Mago National Park is an IUCN Category II National Park that was established in 1979. It is situated 770 km south of Addis Ababa and is 40 km southwest of Jinka. With an estimated area of 21,620 ha, it consists largely of wooded and open grasslands, wetlands and riverine forests. Altitude ranges from 450-2528 m asl., the highest point being Mt. Mago. Annual rainfall is 400-500 mm and heavy rains are expected in the months of March and April. Dry and hot months are recorded from November to March. Three rivers namely the Mago, Neri and Maki, have their sources in the highlands to the south and east of the park. These rivers flow throughout the year. The Mago River flows through the centre of the park joining the Neri River at Mago swamp. Mago NP affords protection to 74 species of mammals and 237 species of birds. At least 10 species of reptiles and 14 species of fish are also found within the park. Amongst the larger mammals, key species include Lelwel’s Hartebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe, Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Burchell’s Zebra, Gerenuk and Beisa Oryx.

Mago NP is well known for its large Buffalo herds in the country. Past records show that up to 2000 individual Buffalo were observed in the park. The site has 28 Somali-Masai Biome species which is 29% of the total Somali-Masai Biome assemblage for the country. Uncommon birds seen in the area include the Black-rumped Waxbill, Dusky Babbler, Violet Wood-Hoopoe, Allen’s Gallinule, Egyptian Plover, Snowy-headed Robin Chat, and Pel’s Fishing Owl.