Maze National Park
Size
210 km²
Elevation
1,100 m
Ideal stay
3 days
Established
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Size
210 km²
Elevation
1,100 m
Ideal stay
3 days
Established
2005
Nearest airport
Arba Minch Airport (AMH) is the nearest practical scheduled-air gateway; exact transfer distance and current routing to the park should be confirmed with an operator. Hawassa is about 248 km from the park by road.
Nearest town: Selam Ber, about 22 km from the park; Arba Minch is the nearest named city and a practical regional service hub.
Maze National Park does not have a consistently published standard park-entry fee or average daily safari rate in the available sources. One published Maze safari listing starts from US$500 per person, but inclusions, duration and accommodation vary, so request a written quote covering transport, guide, park fees, meals and camping or lodging before booking. Compare packages and book through verified operators on SafariFind.com.
November to February is the commonly identified high season for Maze National Park and is a practical period for arranging wildlife drives and overland access. The park can be visited year-round, but travelers should confirm current road access and accommodation availability because some facilities may close at certain times. No major seasonal wildlife migration is documented for Maze National Park.
Maze National Park is best known for endangered Swayne's hartebeest, an antelope endemic to Ethiopia. Other reported animals include African buffalo, lion, leopard, spotted hyena, greater and lesser kudu, Bohor reedbuck, oribi, warthog, Anubis baboon and vervet monkey. The park is not a Big Five destination because rhinoceros and elephant are not listed in available park wildlife records.
Maze National Park is about 460 km southwest of Addis Ababa, about 248 km from Hawassa and about 22 km from Selam Ber. Arba Minch Airport is a practical regional air gateway, after which visitors need a pre-arranged road transfer. Most travelers visit with an operator because driving times, road conditions, park access and camping arrangements need local confirmation.
Maze National Park can suit families who are comfortable with basic safari logistics, long road transfers and limited accommodation infrastructure. A private vehicle, a guide, daytime game drives and a lodging-based itinerary are more suitable for children than an unsupported camping trip. Ask an operator about minimum ages, child seats, family rooms and current safety arrangements before confirming travel.
Three days is a sensible minimum for Maze National Park because it allows time for arrival, at least two wildlife-viewing periods, birding and a visit to features such as Bilbo Hot Springs or Wonja Stone Caves. Two days can work for travelers focused only on Swayne's hartebeest. Add days if combining Maze with Senkelle Swayne's Hartebeest Sanctuary or other southern Ethiopia stops.
Camping and operator-arranged accommodation are the most practical options for a Maze National Park safari. Published itineraries include camping in or near the park, while some travelers use regional towns for lodge stays before or after the visit. Confirm whether your quote includes tents, bedding, meals, toilets, park permits and a guide, as facilities are limited.
Maze National Park is worth visiting for travelers who want to see Swayne's hartebeest in one of its key Ethiopian refuges and prefer a quieter savanna park. It offers 210 km² of grassland, woodland, river habitat, 196 recorded bird species, large mammals and sites including Bilbo Hot Springs and Wonja Stone Caves. It is less suited to travelers expecting dense Big Five populations or luxury lodge infrastructure.
A guide is strongly recommended at Maze National Park because visitor infrastructure is developing and current access conditions can change. Guided safaris help visitors locate Swayne's hartebeest, interpret birdlife and arrange park procedures, camping and transport. Confirm directly with the park authority or your operator whether a guide is mandatory for your planned route and activities.
You can compare safari packages, read verified traveler reviews, and book through trusted operators on SafariFind.com. This lets you compare prices and find the best itinerary for your budget and interests.
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