Botswana, Congo [The Democratic Republic of the], Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe.
Vagrant to Congo, Gabon, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia.
Breeds Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa (Eastern, Free State and eastern Cape Provinces, also north-western KwaZulu-Natal); migrates north to south-eastern PRCongo and western DRCongo.
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
South African Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon) [XC252790]
by Peter Boesman from Cradock, Stormberg District, Eastern Cape, South Africa (flight call)
South African Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon spilodera) [XC677969]
by Dawie de Swardt from Kalkbult stream, Jagersfontein rd, Bloemfontein s, Free State, South Africa (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Genus often merged with Hirundo, but DNA studies support retention of separate taxa. Forms a superspecies with Red Sea Swallow (Petrochelidon perdita). Sometimes considered conspecific with Red-throated Swallow (Petrochelidon rufigula).