About Chameleon Safaris
Established in 1995 by Jackie Burton, after many years backpacking in Asia and from Cairo to Cape Town, it seemed a natural decision to share my love for Namibia, its people and the amazing animals, with others. I did so by starting a company offering safaris in Namibia and being fascinated by chameleons and having had some very close encounters whilst backpacking, it was a natural step to name the company after my favourite animal. Joined in 2000 by Bossie Coetzer, who had backpacked through America, Europe and Southern Africa, we made a formidable team and started our crazy adventure together. Through the years we have recruited and trained many Namibians into this wonderful industry as well as made some amazing friends from around the world.
Our focus early on was to support local Namibian communities to ensure that the tourism dollar reached the rural areas as all Namibians should benefit, as well as introduce our guests to genuine characters in off the beaten track places. This meant we had to move from minibuses to 4×4 vehicles to enable us to reach some of the lesser-known areas.
Bronhil
Born in Windhoek and raised in Rehoboth, Bronhil has a vibrant, energetic personality that makes him blend right in as a Chameleon. As a camp assistant, he takes pride in helping guests around camp and entertaining them with campfire stories. Aus, near Lüderitz, is his favourite place for its wild weather and scenery.
Gideon
Gideon is one of Chameleon's coolest tour guides — he loves driving, travelling and meeting people from around the world. He grew up in the Oshikoto region of northern Namibia and is passionate about showing visitors his country. Before tourism he worked as a taxi driver and in security; guiding opened a whole new chapter.
Gregory
Gregory joined Chameleon in 2021 as a day trip guide and now leads 12-day adventures across Namibia. He grew up on a farm outside Windhoek and loves that every bend in the road brings something new. Around the campfire his deep voice takes centre stage — and his creamy bacon pasta is legendary.
Johnny
Before becoming one of Chameleon's veterans and long time drivers, Johnny grew up in the North of Namibia, Oshikoto looking after cattle and goats. Later Johnny also moved to the coastal town of Walvis Bay, where he became very fond of the dunes, making the desert his favourite place to visit. Johnny firmly believes one can never go wrong with a proper braai in the desert after a long day.
Josef
Born in Oshakati and raised in Walvis Bay, Josef grew up with a love of soccer. He moved to Windhoek for studies and joined Chameleon in early 2023 as a day trip guide; he now runs multiday safaris too. He enjoys meeting guests and seeing their reactions to Namibia's culture and landscapes.
Kennedy
Kennedy, a Travel & Tourism graduate, ran our free walking tour in 2017, impressing all those that met him with his extensive knowledge of Windhoek. After 1 year of wandering the city streets and enlightening all those he met, Kennedy joined the team as a trainee tour guide and has made the grade. He is now a guide running great safaris on his own.
Michael
Michael is one of our drivers, getting you safely between Namibia's best destinations. He grew up in Otjiwarongo and enjoys a calm, steady approach to life. Etosha is his favourite stop — a perfect match for someone who loves animals and meeting new people.
Raymond
Having a very quiet demeanour, Raymond grew up in Windhoek with his parents and visited his grandparents during the holidays. One can say that he partially lives his dream job as a day trip guide and is in training to become one of the multiday guides of Chameleon Safaris. He enjoys travelling and making memorable meals for the guests. His favourite place to visit is Luderitz, Sossusvlei, and Swakopmund.
Smithley
Smithley was born and raised in Windhoek. Quiet at first glance, he is formidable on the football pitch. As a camp assistant he is eager to learn and loves sharing Namibia's culture with travellers from around the world.
Taimi
Taimi was one of our interns who took to running our free walking tour in November 2018 and has done so with boundless enthusiasm until she worked towards her bigger dream. Today she is our only female guide, running 12-day Classic Namibia Camping Safaris with ease and as a foodie, she ensures that you will have the best meals ever on safari with her.
Ali
Ali became a Chameleon back in 2016 after completing our in-house hospitality training program with Chameleon backpackers. He quickly showed his chameleon capabilities, changing and adapting to every role from housekeeping to reservations and then to the administration department. He now plays a key role in supporting the whole office team.
Emgard
Emgard is our booking specialist, raised by her grandparents from the age of three months. She aims to grow her career at Chameleon while building strong professional relationships. Off duty she paints with her two boys and enjoys pap and omahere at home.
Jordan
Jordan makes sure clients are happy and accommodation is sorted — whether with an infectious laugh, the perfect playlist, or charm at the booking desk. He joined Chameleon in 2022 and ensures everyone who walks into the office leaves well looked after.
Lynn
Lynn is our group accountant — the one who makes the sums add up. She has lived in Windhoek since age 11 and loves hiking, especially the Auasblick mountains at sunset. Off duty you'll find her with a novel, at the movies, or over a bowl of pasta.
Macedo
Macedo leads the office team and handles business development. He grew up in Rundu and studied in Windhoek before joining Chameleon. He is passionate about positive energy, community work, and backing it up with hard graft.
Suzie
Meet Suzie, our General Manager, who was born and raised in Kamanjab in the Kunene Region of Namibia. Suzie's first role at Chameleon was back in 2000 at the tender age of 19, as a trainee guide where she met her husband, a fellow Chameleon. After leaving for greener pastures, Suzie returned and while she is no longer on the road leading tours, she is now the manager ensuring the longevity of Chameleon.
Iina
Iina is our Workshop Assistant and knows exactly what it takes to prepare safari vehicles for the road. From northern Namibia, she values the independence her work gives her. She joined Chameleon in 2012 and keeps the workshop running in good order.
Mundu
Mundu joined Chameleon as an apprentice mechanic in 2017 and qualified as a diesel mechanic. He keeps our safari fleet road-ready on Namibia's gravel roads — no small task. Off the workshop floor he is at home with family and friends.
Willem
Willem is our Logistics Manager, with Chameleon stints from 2000 and returning in 2018. He keeps vehicles running smoothly and mentors our guiding team. Decades in the field mean he knows what it takes to run a safe, well-oiled safari operation.
