It occurs in South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Mozambique and Tanzania, including Pemba Island.

When moulting it actively assists the process by detaching skin flakes and consuming them.

The high observed frequency of tail loss, coupled with rapid and complete regeneration, suggests that caudal autotomy is an important survival tactic in this species.

Although caudal autotomy may allow the Cape dwarf gecko to escape its predator, there have been documented downsides to this survival mechanism.

[6] Its tail is remarkable for having the underside covered in adhesive lamellae enabling its use as a fifth limb.