Their fur is dense and their coloring varies somewhat, though most coats contain grey or brown. Body lengths range between 50-60cm. They are sexually dimorphic in size and appearance, with males being larger, often twice as large, and having a more distinctive appearance. This is especially pronounced in the hamadryas subspecies. This added coat enhances the males' appearance, making them seem even larger.
Females display prominent estrus swelling.
Baboons have adapted to various habitats ranging from rain forests to deserts to seashores, and are found on mountains, cliffs, trees and savannas. They are found throughout a good part of Africa, depending on the species. Olive and yellow baboons are found in equatorial Africa, while hamadryas are in a much smaller area in the northeast ranging into Saudi Arabia. Guineas are on the west coast while chacmas are found only in southern Africa. Because of their large size, and often impoverished environment, baboons often must travel great distances each day to get enough to eat.