Boulenger (1907) described a new gecko 'Phyllodactylus' ansorgii based on two adult females from 'Maconjo, Benguella, Angola,' but subsequent taxonomic reviews of leaf-toed geckos ascribed southern African lineages to new genera and this species has since been tentatively placed under 'Afrogecko.' For over 110 years the type locality remained a mystery, and the gecko became a lost icon of Angolan herpetology. Early searches for the gecko were confounded by misinterpretation of the type locality 'Maconjo,' which it is now evident was confused with a toponym that is a well-known historical locality. Following the discovery of new material in coastal Benguela, an examination of historical documents and cartographic material allowed the original collecting area for the type material to be identified. Specific surveys in this area resulted in the collection of topotypic material and the recording of behavioral observations and notes on the ecology of the species. Afrogecko ansorgii is a slender, gracile, and arboreal gecko that inhabits small bushy trees, particularly blackthorn (Senegalia mellifera subsp. detinens), in the arid coastal scrubland of the Benguela coastal region. All A. ansorgii have been found in or nearby blackthorn in which the activity of termites (Kalotermitidae) has created hollow stems in which the geckos shelter. The type locality for Phyllodactylus (= Afrogecko) ansorgii Boulenger, 1907 and Mabuia (= Trachylepis) laevis Boulenger, 1907, both described at the same time from 'Maconjo, Benguella' is accordingly restricted, and topotypic material for the latter species was also obtained. Keywords: Ansorge, blackthorn, Kaokoveld, Maconjo, reptilia, type locality, Trachylepis laevis.