Lekki Conservation Centre, situated in Lagos, Nigeria, is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations and is home to the longest canopy walk in Africa!
This peaceful haven full of greenery attracts visitors from far and wide, providing serenity and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Lagos City.
Lekki Conservation Centre (also known as LCC) was created in 1990 by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, to allocate a protected space for plants and animals as urban development encroached upon their natural habitats.
It covers approximately 78 hectares and is an absolute gem of ecotourism. Due to its remarkable biodiversity, it is one of Africa’s premier urban Nature Parks.
It is also the only actively protected area in Lagos State, making it a rare gem among Lagos’ tourist destinations and a great place where visitors can reconnect with nature.
Getting To Lekki Conservation Centre
Lekki Conservation Centre is easy to get to from Lagos city centre. It is conveniently located on Lekki-Epe Expressway, just after Chevron and right before the second Lekki Toll Gate. Here is the Google Maps location.
Admission Fees and Opening Hours Of Lekki Conservation Centre
Adults: ₦aira 1,000 (roughly $2.50)
Children (under 10): ₦aira 200 (roughly $0.50)
Lekki Conservation Centre is open from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, 7 days a week including public holidays.
It’s definitely advisable to book your tickets in advance. Viator, GYG?
To walk on the Canopy Walkway you need to pay an extra ₦1,000 per person in addition to the entry fee. Children under 14 aren’t allowed on the canopy walkway.
The Canopy Walk At Lekki Conservation Centre
The main attraction of Lekki Conservation Centre is the canopy walkway, launched in 2015. Stretching over 401 metres, the canopy walkway at Lekki Conservation Centre stands as the longest canopy walk in Africa.
The canopy walk consists of seven suspended swinging bridges and six viewing platforms in total.
The walk across is really exciting, if not a little bit nerve-racking if you’re scared of heights like me! It offers stunning panoramic bird’s eye views of the lush canopy of the surrounding forest and the unique wildlife.
The walk typically takes around 45 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and the time you spend enjoying the views!
Additional Activities At Lekki Conservation Centre
Besides the canopy walk, there are lots of other things to do at Lekki Conservation Centre. You can explore the 1.8-kilometre nature trail that winds through the heart of the mangrove forest.
Lekki Conservation Centre is a sanctuary for a diverse species of animals, including crocodiles, snakes, monkeys, peacocks, and many species of birds including kingfishers and herons.
In addition, you may also be lucky to see the resident 95-year-old giant tortoise! The turtle roams freely (and slowly) around the Lekki Conservation Centre, so keep your eyes peeled!
There are also many different species of beautiful plants along the nature walk as well.
Enjoy walking along the trails, and climb up the wooden stairs to the treehouse and enjoy the views from here. The tree house was where I saw lots of monkeys!
In the gardens at Lekki Conservation Centre there are some nice well-maintained picnic areas and benches, so you may want to bring a picnic, relax and unwind for a while in the serene and secure gardens after your canopy walk adventure.
There are also a variety of foods available to purchase in the garden. There are lots of shaded areas to relax, including the gazebo, family huts, rotunda and pavilion, plus children will enjoy seeing the Koi fish in the pond.
If you’re up for some more action, there are several fun floor games in the gardens of the Lekki Conservation Centre, including a giant floor chessboard with 16 big pieces, snakes and ladders, ludo and draughts!
There are also tennis courts if you fancy having a play, and jungle gym facilities such as monkey bars and zip lines.
Tips For Visiting Lekki Conservation Centre
The dry season (from October to March) is the best time to visit Lekki Conservation Centre weather-wise.
You can’t go on at the canopy walkway when it is raining so make sure you check the weather before you book your ticket and visit!
Mosquitoes are around Lekki Conservation Centre, so it’s advisable to wear light, long-sleeved clothing and insect repellent.
You’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes, and it’s a good idea to bring some water to stay hydrated.
Summary
Lekki Conservation Centre offers a really exciting and educational experience to visitors, whilst also preserving Nigeria’s natural heritage.
Walking along the longest canopy walk in Africa here at Lekki Conservation Centre is a fun adventure, full of breathtaking views.
If you are in Lagos, don’t miss the chance to explore this charming oasis of biodiversity and walk along the unforgettable canopy walk at Lekki Conservation Centre!