This terrestrial kingisher is common in Zimbabwe and South Africa, but rare in Namibia, where it is conined to moist woodland associated with the Okavango, Kwando, Chobe and Zambezi rivers at a low reporting rate of 5%. Only one region around Katima Mulilo exhibits reporting rates above 25%. It occupies an area of 12,600 km2 in Namibia, of which 20% occurs in the protected areas of Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara (Mamili) national parks and the Mahango area of Bwabwata National Park. Sightings also occur further south and west from Etosha National Park, the Waterberg Plateau Park and central Namibia.