Habitat and Distribution The main continent of Africa is also home to many species of chameleons, ranging in size from the small Rhampholean species to the giant Chamaeleo melleri. The only place on this continent where chameleons are not found is the inhospitable Sahara desert. However, one species, Chamaeleo namaquensis, is found on the very borders of a similar dry desert in Namibia. The Bradypodian genus is only found in Southern Africa. The climate where chameleons are found on this continent vary from dry and arid desert regions to the very cool and humid mountains of Cameroon and Tanzania. The Middle East, in particular Yemen, is home to the Veiled Chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus. Unlike popular belief, these chameleons do not live exclusively in hot and dry areas. High mountainous regions provide very lush and wet tropical forests, but the lowlands are dry, desert type environments. Veiled Chameleons live in both of these areas, but are more abundant in the tropical regions.