Maze National Park

Maze National Park is a relatively small but important park established to protect the endangered Swayne's hartebeest, which can be seen in significant...

Maze National Park at a Glance

Location
South Omo & Southwest Lowlands, Ethiopia, East Africa
Coordinates
6.602130, 37.368095
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (dry season) for the Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains.

Getting to Maze National Park

Nearest airport: Dodola Airport (HADO), 192 km away.

Nearest international airport: Bishoftu International Airport, 281 km away.

Wildlife in Maze National Park

Home to 2 recorded species including 1 primates, 1 antelope & gazelle.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Maze National Park

3 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in South Omo & Southwest Lowlands

Visitor Tips - Maze National Park

Maze National Park is a true hidden gem, offering an incredibly intimate safari experience far from the crowds. We love its untouched feel and the unique opportunity to witness endemic species like Swayne's Hartebeest in their natural, undisturbed habitat. The quiet solitude here allows for truly profound wildlife encounters, making it an unforgettable destination for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari.

Gate Times

Maze National Park generally operates from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. We strongly recommend arranging your entry permits and guide services well in advance through a reputable tour operator, as on-the-spot arrangements can be challenging and may delay your safari experience. There are no significant seasonal variations to gate times, but road conditions can impact access during the wet season.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and deeply appreciated in Ethiopia. For your dedicated safari guide, we suggest around $15-20 USD per person per day. For lodge or camp staff, a communal tip of $5-10 USD per person per day is appropriate, usually placed in a central box at the end of your stay. Rangers accompanying you on walking safaris might receive $5-10 USD per person per activity. Always tip in local currency (Ethiopian Birr) or clean, crisp USD notes.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ethiopia

Travel advisory for Ethiopia

Maze National Park FAQs

What makes Maze National Park a unique safari destination compared to other Ethiopian parks?

Maze National Park is uniquely dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Swayne's hartebeest, offering unparalleled opportunities to see large herds of this specific antelope. Its relatively small size and open savanna grasslands also provide a focused and intimate wildlife viewing experience, distinct from the more diverse but often larger and more rugged parks in Ethiopia.

When is the best time to visit Maze National Park for optimal wildlife viewing?

The dry season, typically from October to March, is ideal for visiting Maze National Park. During these months, the grass is shorter, making it easier to spot the Swayne's hartebeest and other savanna animals like oribi and buffalo, and the weather is generally more comfortable for game drives.

What kind of safari experience can I expect at Maze National Park, given its low crowding?

You can expect a very tranquil and uncrowded safari experience at Maze National Park, often feeling like you have the park to yourself. This allows for more relaxed game drives and excellent opportunities for photography and extended viewing of the Swayne's hartebeest without competition from other vehicles.

Beyond the moderate malaria risk, are there any specific health or safety precautions unique to visiting Maze National Park?

While standard malaria precautions are essential, visitors to Maze should also be prepared for potentially limited medical facilities due to its remote location and low visitor numbers. It's advisable to carry a comprehensive first-aid kit and ensure your travel insurance covers emergency evacuation, as the park is not heavily developed for tourism.

What are the typical costs and logistical considerations for arranging a safari to Maze National Park?

As a less-visited park, arranging a trip to Maze often requires pre-booking a 4x4 vehicle and driver-guide from a nearby town like Arba Minch or Addis Ababa, as public transport is limited. Park entry fees are standard for Ethiopian national parks, but accommodation options within or immediately adjacent to the park are basic, so budgeting for a full-service tour or camping is common.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Ethiopia & Djibouti by Lonely Planet - Covers the Simien Mountains, Bale Mountains, Omo Valley, and the Danakil Depression. Essential reading for Ethiopia's unique wildlife and cultural experiences.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Bradt Guide: Ethiopia by Philip Briggs - Comprehensive guide covering Simien and Bale Mountains trekking, the historic northern circuit, Omo Valley, and Ethiopia's unique endemic wildlife including gelada baboons and Ethiopian wolves.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.