About Us
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, it’s 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.
Guides / Drivers
Bronhil
Born in Windhoek and raised in Rehoboth, Bornhil has proven to have a vibrant, energetic, and adaptive personality, which makes him blend right in as a Chameleon. As a camp assistant, Bornhil takes pride in his job, as he enjoys providing the clients with needs help around the camp, and further keeps them enlightened and intrigued with campfire stories. His favourite place to visit, is Aus, as it never ceases to amaze with unpredictable weather and beautiful scenery, situated close to Luderitz.
Gideon
Gideon is one of Chameleon’s coolest Tour Guides, who says he loves his job because it gives him an opportunity to drive and travel around and meet new different people. He grew up in the Oshikoto region of Northern Namibia and loves to show tourists all around his country. Before joining Chameleon, Gideon worked in a range of different jobs from taxi driving to the security industry, but has embraced tourism and loves the new opportunities that being a tour guide brings.
Gregory
Joined Chameleon Safaris in 2021 as a day trip guide and worked his way to one of our more experienced guides that will take you on 12-day adventures through Namibia. The farm was his greatest escape outside of Windhoek while growing up, Gregroy enjoys being a guide as he now can’t choose a favourite place in Namibia, as around each bend of the road, a new memory and experience await. One must not be blinded by his stature, because once the fire clatters, Gregory can divert the conversation and take the floor with his deep strong voice when he sings. The way he prepares and presents his favourite meal – creamy bacon pasta – is unmatched.
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 in the North of Namibia, but moving to the coastal town of Walvis, Josef grew up with a strong love to watch and play soccer. After high school, he moved to Windhoek to further his studies and kill time on off days by linking up with friends and enjoying pizza. Josef joined Chameleon Safaris in early 2023 as a day trip guide and is now one of our multiday safari guides as well. He enjoys being a guide, as he gets to interact with people and see their expressions as they enjoy local culture and experiences.
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 and has made the grade. He is now a guide running great safaris on his own.
Michael
One of our drivers, Michael ensures you get safely from one amazing destination to another. Growing up in Otjiwarongo, Michael enjoys a calm way of doing things. He enjoys watching TV shows and reading books. He also enjoys interacting with a variety of different people. With his love of animals and meeting new people, it make sense that visiting Etosha is his favourite thing to do. A Chameleon with balance!
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, also a newly established Chameleon, was born and raised in Windhoek. As quiet as he may seem, given the chance, he can be lethal when playing football. He takes pride in his job as camp assistant, and is eager to grow and learn. It provides him with the opportunity to share and experience Namibia’s diverse culture and landscapes with people from all over the world. Smithley believes that mielie pap and condensed milk should be considered an authentic braai delicacy.
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.
Office Team
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, our favourite booking specialist, grew up with her grandparents from the tender age of only 3 months. Her long-term goal is to enhance her career skills while expanding her professional network within Chameleon Safaris. She enjoys doing creative art, such as painting with her two boys, and then enjoying the comfort of a homemade meal of pap and omahere.
Jordan
Whether it’s an infectious laugh, having the most versatile playlist, or simply charming accommodation establishments for the best bookings, Jordan delivers it all. He makes sure clients are happy, and accommodation is sorted accordingly. Jordan started as a Chameleon in 2022 and ensures that everyone who comes to the office is assisted and happy. Jordan enjoys doing sports like rugby, lifting heavy and eating even more.
Lynn
Lynn is the lady who makes all the sums add up as the group accountant. She grew up in Windhoek since the age of 11. She enjoys reading novels and going on solo movie dates. However, hiking and the love of the outdoors is her real love. Her favourite place, for now, would be the Auasblick mountains where she can experience a lovely sunset while overlooking the city. After a great hike, she enjoys any and every meal with pasta.
Macedo
The team leader in the office, as well as the Business Development Officer, Macedo grew up in the North-eastern town of Rundu. Macedo completed high school before moving to the Capital to do further studies at the University of Science and Technology. Since his start at Chameleon, he has a passion for chasing positive vibes, in particular making a difference in smaller or less fortunate communities. As hard a worker as he is, he plays even harder!
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.
Behind The Scenes
Iina
Iina is our Workshop Assistant and is the lady who knows what’s going on when it comes to preparing our safari vehicles for a tour. Hailing from the northern parts of Namibia, she loves her job because it allows her to become an independent woman and to take care of her family. She started working at Chameleon in back in 2012 and loves keeping order in the workshop.
Mundu
Joining Chameleon as an apprentice mechanic back in August 2017. From there, Mundu went on to complete his studies as a diesel mechanic and has been the carer of our safari vehicles ever since. This is no easy task with more than 85% of Namibian roads being gravel! Mundu is kept busy checking every vehicle thoroughly, before and after every tour. When he’s not lying under a vehicle, Mundu can be found at home, spending time with family and friends.
Willem
Willem is a long time Chameleon having first joined the team in 2000 – 2003, returning in 2010 – 2012 and then again from 2018 – current, and is the Logistics Manager, ensuring the smooth running of our vehicles and managing our guiding team. With a vast variety of experience to pull from, Willem is well equipped to train and inspire our guiding team as well as ensure our vehicles are in top notch condition.