The species is sometimes classified as a subspecies of the vervet monkey (C. pygerythrus), or of the widespread grivet (C. aethiops).

The breast and underparts are white, as well as the cheeks and eyebrows, which surround the bald, pale-blotched face.

The malbrouck is found in central and south-central Africa, ranging from the Albertine Rift in DR Congo west to the Atlantic coast and south to northern Namibia and Zambia west of the Luangwa River.

The malbrouck uses a wide range of sounds and gestures to communicate with other members of a group.

The diet of this omnivorous species consists of fruit, seeds, flowers, gum, invertebrates, eggs, chicks and lizards.