A. littoralis were first described by Europeans on the coastal hills and plains near Luanda in Angola. Littoralis is an accurate translation meaning to 'inhabit the coastal plain'. Big colonies are common in Namibia, even though 'Windhoek Aloe' is more of a familiar name. Major roads exhibit large specimens of this species, especially those in Etosha National Park, north of Tsumeb to Oshakati, south of Otavi, south of Kalkfeld to Omaruru and east of Gobabis before entering. Some southern Namibian locations can be found.
With such a wide distribution range, flowering times vary. In the south it is from the beginning of October, from December to February in central Namibia and from March/April in the Kunene Region. A white scale often covers the leaves and aloe cancer is common in this species.