The validity of Haemaphysalis (Rhipistoma) elliptica (Koch, 1844), which, for nearly 100 years, was considered a junior synonym of H. (R.) leachi (Audouin, 1826), has been confirmed in a study of all the parasitic stages: larva, nymph, adults. A detailed morphological comparison with H. (R.) leachi and redescription of both species are made. The main differences between the two species are size, shape of spurs on palpi, and the number of denticles on the hypostome. The clarification of the taxonomic status of H. (R.) elliptica has enabled us to delimit its geographic distribution more precisely. It is present in Ethiopia and southwards to South Africa, whereas the main range of H. (R.) leachi is from Egypt in the North to northern Zimbabwe in the South. Both species use similar species of hosts – the adults parasitize several carnivore species and the immature stages use various rodents. The medico-veterinary importance of both species as vectors of Babesia canis is discussed.