Maze National Park Ethiopia

Maze National Park is a recently established National Park in the Region. The park derives its name from the Maze River that traverses through its length. It was established in 2003 after several surveys and studies were carried out. Prior to 2003, Maze served as a hunting area for Swayne‟s Hartebeest and Buffalo. It is a small park with an area of 2,020 ha and located 473 and 248 km from Addis Ababa and Awassa respectively. Altitude ranges from 1000 to 1200 meters above sea level. The rainy season extends from March to September and rain is estimated to be between 800 to 1600 mm per annum. While the area has 38 species of mammals, major wildlife includes Swayne‟s Hartebeest and Buffalo. To date, 138 bird species have been recorded for Maze.Unique features – Maze is one of the last remaining sites for the conservation of the Swayne‟s Hartebeest. It is arguably the second most important site for the Swayne‟s Hartebeest after Senkelle Hartebeest Sanctuary. Recent wildlife counts have revealed there could be up to 300 Hartebeests at Maze. Besides wildlife, the site has unique land features. Mt Gughe, which rises to 4200 meters above sea level, is found on the boundary of the park. Bilbo hot springs, found in the Park’s southern parts, have geysers that spout steam into the air. The Wonja caves are an added attraction to the site.

The Park is covered by savannah grassland with scattered deciduous broad-leaved trees as well as the Riverine association along the main watercourses. The Wild animal of the Maze National Park supports a wide range of savannah species. So far 39 larger and medium-sized mammals and 196 bird species have been recorded. It is one of the three sites in the world where a good population of the endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest population still survives. Besides, Orbi, Bohor reedbuck, buffalo, warthog, bushbuck, waterbuck, greater kudu, lesser kudu, bush pig, Anubus baboon, Vervet monkey, lion, leopard, wild cats, Serval cat are among others .common species.

Size of Maze National Park Ethiopia

Maze National Park is a national park in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region of Ethiopia. It is 210 square kilometers in size. Elevations within the park range between 1000 and 1200 meters above sea level. The maze was founded in 2005 and is managed by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority.

Location of Maze National Park Ethiopia

Maze National Park is one of the wildlife conservation areas known for its good population of the critically endangered endemic Swayne’s Hartebeests population and located 460km and 235 southwest of Addis Ababa and Hawassa, respectively, in Gamo-Gofa Zone.

How to get to Maze National Park Ethiopia

The road from Sodo to the park is an all-weather gravel road covering a distance of 83km. It is also possible to use the road from Jinka to Betomela from the other sides of the park.

Things to do in Maze National Park Ethiopia

Scenic value
the landscape of Maze National Park is surrounded by interesting high rugged mountain ranges, escarpment, and small hills. The landscape is breath-taking and important for sustainable eco-tourism development. The Maze National Park and the surrounding area have different natural, cultural and historical attractions such as Bilbo Hot Springs, Wenja Stone Cave, “Kaouwa Wella” (Yeniguse Warka),

Bilbo/Halo Hot Spring:

Situated at the upper parts of Maze River in the park. It is a form of geyser, which shoots up to hot water from deep inside the ground. The smoke released from this hot spring covers a wide area and seen from a distance. People from far areas and local people used it as traditional medicine.

Wenja Stone Cave

Natural rock cave that can hold up to 300 people, According to legends, in the past, the site was used to punish criminal/ unlawful member of the community.

Religious Site in Chosho Market

There are two oldest big trees in Chosho Market. These trees are believed as justice giving (court) by the locals’ residence for any disagreement that may arise among them. The site is locally called “Kaouwo Welloa” meaning the king’s tree.

When to visit Maze National Park Ethiopia

June to October is a good time to visit Maze national park for wildlife viewing and usually, the park receives less rainfall.

Where to stay in Maze National Park Ethiopia

Travelers can stay at the Hotels in Wolaita Sodo which is the easiest way to get to the park and our picks are Abebe Zeleke Hotel, Nega international hotel, and Lewi resort Wolaita

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