Mago National Park Ethiopia

Located about 782 kilometers south of Addis Ababa and on the east bank of the Omo River, the 2,162 square kilometers of this park is divided by the Mago River, a tributary of the Omo, into two parts. To the west is the Tama Wildlife Reserve, with the Tama river defining the boundary between the two. To the south is the Murle Controlled Hunting Area, distinguished by Lake Dipa which stretches along the left side of the lower Omo. The park office is 115 kilometers north of Omorate and 26 kilometers southwest of Jinka. The park has about 200km of internal roads, which lead to the different attractions sites of the park. All roads to and from the park are unpaved.

Most easily accessed from the town of Jinka, Mago National Park is mainly savannah, with some forested areas around the rivers. It was set up to conserve the large numbers of plains animals in the area, particularly buffalo, giraffe, and elephant. Also seen here are topi and Lelwel hartebeest, as well as lion, leopard, Burchell’s zebra, gerenuk, and greater and lesser kudu. The birds are also typical of the dry grassland habitat, featuring bustards, hornbills, weavers, and starlings. Kingfishers and herons feed in and around the Neri River, which provides an alternative habitat.

The major environments in and around the Mago Park are the rivers and riverine forest, the wetlands along with the lower Mago and around Lake Dipa, the various grasslands on the more level areas, and scrub on the sides of the hills. Open grassland comprises about 9% of the park’s area. The largest trees are found in the riverine forest beside the Omo, Mago, and Neri. Areas along the lower Omo (within the park) are populated with a rich diversity of ethnic groups, including the Aari, Banna, Bongoso, Hamer, Karo, Kwegu, Male, and Mursi peoples. The park’s perhaps best-known attraction is the Mursi, known for piercing their lips and inserting disks made of clay.

Size of Mago National Park Ethiopia

Mago National Park is a national park in Ethiopia located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region about 782 kilometers south of Addis Ababa and north of a large 90° bend in the Omo River, the 2162 square kilometers of this park is divided by the Mago River, a tributary of the Omo, into two parts

Location of Mago National Park Ethiopia

Mago National park is situated at the same corner as Omo National park and separated by the Omo River close to Kenya Border some 800km south of Addis Ababa and 30km from Jinka town, at coordinate between N5030’ and E36030’. It took some features as in the Omo national park and is age.

How to get to Mago National Park Ethiopia

There is no direct connection from Addis Ababa to Mago National Park. However, you can take the drive to Addis Ababa airport, fly to Jinka, and then take the travel to Mago National Park. Alternatively, you can take the drive to Addis Ababa airport, fly to Arba Minch, and then take the travel to Mago National Park.

Things to do in Mago National Park Ethiopia

Birding

About 860 species of birds live in the highlands, lowlands, riverbanks, wetlands, dams, lakes, forests, shrubs, and grasslands of Ethiopia. The number, diversity, and color of birds found in the country have the power to interest even the non-birders. With regards to the number of species, Ethiopia stands next to South Africa, but the country possesses a higher number of endemics and semi-endemics which it shares with Eritrea.

Trekking safaris

Blessed with a temperate climate, grand mountain scenery, and a native tradition of four-legged transport, the Ethiopian highlands offer unrivaled Trekking opportunities. Ethiopian horses and mules are very sure-footed and trail wise, and experienced English and French-speaking guides are available in our company.

Simien and Bale Mountains National Parks are the two principal, we established areas for Trekking.

Fishing tours

Conditions for sport fishing could hardly be better than in this angler’s heaven. There are over 200 species of freshwater fish in Ethiopia’s lakes and rivers, including Nile Perch, immense catfish, Tigerfish, and Brown and Rainbow trout. Very few Ethiopians are anglers so visitors will not find it difficult to locate unspoiled areas where they can fish in peace. A typical day’s fishing may also include the bonus of seeing families of Hippo, Giant crocodile, or pink clouds of flamingos. Try Lake Tana for catfish and tilapia, the upper reaches of the Blue Nile for bar bus, or the Baro River for giant Nile perch. By far the biggest sport fishing allure, though, is the excellent trout fly fishing waters

Rafting adventures

Reckoned by enthusiasts to be of Africa’s premier locations for white water rafting, the Omo river early fury takes it through gorges hundreds of meters deep and over evocatively named rapids-snake, sheer inner canyons, hot springs, abundant wildlife including hippo and crocodile, and exotic tribal peoples combine to make the Omo one of the world’s classic river adventure.

The full trip down then Omo covers 600km in 23 days for the less ambitious, the Awash River also offers s superb trip of one or two days on a 28 km stretch bordering the Awash national park

When to visit Mago National Park Ethiopia

Access to the park is actually difficult but the park is located 700km southwest of Addis Ababa on the bank of river Omo in the Goma Gofa region. It suggested that you visit during the latter part of the summer before March and later in June to August. The rains come from March to May or October to December with temperatures as low as 14⁰C.

Where to stay in Mago National Park Ethiopia

Travelers may have to stay in Jinka were there several tourist lodges like Jinka resort and Goh hotel which will provide enough comfort during your safari to the Mago national park.