world travel: Friguia Animal Park

FACTS

Friguia Animal Park, set up by the Kanta Hotel, Port El Kantaoui, Sousse, was created in collaboration with South African and European specialists and it participates in a world program to save endangered species!
More than 30 animal species live in large enclosures at the park.
Friguia Park is the first ever of its kind in North Africa.
There is a train station called Friguia Park. Not every train stops there, but with a train ticket you receive an entrance reduction!

The Weather

January 9th and the Tunisian weather was 18 degrees and sunny!

Directions

Very easy to get to the park. From Sousse to Tunis on motorway (A1) take the Enfidha/Kairouan exit, (it’s abut 12kms from the exit to the park) and then head towards Tunis on the GP1 (old main road).

Opening Hours

At the moment, in January, the park is open every day apart from Mondays (closed entirely) from 9 am – 4 pm. In the park there are ramps for wheelchairs or buggies/pushchairs.

Prices

Cost of entry :

Adults - 5,500 dinars
Children from 3-12 yrs - 3 dinars
Under 3 yrs - free.

What's There

There are several snack bars and restaurants inside, or if you prefer there are many places where you can take a picnic. It is very clean and well kept.

There are 2 souvenir shops, one specialising in jewellery and the other, African style ornaments in wood & leather, paintings etc.

They have a good selection of animals, no reptiles although there was a snake on the road outside, trying to get in I think???

Just Like A Wildlife Documentary!

Wooden walkways take you above the ‘predators’ so you are looking down with unobstructive viewing. Tigers, Lions and Cheetahs all wandering around just like you see in the wildlife documentaries.

Highlight Of The Day

The Highlight of the day is either at 11 am or 4 pm training time for Max and Diana, two sea lions who perform to the crowds.

Rides For The Kids

You can ride on Camels or Donkeys all for a couple of Dinars.

Photographs

If you want a close up photo of an animal the park keepers will enter the enclosures and take a photo for you.

Conclusion

It’s a fabulous fun day out! I haven’t been able to visit animal parks and zoos often as my son has a bird phobia, so it was a treat for me and I felt like a 5 year old!!!