Maze National Park is in Gamo-Gofa Zone of Southern Ethiopia.

Understand

Maze is named after the largest river that crosses through this park. Domba, Zage and Lemase rivers are the main rivers that flow into Maze river.

Maze national park is one of the last remaining sites and also the second most important site for the conservation of the Swayne Hartebeest after Senkelle Hartebeest Sanctuary.

History

Maze National Park was established in 2005 in order to control the hunting that has been happening in the area for many years. This controlled hunting area was developed into a national park because of the presence of Swayne Hartebeest which is native to Ethiopia.

Landscape

It covers an area of 220 km² which include plain, sloppy areas, hills, escarpments and interconnection of mountains at its boundaries.

Flora and fauna

Maze offers all botanists a field trip because it comprises different types of vegetation. The growth of these vegetations seen in different parts of the park is due to different altitudes at different points in the park.

It is one of the few parks in Ethiopia that acts as habitat for most of the endangered animals. Animals found in here include the Vervet monkeys, pigs, buffaloes, waterbucks, Orbi, the Swayne’s hartebeest, the Anubus baboon, leopards, the Bohor red buck, warthogs, the lesser Kudu, wild cats, lions. Over 196 bird species can be seen.

Get in

The park is about 460 km south west of Addis Ababa, 22 km from Selam Ber, and 235 km from Awasa.

See

• Bilbo Hot Spring. Hot water gushes out of the ground forming a fountain. People of the community believe it to be a source of cure. People from distant places also come here to seek cure. (updated Feb 2023)
• Wenja stone cave. A natural rock cave found at the western part of the park which is of historical importance where criminals from the community found guilty were punished. It can accommodate about 300 people. (updated Feb 2023)

Buy

• Chosho market. home to one of the religious sites in Ethiopia. Made up of two trees which the people of the community believe are judges for any trouble the community faces or wrongs done by criminals in the community. (updated Feb 2023)

Sleep

• Abebe Zeleke hotel. (updated Feb 2023)
• Lewi resort Wolaita. (updated Feb 2023)
• Nega international hotel. (updated Feb 2023)

Stay safe

• For you to have access and explore the park, you need to have a tour guide who is experienced and licensed to carry a gun for protection.

• Tour guide is also needed When it comes to interpretation when you are communicating with the people of the community so as to understand what they are saying and what you are saying.

• The best time to visit Maze depends on the season of your choice and what you intend to see and explore. For instance, the dry season after rain (between January and May) is best time for you to visit. During this season you get to see different animals roaming around in search of water and food. The wet season is for those who want to enjoy birding in the park.

• It is not advisable to visit during the rainy season

because the accommodation facilities close down, and the park is sometimes not accessible during this time.

Go next

• Morka station: 2.5 km away