This species is found in a wide variety of habitats. It has been recorded from both moist and dry forests, and moist and dry savanna. In the southern part of its range it tends to be more restricted to streams. This species is also found in human settlements and is often regarded as a pest species. In Egypt, it has been recorded from moist areas incliuding canal embankments, irrigated fields, cultivated areas and gardens (Hoath 2003).

Crocidura olivieri is a very widespread African species, that ranges from Senegal and Ethiopia in the north of its range, throughout Subsaharan Africa to northeastern Namibia, northern Botswana, northern Zimbabwe and northern Mozambique. A disjunct population is present along the Nile Valley of Egypt. It has been recorded up to 2,680 m asl (Mgahinga National Park, Uganda).

It has been collected from several protected areas including Bwindi-Impenetrable National Park, Rwenzori National Park, Mgahinga National Park all in Uganda, and from Kibira National Park in Burundi. No direct conservation measures are currently needed for this widespread species as a whole.