The distribution of Blacksmith Lapwings ranges from southern Kenya to Angola in the west and South Africa in the eastern parts of the continent. They are, however, very rare or have uneven distribution in severe arid areas of western parts of the sub-continent (Namib Desert, Kalahari and parts of the Northern Cape). They are generally absent from northeastern parts of Zimbabwe, Lesotho and the former Transkei region of the Eastern Cape. They are endemic to the African continent.