Julie Ives

I first came to Namibia as a tourist with a backpack for 10 days in 1999 as part of a round-the-world adventure. Well, this trip was cut short when I decided to stay in Namibia and became a tour guide, giving me the perfect excuse to continually explore the country, see the ever-changing seasons and take clients on the road, giving others the chance to see some of the beauty I was lucky enough to enjoy every day. I moved into the office in 2004 and Chameleon Holidays became "my baby” and I’m still here. I love putting together personalized itineraries so every visitor has the chance to make the most of their time in Namibia or Botswana, see the best bits, and what most interests them as individuals, and of course, having happy clients at the end with huge smiles on their faces after their holiday. I love Namibia, the huge open spaces and blue skies and the incredible variation of the desert and hauntingly beautiful landscapes. Its lack of people, along with the wonderful game viewing experiences and conservation programmes, make it for me, one of the best holiday destinations anywhere in the world and a complete contrast to many other African countries. Each country has its own appeal but this place that I am very lucky to call home, it makes my soul sing….

I would say, well, we are based here in Namibia, so I have a good understanding of the country. I also have a huge passion for its beauty and want every client to see and experience Africa. Both Namibia and Botswana can be expensive (certainly more so than Asia) but there are good value options around, which I can help you find. I can advise on a self-drive, a private-guided or even a fly-in tour - all depends on your budget and how you want to travel.