Nestled in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) offers an enriching escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Established in 1990 by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, this 78-hectare natural resource conservation center is dedicated to preserving the region's rich biodiversity.
A Walk Among Giants
One of LCC's most remarkable features is its canopy walkway—the longest in Africa. Stretching 401 meters and suspended 22.5 feet above the ground, this walkway provides visitors with a unique vantage point to observe the forest's diverse flora and fauna. As you traverse the walkway, the gentle sway beneath your feet adds an exhilarating touch to the experience, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
A Haven for Wildlife
Beyond the canopy, the center is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. The well-maintained nature trails wind through diverse habitats, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the forest. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the over 350 species recorded in the area, from vibrant egrets to elusive ibises.
Engaging Activities for All
LCC isn't just about observation; it offers interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. Guests can enjoy picnics in designated areas, relax in the treehouse with its panoramic views, and engage in games such as chess and draughts in the dedicated game zone. Educational facilities, including a conservation center and library, provide deeper insights into the region's ecology and conservation efforts.
Preserved Natural Beauty
The center's commitment to maintaining a natural habitat is evident in its pristine landscapes. The wetlands, mangrove forests, and savannahs are carefully preserved, offering a genuine experience of Nigeria's coastal ecosystem. Visitors can explore various trails, observe wildlife in their natural settings, and learn about ongoing conservation initiatives aimed at protecting these vital environments.
Visitor Information
Location: Km 19, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos.
Operating Hours: Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7p.m.
Entry Fee: ₦3,000 per adult; discounts available for children and students.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a family seeking educational outings, or a tourist exploring Lagos, the Lekki Conservation Centre promises a memorable and enriching experience amidst Nigeria's...
Read moreThis is a nature's conservation. It has just few animals, basically monkeys. There are also crocodiles and turtles. You will be very lucky if you see a crocodile.
It has a very long walk. Be ready to walk for 30 mins to 1 hour, though there are various points you can stop and rest.
It has what they call a Family Park. There, you will find fishes of different species and floor games you can play with your friends or family or any other visitor.
It has some huts (chalets) you can sit and enjoy yourself and feel the cool breeze. You will certainly feel the touch of nature.
It is good for picnic and outdoor relaxation or recreation.
When visiting the conservation, you are advised to come along with items to refresh your self. The conservation does not have a spot where you could purchase items for refreshments. So, you should rather come with your refreshment.
The conservation has the longest canopy walk in Africa. It is a very long and safe canopy walk. If you are afraid of height, you may find this place a therapy to kill your fears.
The place also has a Tree House. You can climb up the tree, which is the oldest in the forest, and have a lovely and relaxing time out there.
Alot of visitors come to the conversation. You will have to pay for entry, and a separate payment for the canopy and another payment for the family park. But if you do not intend to go to the Family Park or do the canopy walk, then you will only pay for entry.
However, the place could be made busier, livelier and generate more revenue if:
The animals are available to sight. You can only see monkeys and maybe the turtle. The crocodile is by chance. And other animals, the conversation claims to have, are never available to sight. Please note that, it's a nature's park, so the animals are seen by chance. They are not tamed. But, my view here is that the population of the animals should be increased and perhaps other animals that can habit the conservation added so as to increase the chances of sighting them.
The place could be made a resort with accommodation. Tourists could come and actually take up accommodation and enjoy the touch of nature.
There should be working restaurants, bars, and lounges for relaxation and refreshments.
On a general note, the place is quite a loving place for those who loves nature...
Read moreIgor to the Centre with so much excitement to show nature to my elderly mum and young children. First we had to wait for over 2hours as the personnel there said the tour can’t open until the rain stops. Quite understandable so we entertained ourselves with the monkeys around feeding them.
Finally the tour started and at some point during the walkway through the swamp, I observed that some of the woods for the walkway were kind off shaky and rotten. I told myself that they were okay. Just before the canopy walk, the wooden walkway caved in and I fell into the swamp, sustaining bruises in the process. I got pull out by a tourist and my husband and immediately we sought the attention of one of the attendants at the canopy walkway.
After several attempts before he was able to reach one of their office staff who said they would send help immediately. After waiting for over 20mins we decided to walk back to the reception area. 30mins later on our way out of the walkway with my injured leg we met the staff with a small first aid kit saying he was just informed.
After sitting in their office for about 20mins, the staff comes back saying he wants to clean the surface of the wound with hydrogen peroxide as their General manger is available and their doctor isn’t on sit and there nothing else for them to do.
In my opinion, I would never go back there and would strongly advise that tourist should not as well especially with kids and the elderly. They obviously don’t have any form of emergency strategy in the event of an emergency. Imagine if it was a kid that fell into the swamp? The woods on the walkway are weak and dilapidated and could cave in at any time..
If they can’t maintain a walkway which is one feet above the swamp level, I am suspicious of the canopy walkway which about 40feet above water level.
We left with great disappointments on a Nigerian facility that should have great potentials but left to...
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