A small, secretive antelope, Ogilby's duiker has a stocky body, an arched back, overdeveloped hindquarters, and short, slender legs, all adaptations for moving easily through dense undergrowth. The name “duiker” comes from an Afrikaans word meaning “diver”, these antelopes being named for their habit of diving into cover when disturbed. Sexes are similar in appearance and both possess short, spike-like horns, which are curved and strongly corrugated, although the horns of the female are much shorter than those of the male. The coat is reddish orange, with a red rump, a paler underside, and a black line that runs along the back from the shoulder to the tail, which is short and has a distinct tuft at the end. Cephalophus ogilbyi crusalbum possesses distinctive white lower legs that distinguish it from all other duikers. Like other duiker species, Ogilby's duiker has large scent glands, known as pre-orbital glands, beneath each eye. These are most likely used to scent-mark the territory or even to mark other individuals. Somewhat similar in appearance to the bay duiker, Cephalophus dorsalis, Ogilby's duiker can be distinguished by its longer, more slender legs, and its paler colouration.