They are rupicolous (rock-dwelling) and feed on small arthropods.

The dorsal coloration is red-brown with scattered dark mottles.

The upper lip is white and there is a distinct dark dorsolateral band on the sides of the neck.

The Ukinga girdled lizard can be distinguished from related species (Cordylus tropidosternum and Cordylus jonesii) by their white lips, keeled scales on the throat, fusion of the loreal scale with the preocular (separate in other species), and the presence of a low supraocular ridge.

Ukinga girdled lizards have recently been exported from Tanzania for the pet trade.