The species has been recorded from South Africa to Ethiopia and Sierra Leone. In central Africa, it is known from Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon, although this record from Tsuda needs confirmation. It is assumed to be present in Congo, and possibly also in the other countries. In eastern Africa, it has been recorded in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Burundi, where it is common and widespread. It is assumed to occur also in Malawi and Burundi. In northeastern Africa, the species is recorded from Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia. In southern Africa, this species occurs in most countries, particularly in regions with mountain streams. Its range in the central part of the region is not clear because populations in the Okavango Basin and at the Kwando River have been identified as separate species, which may also occur more to the east (cf. Trithemis sp. nov.). In western Africa, the species is known from Sierra Leone to Nigeria.

This is a widespread species with no known major widespread threats that is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a threatened category. It is therefore assessed by IUCN Red List as Least Concern.