Lagos is a beautiful city which hosts people of diverse cultures, beliefs, nationalities, ideologies and religion. Many politicians, musicians, actors, and celebrities, in general, have their homes in Lagos. One can classify Lagos as a ‘place for all’, because the rich and influential, as well as the lower middle class, all have a place for them in Lagos State.
Millions of foreigners visit Nigeria annually to experience first-hand its culture, history, and way of life in general. Lagos state, however, has been considered as the top tourist-attraction State in Nigeria due to the numerous tourist centres it houses. Some of the best tourist sites in Lagos include: Tarkwa Bay Beach, Nike Art Gallery, New Afrika Shrine, Lekki Conservation Centre, Eleko Beach, Dream World Africana, among others.
What is the Lekki Conservation Centre?
The Lekki Conservation Centre is one of the biggest tourist Centres in Lagos, Nigeria. It was founded in 1999 by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). The Conservation Centre is a great place for people who love adventure, wildlife and nature. It is also highly recommended for those who need a place to chill alone, or hang out with their loved ones.
Where is the Lekki Conservation Centre?
The Lekki Conservation Centre is located in the popular city of Lagos, Nigeria. Its exact location is Km 19 Lekki – Epe Expy, Lekki Penninsula II, Lekki. It is also close to some of the most prominent hotels in Lekki, along the Chevron axis.
Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm.
Interesting features of the Lekki Conservation Centre
1. Size
The Lekki Conservation Centre covers a whopping of 78 hectares. It is being managed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). The purpose of the NCF is to ensure forestation and wildlife are kept safe.
2. Canopy Walkway
The Lekki Conservation Centre has a canopy walkway which is currently the longest in Africa. The 401m canopy has six towers which rise over 22 feet each. Each of the towers are connected by a sequence of suspended walkways. The suspended walkways have swings from which one can view the other parts of Centre and beyond.
3. Nature Park
The nature park is filled with exciting wildlife and unique variants of plants. Animals like Tigers, Monkeys, Crocodiles, Giraffes, Peacocks, etc. can all be found at the Conservation’s Nature Park. One beautiful thing about the view is that unlike in zoos, the animals are free to wander around in their zone, and you can watch them in their natural state.
4. Giant Tortoise
The Lekki Conservation Centre houses a giant tortoise which is over 95 years old. It roams freely around its space, and tourists can touch it and take selfie shots with it. The creature is indeed a beautiful sight to behold.
5. Games Centre
There are series of floor games which can be played at the Lekki Conservation Centre. The great thing here, is that the games are an avenue to have fun and make new friends, especially if you go by yourself. Some of the games at the LCC are: Draft, Snake and Ladder, Chess, Ludo and Street Tennis. There is also a Volleyball court for lovers of volleyball.
6. Picnic Sheds
One can organize a party or hang-out with friends at the Lekki Conservation Centre with a guaranteed privacy. There are mini sheds designed for small gatherings, relaxation, rejuvenation, and for refreshing. Business meetings can also be held in any of the Picnic sheds. In addition, you can take walks around to explore the tranquility of the environment. The Sheds are located right beside trees, and this gives it a natural and refreshing aura.
7. Private Tours
Private tours are given to interested tourists. The visitors are shown around the Centre; the parks, canopy, games spots, and many others. They do a comprehensive sight-seeing of the Conservative Centre and participate in whatever piques their interests. After the tour, they can decide to settle into one of the sheds to enjoy the view and eat from the numerous meals sold at the Conservation Centre, or simply walk around and take more shots of the environs.