Coats of female bongos are usually more brightly coloured than those of males. The eastern bongo is darker in color than the western and this is especially pronounced in older males which tend to be chestnut brown, especially on the forepart of their bodies.
Female bongos have brighter colored skins compared to male ones. The eastern bongo has a darker color than the western, and this difference is especially evident in older males who are typically chestnut brown, particularly on their forebodies.