Being an ardent fan of nature viewing, hiking and any form of
adrenaline pumping adventure, I have from the day I got wind of the existence
of the conservation centre in Lagos State, longed for an opportunity to visit it. LCC is a natural conservation park established
in 1990 by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. The centre covers an estimated
land of approx. 78 hectares (majorly fresh water swamp) and is located along
the Lagos-Epe expressway.
The centre is touted to have the longest canopy walkway in
Africa (about 401 meters long) and the second largest in the world! Wait, I’m hoping
that you know what a canopy walkway is?
I didn’t know what it was either prior to my *first visit. So, after a period of planning, I and my
friends picked up our hiking boots and bottles of water and proceeded to appease
our adventurous appetites.
On entry, we were first greeted with the sight of monkeys
moving freely around. They were so many! At first, we were scared until we were informed that they were to a large
extent “harmless” (though not tamed) as they were used to seeing people
come around. The only exception
being that you must not be holding any edible item such as biscuits or drinks
as these will attract them to you.
Other
than the monkeys, which are no doubt, the most prominent fauna present in LCC, the
Centre claims to host other animals like crocodiles, snakes, giant tortoises (with
one acclaimed to be over 90 years old), peacocks and a wide array of other birds. Being a natural conservation centre wherein the
movement of animals are not restricted by cages, ropes or fences, the chances
of sighting animals (other than monkeys) is low - medium. In my case, I and my friends were opportune to see a Totoise, Peacocks, a crocodile and off course.... Monkeys!
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| A peacock |
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| A Tortoise (over 90 years old) |
The highpoint of our visit to the LCC was when we climbed
the canopy walkway (at 401 meters long, 0.6 meters wide and 22.5 meters at the highest point). The walk way is made up of ropes and aluminum
cables hinged on firm iron pillars that looks like giant electric poles.
As we climbed higher above the forest vegetation, people expressed
fear in unique ways. While some cried, shivered or kept mute, some others kept
requesting to go back. For me, it was
mixed feelings of fear and excitement. The view at the climax was indeed
splendid, albeit only to be enjoyed by brave heart'ed tourists. To be frank, its okay to be afraid the first
time #Lol.
The canopy walkway is not the only adrenaline pumping
attraction in LCC. There is also a tree
house which is about 25m high. The tree
house is fashionably seated on a stout dawadawa tree (Pakia biglobossa), with a
well protected ladder mounted behind the tree to enable nature enthusiasts
reach the tree house. Of course, we
climbed the tree house to its peak and again, savored the awesome view
presented to us from there.
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| The Tree House |
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| In the Tree House |
There is also a family park and relaxation / picnic area in
the centre of the conservation area.
Here, tourists are thrilled to giant outdoor board games such as ludo,
snake and ladder, chess, checkers etc.
There are also gazebos of varying sizes for group picnics and / or seminars,
although for a fee. The park also has
large artificial fish ponds with exotic fishes like the Japanese Koi, tilapia
and the more popular catfish amongst others.
We ended the day by visiting a coconut seller stand, where
we were treated to a cool natural coconut water drink.
It was indeed a memorable experience for me
and I was sure to come back any opportunity I get!
Authors Tips
— Visit
during the weekdays if possible. Weekends
are rowdy and the noise drives animals far away from the walkway
— Wear
shoes with good grip, especially for the canopy walk
— Go
with a good camera to enable you capture the memories
— Leave
your fear at home and enjoy the moments.
— Come
along with your picnic box as there is little or no food sold on site.
Feel free to reach me on my email, if you require any information.
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