Lufasi park is an animal shelter and a conservation centre located along the Lekki Epe expressway. LUFASI is the Acronym for Lekki Urban Forestry and Animal Shelter Initiative. The park started in 2013 as a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) with the sole responsibility of preserving nature and protecting wildlife and endangered species. Desmond Majekodunmi is the founder of Lufasi Nature Park. Desmond is a nature conservationist, animal lover, engineer, farmer and environmental activist.Lufasi park serves as an animal sanctuary and forest conservation. The park is also responsible for advocacy, research and education. The Park sits on 20 hectares of forest land in the Lekki area of Lagos. It officially launched in Nov 2016. The Park serves as a shelter for rescue endangered animals. It is a combination of a conservation centre, recreational centre and animal shelter. LUFASI park has become one of the popular tourist attractions in Lekki. It is a family-friendly park which makes it a perfect spot for adults and children. Animals at Lufasi park It is home to different species of animals, birds and plants. Some of the animals present are the Hooded Vulture, the African Pied Hornbill, tortoise, monkeys, horses, West African Dwarf sheep, Nigerian dwarf goats, rabbits, rams, pangolins, donkey, ducks etc. It also has an abundance of ironwood trees, cashew trees, Ekki wood trees etc.Lufasi is for the conservation and promotion of nature and wildlife. Lufasi Park Gate fee The entrance fee to Lufasi park is 1,000 Naira per adults and 500 Naira for children. They don’t charge corkage fees. You are free to bring in foods and drinks. Facilities Available at The Park It is a facility packed nature park. These are some of the facilities available at Lufasi park.Children Play Area: It has a dedicated children play area with facilities for children such as swings, slides etc. Lake Moses: It has two artificial lakes at different points of the park. One of the lakes is Lake Moses. Lake Nora: This is the second lake at the Park. The Picnic Area: It also has an outdoor area for picnics and family gathering. Volleyball Pitch: There is never a dull moment at the park. It has several sporting facilities. Football Pitch: It has a five aside football pitch. Eco-Friendly Hall: It has an eco-friendly hall used for team bonding activities, meetings, events etc. Craft/Art shop: the art shop has fashion products, artworks, crafts, drawings, paintings, necklaces and bracelets, woodworks etc. Jungle Game Area: Shirin Yoku Platform Animal Sanctuary Location of Lufasi Park Lufasi park is located at KM 41 Lekki Epe Expressway, Majek 1st Gate, beside Fara Park Estate. Direction to The park If you are coming from the mainland, navigate to Lekki phase 1 along the Lekki Epe Expressway. From Lekki phase 1, drive through the road past the second tollgate all the way past Abraham Adesanya, Ajah. The park is after Lagos Business School (LBS) and a few blocks from Novare Mall. The other landmarks close to Lufasi is Emperor Crown Estate and Farapark estate. It is on your right. It shares a fence with Farapark Estate. Things to Do At Lufasi Park Hiking: It is one of the top spots for hiking. Its nature trail has become tourists favourite spot. Hiking at Lufasi is one of the many adventurous activities to do at the park.Bird Watching: The park is one of birdwatchers favourite destination in Nigeria. It is home to some unique birds like the eagle, vulture, owl etc. Sight Seeing: Because of its natural feel, it attracts visitors from all works of life who come there for sightseeing activities.Picnic: It has become one of the fun places for picnics, family hangouts, reunion and team bonding activities. Play Table tennis: It has standard table tennis on the ground. Photoshoot: it is also perfect for photoshoots. Feel free to take those Go horse riding: You can also go on a horse ride. It has different horses available for this adventure. Experience Wildlife: Since Lufasi Nature park has a wildlife section, you get to see these live animals. It has over 10 species of animals. Photoshoot: The environment is perfect for a photoshoot, over the years it has become a popular attraction for birthdays and pre-wedding shoots etc. Other Tourist Attractions Close to Lufasi Park Lekki Conservation CentreLekki Art MarketNike Art GalleryOmu ResortLakowe Golf Course
Ado Awaye – The Only Suspended Lake in Africa
Ado Awaye suspended lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nigeria. It is one of the two suspended lakes in the world. If you are wondering whats the big deal about Ado Awaye? Well, there are only two suspended lakes in the world and one of them is located in Nigeria, Oyo State to be precise. It is the only suspended lake in Africa.During my visit, I was thrilled with the seven major attractions which made it significant. These seven attractions are known as the seven wonders of Ado Awaye Video Of Ado Awaye The Story behind the City of Ado Awaye Ado Awaye got its name from the two major communities in which ut was located namely Ado and Awaye. These two cities are neighbouring cities in Oyo. According to history, the town was one of the greatest Kingdom in Oyo and the King of Ado Awaye was tagged second in Command after the Alaafin of Oyo. Legend has it that the then King of the city encountered some spiritual attacks which were traced back to his kinsmen. This attack led to his death. However, before he died, he placed a curse that anyone who sat on the throne in the period that should have reigned would suffer a terrible death. For thirty-five years, the throne was vacant. No one was bold enough to assume the throne and the few ones that did die. After thirty-five years a new finally King assume the throne. Why the Fuss, What is a Suspended lake? A suspended lake is a lake that found on top of a mountain. It is so rare that there ate only two of these attractions around the world. The first one is at Colorado known as the Hanging Lake while the second is the Iyake Lake in Oyo State, Nigeria. Tips When Visiting Ado Awaye Ensure you leave your destination early, this is to ensure you can get there early. It is a three-hour drive from Ibadan and about four hours thirty minutes drive from Lagos. If you ate going from Lagos, kindly go through Abeokuta it is a faster route. If you are driving, ensure you get a full tank. Hold enough cash, this is because there are no POS or ATM around. They do not accept transfers. The network can sometimes be crappy, do not expect great internet or mobile service around. Swimming is not allowed at the suspended lake. Carry a backpack where you can keep your belongings, that the only way you can have a smooth hiking experience. Location of Ado Awaye The mountain is located in Ado Awaye, a town that less than 20km from Iseyi in Oyo State. Ado Awaye and the Suspended Lake Ado Iwaye has been tag one of the many wonders of Nigeria. It is one of the most adventurous journeys you can ever embark. Apart from the seven wonders of Ado Awaye. The landscape is a beauty to behold, it is made up of series of interlocking hills, valleys and rocks and the lake.The locals believe that Ado Awaye is God’s gift to man, they also believe that it has the healing power to cure different sicknesses and diseases. Hiking Ado Awaye requires strength, patience and bravery. The artificial steps that lead to the top of the mountain are somehow old and in ruins, thereby making the climb much harder.Hiking this mountain starts with climbing the man-made three hundred and sixty-nine steps. These steps are one of the major highlights of the hiking experience. It takes about one to two hours from the ground floor to the highest peak of the mountain. Entry Fee for Ado Awaye The entry fee to Ado Awaye is 500 Naira per adult, you will need a tour guide to guide you through. Getting a tour guide is recommended. It is almost impossible to navigate the place yourself. The journey involves moving through a rough path, forested region, mountains, hills and valleys. You will pay extra for the tour guide who will tell you the stories and show you the easiest part to trail. Things to take Along Lots of chilled Water or Drinks Gripping Shoes/Hiking Shoes Sunshades and Face caps Cash Powerbank Face towel Things to do at the lake Its a perfect Campsite: It has become one of the most popular campsites in Oyo state. Before you camp ensure you put in place the necessary security. Hiking: Hike through the seven wonders of Ado Awaye. Enjoy the views: Enjoy the breathtaking views of the vegetations, rocks and the landscape. Organize a picnic: Ado Awaye has become one of the top spots for picnics and hangouts. Organize an excursion: It is also a great spot for excursions and other tourism-related activities. Take beautiful photos: This is your reward, a souvenir to take home for being part of the few people to have made this journey. Order For a Plate of Amala: Visit to Ibadan would not be complete without a plate of Amala. Also Read: Top Amala Spots in Nigeria The Seven Mysteries of Ado Awaye Though Ado Awaye is only known for its suspended lake, there are six other attractions known as the seven mysteries of Ado Awaye. They are must-visit attractions. They include:1. Oke Ishage (Ishage Rock): This is the first It is a vertical standing rock which has been standing for centuries. The legend behind this rock is when there is famine or lack of rain in the town. The chief priest comes to the Rock with a white cloth to cover the piece of Rock. According to local sources, once this is done, it will rain within the next four days. 2. Odo Iya Alaro (Iya Alaro Lake): This is another lake at Ado Awaye named after a woman specializes in the art of tye and dye. Several years after the death of Iya Alaro. The lake still retains the tye and dye look though it has been abandoned for many years. It
Agodi Gardens Ibadan – A state of the Art Botanical Garden
Agodi Gardens is a state of the art Botanical garden located in the city of Ibadan close to the Government Complex. Agodi Gardens is seated majestically on over 150 acres of green land. It offers a relaxation spot for both adults and children. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ibadan for fun lovers and tourists. History of Agodi Botanical Gardens It was created in 1967 as a foremost recreational and tourist attraction in the Western region. It was abandoned after the Ogunpa flood disaster in 1980 swept away most of the animals and left the place in a deplorable condition. However, in 2012, the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Abiola Ajimobi decided to give the Botanical Garden a facelift and it was renovated into a twenty-first-century park and garden. It was reopened to the general public in 2014 to convert it into a world-class tourist attraction and the number one relaxation spot in Ibadan. Agodi Gardens offers recreational facilities, games, sightseeing and other fun-seeking adventures. If you are looking for a beautiful garden with lots of serenity and a quiet place to have fun, Agodi garden is the best place for you. It was formally known as Agodi Zoological and Botanical Garden, it has since it’s reopening be renamed as Agodi Gardens. Our Agodi Gardens Experience It was a Tuesday we had set out from Lagos for a one week trip to visit all the major tourist sites in Ibadan. we arrived at Ibadan on Tuesday. We had our first tour on Wednesday, we visited the Captain Bowers Tower and Mapo Hall on Wednesday and our journey to Agodi Gardens began on Thursday. We moved from our hotel at Challenge Area of Ibadan and headed straight to the Oyo Government secretariat area and one thing we discovered was there are lots of roundabout in Ibadan and each roundabout has a statue. Everywhere around the Government area is beautiful and green and it makes you wonder why Ibadan was termed the brown roof city. Finally, we got to Agodi Gardens and we already fell in love with the lush gardens, beautiful scenery and the twenty-first-century amenities at Agodi gardens. We headed for the ticket area and it cost 500 per individual. Always go with cash do not rely on the cashless economy as they don’t accept transfers, the POS not reliable and the nearby ATM is far from Agodi Gardens. Then we were told our DSLR camera would not be allowed inside that we would have to drop it with the security at the gate. That didn’t go well with us, we wouldn’t dare risk our multi-million naira gadgets at the care of total strangers. We decided to stand our ground that we had phones that will do a good job and we wouldn’t use the camera. After a series of back and forth, we were allowed entrance into the facility. As we walked down the aisle we couldn’t believe this beautiful and well-maintained landscape is located somewhere in Ibadan. The water park facility was under maintenance when we went there. The zoo area is a no go area, The place was not well maintained that you would be wondering if it was part of the beautiful Agodi gardens. It was in a deplorable state and the few animals left look pale and hungry. Entering this zone might be at your own risk as it is bushy and not maintained with tall trees and weed growing everywhere. There was no tour guide or zookeeper around. Neither was there a description to tell you the entrance to the zoo. As a first-timer, you’d miss it because it doesn’t look anything like a zoo. The entrance to the place is not cultivated and you will have to walk through weeds into the zoo area. Caution should be taken when you go there. Facilities at Agodi Gardens Water park Merry go round for kids Boat ride Forest reserve Lake Mini zoo Play area and rides for children Picnic and Gardens area Boat ride Swimming Pool Bouncing castle Restaurant Lush garden Horse riding Hoverboard Paintballing What is the gate fee at Agodi Gardens? The gate fee to Agodi gardens is 500 Naira ($1.5) per individual. Other charges may apply for other facilities. Access to the swimming pool area will also attract another N500 ($1.5) List of Animals in The Zoo Parrots Crocodiles Monkeys Horses Goose Opening and Closing time at Agodi gardens Agodi Gardens is opened Mondays to Sunday Opening Time from Monday to Thursday is from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Saturday 10:00am to 9:00pm Sunday 12:00pm to 9:00am Best time to Visit Agodi There is no best time to visit Agodi Gardens, It just depends on your preference. If you love crowd, the best time to visit is during the holidays, Weekends or during the festive season. However, if you love serenity, the best time to visit is in the morning or evening after work. Location of Agodi Gardens It is located at the Parliament Road Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, close to the Oyo State Secretariat Complex. How to get to Agodi in Ibadan If you are coming from Within Ibadan City, Take a cab to Parliament road or Mokola Hills, then locate Agodi Gardens. If you are coming from outside Ibadan, Firstly you will need to get to Ibadan and then take a cab to Agodi Gardens. Fun Things to do at Agodi Botanical Gardens There are lots of fun activities to do at the Gardens. They include: 1. Enjoy the children park area where you have access to the gaming facility. 2. Take advantage of the advanced water park 3. Organise a swimming competition at one of the three swimming pools 4. Organise a party, birthday, event, seminar or team bonding 5. Check out the mini zoo 6. Enjoy the beautiful views of the garden 7. Ordered from the menu at the luxurious restaurant at Agodi 8. Take unlimited selfies Things that are
Everything You Need to Know About the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC)
Looking for something adventurous to do in Lagos? Then the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) offers you adventure in its rarest form. Talking about a tourist place in Nigeria you can go with friends, family or colleagues that comes with lots of fun, the LCC is a place to be. The Lekki conservation centre (LCC) is one of the foremost tourist attractions in Lagos, Nigeria. It is a natural reserve that sits majestically on a 78 hectares of land (that is equivalent to 1170 plots or 195 acres) in the heart of the Lekki Peninsula. Talking about one of the best nature reserves in Nigeria with a modern feel then the Lekki Conservation centre is your choice. Travelwaka LCC Experience My experience at the Lekki conservation centre (LCC) was mind-blowing. Firstly you are welcomed with this charade of palm fronds and coconut trees as you drive down this magical tourist centre. You are escorted to the beautifully designed architectural masterpiece which houses the reception, seminar and conference hall, NCF offices and the NCF Library. Once you set in, you can get your tickets at the reception and wait at the waiting area, where you can watch the monkeys who often comes around to beg or steal from tourists. A tour guard will be attached to take you on the long wood walk which is perfect for that unforgettable romantic date with your loved one. Not forgetting the sweet fresh air void of dust and air pollution and most importantly the adrenaline rush you experience walking on the longest canopy walk in Africa. This is nature in its purest form. An unforgettable experience filled with fun, laughter, excitement, games and adventure. A Resort or Natural reserve or a Conservation Centre? Some people often ask, is the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) a form of a resort or a natural reserve. The Lekki Conservation centre is a natural reserve that is they allows animals to move freely in their natural habitats without having to domesticate or lock them up in cages like the zoos. It is only open to tourists from 8:30am to 5pm daily. History of The Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) The Lekki Conservation Center (LCC) was founded in 1990 and managed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). The Nigerian Conservation Foundation is an environmental Non-Government Organisation (NGO) established in 1980 with the vision to make people prosper while living in harmony with nature. Where is Lekki Conservation Centre Located? The Lekki Conservation centre is located in the heart of Lekki just before the Second Lekki Toll gate opposite Chevron Lekki. KM 19, Lagos-Epe Express Way, by 2nd Toll Gate, Lekki, Lagos Opening Hours at LCC The Lekki conservation centre opens from 8:30am in the morning and closes at 5:00pm in the evening Mondays to Sunday including public holidays. Best time to visit the Lekki Conservation Centre The Lekki Conservation Centre is located in Lekki and some of its parts are prone to flooding and can also be waterlogged during the rainy season. So the best time to visit the nature park is during the dry season so you can maximize the whole fun the centre provides. However, you can still visit the conservation centre during the rainy season but make sure you are wearing comfortable water-resistant shoes and do not go on a rainy day as you may not have access to the canopy walk and some parts of the reserve. What to wear when visiting the Lekki Conservation Centre Wear something light and smart, avoid high heels, flip flops, slippers etc wear something sporty and comfortable. Sportswear, shirt, shorts or trousers will be perfect for the occasion. Adventurous things at the Lekki Conservation Centre Interesting Things to Do at the Lekki Conservation Centre There are lots of interesting things to do at the Lekki conservation centre which includes sightseeing, the canopy walk, climb the tree house on top of the tallest iroko tree at LCC, the swamp lookout station, games like a life-size chess, ludo, draught, snake and ladder , the koi and Tilapia fish ponds, the barbecue joint and a coconut drink section. 1. Sight-Seeing: Enjoy nature at its best, viewing the beautiful greenery as you walk through the 2km elevated wood bridge. Enjoy the sight of animals like the monkeys, the birds etc in their natural habitats. Also the swamp trees, the tall forest trees, the creeping creatures moving around and most importantly the beauty of the forest reserve. 2. Adventurous Walk on the Longest Canopy walk in Africa: The biggest attraction of visiting the Lekki Conservation Centre is the canopy walk. It is a suspended swinging bridge which is about 401 metres long which gives a dangling movement when you walk on it. It is the longest canopy walk in Africa and the second in the world. You get the adrenaline rush when you walk on it. On the highest peak of the canopy walk, you can see Victoria Island, Lekki, the Lagoon and of course the tree house. 3. Life-sized outdoor board games: Enjoy the life-sized board games which includes the chess, ludo. Snake and ladder, draught, 4. The trail boardwalk: The suspended Woodbridge was constructed in 1992 to serve as a tourist attraction and to also give tourist easy access in and out of the conservation centre. Enjoy the two-kilometre elevated walkway which leads in and out of the reserve. 5. Climb Tree House: The tree house is also a major attraction at LCC. It has an elevated ladder that you can climb to and fro. The tree house can only accommodate about 6 people at a time. 6. Picnic at the 96-Seater Gazebos: You can organise picnic under the 96 seater gazebos. 7. Koi & Tilapia ponds: See the Koi and the Tilapia Fish Ponds 8. Do the two kilometres Elevated Wood Bridge walk: To get into the main conservation, You are ushered into the reserve through a 1.8km elevated wood walk which leads to the main arena and to your left, the canopy