Plizio Visual Lab

Maze National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Maze National Park is situated in southwestern Ethiopia within the catchment area of the Maze River, serving as a vital sanctuary for rare wildlife. Established in 2005, the park is characterized by vast grassland savannahs interspersed with dense gallery forests along its riverbanks. The most significant species protected here is the Swayne’s Hartebeest, a critically endangered antelope endemic to Ethiopia. In addition to this flagship species, Maze supports a wide range of mammals, including Cape buffalo, waterbuck, warthogs, and predators such as lions and leopards. The landscape is bordered to the west by the striking peaks of the Gamo highlands, providing a dramatic backdrop to the wildlife-rich plains. The park also serves as an important corridor for migratory birds and is home to several endemic avian species. Maze provides a pristine wilderness experience and remains a cornerstone of regional conservation efforts, particularly for the survival of Ethiopia's unique antelope populations.

Location: Ethiopia
Nearby: Arba Minch (51 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	23	25	24	22	21	20	20	20	21	21	21	21
Rain mm	27	32	98	226	205	103	99	120	122	150	112	63

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time for wildlife viewing in Maze National Park is the dry season from October to February. Then Swayne's hartebeest gather at waterholes and the grass is shorter.

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Best time of day

Early morning and late afternoon are the most active times for hartebeest and other animals. Most animals rest in shade during midday heat, so sightings are less likely then.

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Etiquette

Stay in your vehicle and do not get out to avoid startling the animals. Feeding wildlife is prohibited, and maintain a respectful distance at all times.

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What to bring

Binoculars and a camera with telephoto lens are essential for observing hartebeest from a safe distance. Bring plenty of water and sun protection as it is hot in the savannah.

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Getting there

Maze National Park is located in southern Ethiopia and is best reached by a 4x4 vehicle. A permit is required, and the drive from the nearest town can take several hours.

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What to expect

Swayne's hartebeest are shy and can be hard to spot; scan the plains systematically. Allow plenty of time to find the animals and be prepared for long distances.

Geography

Coordinates

6.40000, 37.20000

Facts

The park was officially gazetted as a national park in 2005.
It covers a total land area of approximately 210 square kilometers.
The Maze River bisects the park, providing a permanent water source.
It protects one of the last remaining wild populations of Swayne’s Hartebeest.
A total of 138 bird species have been documented within the park.
The terrain is primarily flat savannah with an average altitude of 1,000 meters.