The species is native to the deserts and drier regions of southern Africa.

Both subspecies are smaller than N. nigricollis; with average adult lengths of less than 1.5 metres (4.9 ft).

[4] Naja nigricincta is an oviparous venomous spitting cobra with dark brown to black body and zebra-like vertical whitish or light yellow stripes along the dorsal side.

The venom of Naja nigricincta can cause massive hemorrhaging, necrosis and paralysis in bite victims.

These snakes can also spit their venom, hitting their enemies with great accuracy and causing temporary or permanent blindness.