It is only known from its type locality, Cuílo, along the Luita River in northern Angola,[1][2] although it is likely to occur in adjacent Democratic Republic of the Congo.

[2] Additional specimens from the Cangandala National Park have been provisionally assigned to this species.

[1] The specific name vilhenai honours Ernesto Jardim de Vilhena, a Portuguese naval officer, politician, and businessman.

A dark band runs from tip of snout to upper eyelid.

[4][5] Hyperolius vilhenai was apparently found in gallery forest in the humid savanna zone.