This vlei rat lives in the Ethiopian highlands. A phylogenetic study says it favors particular plant-rich patches in ericaceous and Afroalpine habitats.
In the described specimens, The 1914 type account describes a long, soft, double-layered coat, dark brown on the back, lighter on the sides, and grey underneath.
A 2023 study reports that it favors patches rich in plants of the genus Alchemilla within ericaceous and Afroalpine habitats.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.