This interesting 10 sq km reserve, in the southwest of the island, is a conservation area for species indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa. After a short introductory film (in Arabic only), a small bus leaves roughly every hour for a tour (with commentary in Arabic and English) past some of the 240 species of birds and mammals housed in the park. There are several herds of mature oryx with fabulous horns that make it easy to appreciate, firstly, how this gracious animal could be mistaken for a unicorn and, secondly, what an enviable choice of national animal it makes. As the park is prone to changing its opening times at regular intervals, it’s best to check the website before heading out.
www.alareen.org
Dining