Lekki Conservation Centre

The Lekki Conservation Centre was established by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation in 1990 on around seventy-eight hectares of coastal wetland on the Lekki peninsula, preserving swamp forest, savanna and mangrove within what has since become one of the fastest-developing parts of Lagos. A boardwalk runs through the swamp to observation points, and a canopy walkway of six linked spans, often described as the longest in Africa, crosses high above the forest, swaying considerably and giving views over the reserve and out toward the lagoon. Mona monkeys, crocodiles, monitor lizards and many birds live in the reserve. A visitor centre, picnic ground and games area sit near the entrance.

History

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation surveyed three possible areas in 1987 and chose Lekki, and the centre was established in 1990, built by Chevron for the foundation, to protect the wildlife and mangroves of the south-west coast from urban development. It covers 78 hectares (Wikipedia, Lekki Conservation Centre).

What you'll find

• The canopy walkway - the six-span suspended walk above the forest.
• The boardwalk - the raised path through swamp forest and savanna.
• Mona monkeys - the habituated troops around the boardwalk.
• Crocodiles and monitors - the reptiles in the wetland areas.

When to go

November to March in the dry season for the boardwalk and walkway; the rains make everything wet and the walkway may close. Weekday mornings are quietest. Weekends bring large crowds and long queues for the walkway.

What to expect

The canopy walkway queues can be very long at weekends and it closes in wind or rain. The reserve is small and surrounded by construction. Monkeys are habituated and take food from visitors. Traffic on the Lekki-Epe expressway makes arrival times unpredictable.

Nearby

Lagos island lies west; Epe is east along the lagoon.

Key facts