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 bongo skins are typically more brightly colored than male ones. The eastern bongo is darker in color compared to the western, and this difference is particularly noticeable in older males who tend to be chestnut brown, especially on their forebodies.