Considerable confusion can result from discussions of this species because of recent changes in taxonomic classification and inconsistent use of common names. Prior to 1989, this species (Varanus albigularis) was often classified as V. exanthematicus albigularis - a subspecies of the Savannah Monitor (V. exanthematicus). Varanus albigularis was raised to specific status, and for a time, the Black-throat Monitor was considered a subspecies of the White-throat Monitor. Under this classification scheme, the White-throat Monitor was V. a. albigularis and the Black-throat Monitor was V. a. ionidesi, hence the Black-throat\\\'s alternate common name "Ionides" Monitor. The taxon ionidesi has since been suppressed and the common names Black-throat and "White-throat" are used only to differentiate between these two ecotypic variants of V. a. albigularis. As of 1992, a single subspecies - V. a. microstictus - was recognized, but recently its validity has been questioned. It is unclear what the general consensus is among taxonomists regarding V. a. microstictus, but it may be that no subspecies of V. albigularis are currently widely recognized. Because of the early classification of V. albigularis as V. exanthematicus albigularis, the common name "Savannah Monitor" is sometimes used when referring to V. albigularis. The names "Cape Monitor," "Banded Cape Monitor," and "White-throat Monitor" are all sometimes used to refer to V. albigularis. The common name Black-throat monitor is usually used only to refer to the variant previously known as V. a. ionidesi. For the purposes of this animal record, "Cape Monitor" will refer to the V. albigularis variants collectively, and "e;White-throat" and "Black-throat" will refer to the variants previously known as V. a. albigularis and V. a. ionidesi, respectively.

The Cape Monitor inhabits fairly dry steppe and savannah regions across much of southern and eastern sub-Saharan Africa. These lizards can often be found seeking shelter in burrows and the bases of trees, under tree roots, and in rocky areas that provide plenty of shade, particularly during the hottest times of the day. Juveniles are more arboreal in nature and until they reach about 8 inches (20 cm) in length, spend much of their time in trees. Though adults are largely terrestrial, they are able climbers. Unlike many Monitor lizards, the Cape Monitor does not have aquatic tendencies and is not an adept swimmer. Small juveniles are insectivorous, but larger Cape Monitors eat a wide variety of foods including birds, eggs, rodents, other reptiles, carrion, and invertebrates such as slugs and snails, which typically make up a large portion of their diet. Like snakes, Cape Monitors use their tongues as a sensory organ to help locate food, and they swallow it whole. These lizards have tough, thick skin that helps protect them from attackers and prey, such as snakes, that bites back; and their large size, powerful limbs and tail, and sharp teeth and claws make them formidable opponents. When threatened, the Cape Monitor will inflate its body, hiss, lash with its tail, and it will bite, if sufficiently provoked. Cape Monitors, as with all monitors, if not handled frequently can become more aggressive.

Cape Monitors grow to between 4 and 6 feet in length. This lizard is heavy bodied with stout legs and a thick powerful tail. Their strong limbs and long sharp claws are used for excavating dens of their own and those of burrowing animals. They also serve as effective weapons and allow this Monitor to climb expertly. The Black-throat Monitor\\\'s base color is a light gray or tan with darker stippling, and the tail has thick dark bands. There are large whitish, nearly circular blotches arranged in rows along the back. These blotches are often fused together, particularly near the spine, giving the Black-throat an almost banded appearance. These blotches can be used to help distinguish the Black-throat from the White-throat and V. a. microstictus, which have similar blotches, but they are typically smaller and less distinct than those of the Black-throat. The Black-throat and White-throat Monitors have a distinct dark gray or blackish streak on each side of the head, extending from the eye to the shoulder. These streaks curve gently inward at the nape, and when viewed from above, form an hourglass-like shape over the head and neck. These streaks are much less prominent on V. a. microstictus.

The Cape Monitor has a fairly large range in southern and eastern Africa, but the very dry deserts within its range are not occupied. The Black-throat Monitor inhabits eastern Tanzania. The White-throat can be found from southern Tanzania to South Africa and west to the Atlantic coast. Varanus albigularis microstictus ranges from southern Egypt south to northern Tanzania.