Services / Front Office at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel
Responded Aug 10, 2023
Hi Sharonleahy Thank you for taking the time to write this great review and for sharing your experience. We are so happy that you liked the breakfast and got to experience the cozy atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff. You have described our experience so well and are welcome back anytime. Our goal is always to exceed your expectations! If there’s anything we can help you with during your next visit, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We hope to see you soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Edward N wrote a review Jul 2023
8 contributions
Chameleon Backpackers was a great place to start your trip in Namibia. They provided secure parking, comfortable room, a nice bar with local beer. I enjoyed the fire they had at night as it was a good place to meet fellow travelers. They also provide tours and information for future travel in Namibia.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Brecit Hebach, Guest Services / Front Office at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel
Responded Aug 1, 2023
Hi Edward, Thank you so much for your great review, you have described our experience so well, we are happy you got to experience the cozy atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff. Our goal is always to exceed your expectations! If there’s anything we can help you with during your next visit, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We hope to see you soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nhajaj371555 wrote a review Jul 2023
1 contribution
Very nice guesthouse, basic breakfast, great location, very good service and hospitality, very good dinner and the wifi was great. We took a free day tour to Windhoek town which was very good. Very recommended guesthouse
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Brecit Hebach, Guest Services / Front Office at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel
Responded Jul 27, 2023
Hi, Nhajaj Thank you for taking the time to post a review of our property. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time at Chameleon Backpackers. Our goal is always to exceed your expectations! If there’s anything we can help you with during your next visit, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We hope to see you soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
$19 - $50 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
chameleon backpackers hotel windhoek
LOCATION
NamibiaKhomas RegionWindhoek
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
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CHAMELEON BACKPACKERS HOSTEL $41 ($̶4̶6̶) - Updated 2023 Prices & Reviews - Windhoek, Namibia

Frequently Asked Questions about Chameleon Backpackers Hostel
Which popular attractions are close to Chameleon Backpackers Hostel?
Nearby attractions include Namibia Craft Centre (0.2 miles), Christuskirche (0.6 miles), and National Museum of Namibia (0.5 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel?
Top room amenities include an oven, a stovetop, and a walk-in shower.
What food & drink options are available at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Chameleon Backpackers Hostel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Skybar, Heinitzburg Castle, and Leo's at the Castle.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Chameleon Backpackers Hostel have airport transportation?
Yes, Chameleon Backpackers Hostel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Chameleon Backpackers Hostel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
Are there any historical sites close to Chameleon Backpackers Hostel?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Nande Explorer Cultural Township Tours (3.6 miles).