When you visit Lagos, Nigeria, you can experience a 78-hectare natural resource conservation reserve dedicated to protecting coastal wildlife and mangrove forests from urban development. Located on the Lekki Peninsula along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, opposite Chevron, the Lekki Conservation Centre offers a tranquil sanctuary protecting swamp and savannah habitats. Established by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, this reserve provides a unique space to appreciate regional biodiversity.
As you explore, you will discover an abundance of plant and animal life across secondary forest, swamp forest, and savannah grassland. Walk along the 1.8 km nature trail, connected by wooden tracks, stepping stones, and raised walkways designed for comfortable wildlife viewing. You can spot mona monkeys, squirrels, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and diverse bird species along the way.
Be sure to check out the tree house, featuring a 21-meter-high platform that provides a panoramic view of the reserve, picnic area, visitor center, and children's playground. You can also pause at the bird hide overlooking the swamp or venture onto Africa's longest canopy walkway. From the welcoming boulevard of coconut trees at the entrance to the educational library and auditorium displaying pictures of endangered species, this reserve gives you a memorable, nature-focused escape right near Lagos Lagoon.
What to see at Lekki Conservation Centre
- Experience the longest canopy walkway in Africa
- Climb the 21-meter-high tree house platform for panoramic views
- Walk the 1.8 km nature trail across raised boardwalks and marshland
- Spot wildlife like mona monkeys, crocodiles, and monitor lizards
- Observe native species from the dedicated swamp bird hide
Visiting tips
Take advantage of the park rangers available to guide you through the reserve's trails and wildlife habitats.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Lekki Conservation Centre is easy to reach on Lagos’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Nigerian National Museum, Lagos and Lagos Central Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lagos travel guide.
See the full Lagos travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.