Plizio Visual Lab
Lekki Conservation Centre
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) in Lagos is a vital ecological oasis situated within one of the world's fastest-growing megacities. Established in 1990 by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), it was created to protect the endangered coastal and swamp ecosystems of the Lekki Peninsula. The 78-hectare reserve serves as a sanctuary for mona monkeys, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and a vast array of bird species. Its most famous feature is the 401-meter-long canopy walkway, the longest of its kind in Africa, offering panoramic views from over 22 meters above the forest floor. Visitors explore the site via wooden boardwalks that wind through dense mangroves and wetlands. LCC is not only a premier ecotourism destination but also a significant hub for environmental education and biodiversity research in Nigeria.
- Location: Nigeria
- Top sights: Lekki Conservation Center · Nike Art Gallery
- Nearby: Lagos (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 28 | 33 | 74 | 133 | 203 | 266 | 237 | 135 | 277 | 221 | 80 | 27 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The dry season from November to March is the best time to visit, as trails are dry and birds are active. In the rainy season from April to October, the canopy walkway can be slippery, but vegetation is lush.
Best time of day
Morning hours are handy for birdwatching from the canopy walkway before it gets hot. Late afternoon also has good conditions, while midday is less recommended.
Etiquette
Stay on the trails and the canopy walkway to avoid disturbing the sensitive wetlands. Feeding monkeys and birds is prohibited, and noise should be minimized.
What to bring
Binoculars are helpful for spotting birds in the dense canopy. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are important for the canopy walkway, especially in wet conditions.
Getting there
The conservation centre is located in Lagos and is easily reachable by car or taxi. Parking is available, and the entrance is well signposted.
What to expect
Birdlife is abundant, but animals can be hidden in the foliage - take your time. The canopy walkway provides a good overview, but patience is needed to spot rare species.
Geography
Facts
- The center was officially established in 1990 by the NCF.
- The 401-meter canopy walkway is documented as the longest in Africa.
- The reserve covers 78 hectares of coastal swamp and forest habitats.
- The walkway's highest tower stands at 22.5 meters above the swamp.
- It features the largest floor chessboard in Africa in its family park area.
- More than 2 kilometers of boardwalks allow safe exploration of the wetlands.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Lekki Conservation Centre (2)
Nike Art Gallery🏛 museum
The Nike Art Gallery is a massive multi-story gallery complex bursting with thousands of traditional and contemporary Nigerian artworks.
🌐 nikeartfoundation.com🕒 Mo-Sa 10:00-18:00; Su 13:00-18:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Lekki Conservation Centre?
Africa's longest canopy walkway has spectacular views of nature.
Is the walkway safe for kids?
Yes, but under strict parental supervision and according to park rules.
What animals can be seen?
You often see monkeys, tortoises, and various exotic bird species.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 3 hours to cover the walkway and hiking trails.
Is the reserve crowded?
It is often crowded on weekends; better to visit during the week.
Lekki Conservation Centre: where is it located?
Lekki Conservation Centre is located in Nigeria.
Lekki Conservation Centre: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lekki Conservation Center, Nike Art Gallery.
Lekki Conservation Centre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Lekki Conservation Centre: why is it worth visiting?
Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) in Lagos is a vital ecological oasis situated within one of the world's fastest-growing megacities.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Nigeria →
Nearby cities
Lagos
Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria and the largest financial and economic center in West Africa.
Ikeja
Ikeja is the capital of Lagos State, home to the bustling Murtala Muhammed Airport.
Lekki
Lekki is the upscale peninsula of Lagos, famous for its luxury beaches, modern shopping malls, and major nature conservation center.
History & landmarks
Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge
The Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge in Lagos is the first cable-stayed bridge in Nigeria.
Civic Centre Lagos
The Civic Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos, is a masterpiece of modern waterfront architecture.
Tafawa Balewa Square
Tafawa Balewa Square in central Lagos is a historic square where Nigeria's independence was celebrated in 1960.
Freedom Park Lagos
Freedom Park in Lagos was built on the site of the former colonial Broad Street Prison.
Independence House Lagos
The Independence House in Lagos was the first high-rise building constructed after Nigeria's independence in 1960.
NECOM House
NECOM House in Lagos is the tallest building in Nigeria.
Cathedral Church of Christ Lagos
The Cathedral Church of Christ on the Marina in Lagos is one of the oldest and most well-known Anglican cathedrals in Nigeria, famous for…
Third Mainland Bridge
The Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos is the longest bridge in Nigeria, measuring 11.8 kilometers in length.
More places
Apapa Port Complex
The largest and most important port in Nigeria, handling a large portion of the country's international trade.
Tin Can Island Port
A major seaport in Lagos that relieves the Apapa port and handles many RoRo ships.
Dangote Refinery
The largest single-train oil refinery in the world, designed to drastically reduce Nigeria's reliance on fuel imports.
Lekki Deep Sea Port
Nigeria's most modern and deepest seaport, designed to handle large container ships.
🗺️
Lekki Lagoon
A lagoon near the coast near Lagos.
First Storey Building
The oldest storey building in Nigeria, built by Christian missionaries in Badagry.
Badagry Slave Port
A historic port and route that served as a major transit point during the transatlantic slave trade.
Gulf of Guinea
The coastal sea in the south of Nigeria.