The species is endemic to South Africa.

[2] The specific name, breyeri, is in honor of Dutch naturalist Hermann Gottfried Breyer.

[3] The preferred natural habitat of S. breyeri is rocky areas of savanna, at altitudes of 700–1,700 m (2,300–5,600 ft).

[1] Adults of S. breyeri usually have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in), but may grow as large as 14.5 cm (5.7 in) SVL.

Compared to adults, the neonates are quite large, each measuring about 11 cm (4.3 in) in total length (including tail).