Friguia Park Review: A Wild Day Trip from Hammametnabeul

Planning a trip from Hammamet or Nabeul and searching for something different to do? Maybe you are someone who is super interested in animals, or perhaps you have kids who’d love to see lions and elephants. At the end of the day, a trip to Friguia Animal Park could be just what you’re searching for. I am going to tell you my take on this popular spot, so that you know if it’s a good fit for your vacation plans.

Getting to Friguia Park: How to Plan your Trip

Alright, first things first: figuring out how to get there is going to be the initial challenge. At least, getting there can influence a bunch of what you wind up doing for the remainder of your trip, to be honest. You see, Friguia Park is located a bit outside of both Hammamet and Nabeul; it’s very much that it isn’t really within comfortable walking distance. Don’t assume there is going to be public transit available – in Tunisia, that might be pushing it a bit. Taking a taxi seems to be a pretty common way for most people to get there. You might consider talking with your hotel or a local travel agency to figure it out, but basically that can save you some effort.

So, basically, you are looking at a ride of roughly 30 to 45 minutes, depending on where you’re starting from. Make sure to set the fare beforehand, because taxi fares, honestly, might be a bit of a moving target if you just go with the flow. Another option, like your tour operators often suggest, involves joining an organized tour. Sure, there’s a loss of freedom involved. Still, that convenience that those tours give you could be what makes that trip smoother and potentially a lot less stressful. A rental car? You might like that flexibility, but keep in mind driving in Tunisia could take some getting used to.

What to Expect: Animals and Attractions

When you finally show up at Friguia Park, very well, you are walking into a fairly large space, so too that is all focused on animals from the African savanna and beyond, like your traditional zoo. Think of it in the way where you would have your lions, giraffes, elephants and monkeys all hanging out there. While that is cool, some say the animal enclosures don’t always look that roomy; honestly, so I’m guessing that can make it feel less than ideal for animal welfare lovers.

I should mention there are shows and demonstrations featured as well, at least so visitors stay engaged. The Zulu show seems pretty darn popular, yet fair warning: so some people find it culturally insensitive, yet apparently others find it really cool. One other highlight is actually the dolphin show. Still, the fact you would like to see these events implies having to plan your day around the show schedules; very well it seems that might limit you in doing what you prefer, to be honest.

Beyond the Animals: Dining and Other Activities

Let’s say you become peckish during your visit? Friguia Park is sure to have places where you can find food. More or less, do not count on a world-class gastronomic thing – apparently the options will suffice to keep you moving for the remainder of your visit, anyway. You would be thinking in terms of fast food and convenient snack options.

Very well it is cool for visitors seeking that unique experience because apparently it has this Zulu restaurant – pretty much, so you can chow down while also experiencing some traditional dancing and music, apparently. Even though some question its authenticity and it gets touristy vibes, many, like you, seem to find that worth a try if you don’t mind crowds of folks doing the exact same thing. So too there are gift shops if you are inclined to buy souvenirs.

Making the Most of Your Visit: Tips and Recommendations

Okay, here’s some things I think might be worth knowing, as far as how to make your visit just a little better. Try to be there right as it opens so you are able to actually get ahead of some of the crowds. Summertime heat? Do keep it in mind: this will actually make those animals less active at noon. Sunscreen and hats – they really aren’t negotiable. Water should really be right at your side at all times. Seriously. Check the show times upon arrival, just like that, you might plan your tour around them. Very well some people will love guided tours; personally, I like wandering by myself at my own speed, just like that, so it is all a question of preference.

If it really is the animals you care about the most, keep that in mind: some reviewers talk a bit about how they don’t seem very good and that the living environments might be disappointing. Do check the latest feedback if this is something that bothers you a lot.

Final Thoughts: Is Friguia Park Worth Visiting?

As I was saying, should you visit Friguia Park? Depends, honestly, about who “you” are, so, that too factors in. I want you to know that you will enjoy Friguia if seeing some animals in a setting that has been influenced by Africa sounds neat to you, and if you will enjoy some entertaining shows. If you’re more into it, however, because you expect some serious conservation efforts and totally naturalistic, large exhibits, it may just not really satisfy those expectations. Look at it as a pleasant break from that beach, that may be just what some folks like you are looking for, especially when there’s children to think of.