There are greater than 300 parks and gardens throughout the state of Lagos, and the town continues to get greener.
Lagos holds its annual Tree Planting Day on July 14 annually as a part of an even bigger plan to construct a greener metropolis. Corporations are adopting roundabouts to show them into cute inexperienced areas, and botanical gardens are showing in public faculties.
For those who’re eager to discover a slice of the eco-riches of Lagos, here’s a checklist of the parks fashionable with Lagosians.
Go to nature’s classroom: LUFASI Nature Park
The Lagos Urban Forestry and Animal Shelter Initiative (LUFASI) appears like a mixture of nature’s classroom and a dozen totally different parks in a single. Faraway from the on a regular basis bustle of the Lekki-Epe freeway, each step you are taking on this 25-hectare (62-acre) patch of mangrove vegetation is a tutorial in all issues environmental.
Whereas exploring the calm setting, you’ll discover quotes scattered all through that promote the therapeutic powers of nature. Transient descriptions determine totally different species of bushes and their fashionable native makes use of.
Animal rights activists will respect the park’s rising assortment of rescued monkeys, donkeys and horses, which get pleasure from skilled veterinary care. There’s birdsong throughout, punctuated by geese honking and geese quacking. Attempt forest bathing by the uncommon Iron Redwood (Ekki) tree, unwind on the badminton and basketball courts or play desk tennis whereas the youngsters occupy themselves on the playground.
Wave to monkeys on the Lekki Conservation Centre
The Lekki Conservation Centre is considered one of Lagos’ ecotourism hotspots. Established in 1990, it covers 78 hectares (about 193 acres) of wetland, mangrove forest and savannah vegetation. Lagosians troop to it – totally on weekends – primarily for its 401-meter-long (1315ft) cover walkway.
Every of the six towers of the cover walkway gives unequalled views of the forest cowl. The paths and cover walkway result in the Household Park part, the place guests can order drinks and barbecues, picnic or chill in any of the a number of gazebos. Youngsters will get a kick out of feeding the fish, and also you’ll discover tilapia and koi ponds right here.
The Mona monkeys are the park’s most well-known wildlife and can actually wave to you as you head out on the boardwalks. Among the different thrills right here: the east path has a crocodile lookout, a chicken hideout and swamp views; and the west path gives an opportunity to climb as much as a treehouse, some 20m (65 ft) above the bottom.
The ten finest issues to do in and round Lagos
Have a picnic in Muri Okunola Park
For those who dropped in on the Muri Okunola Park (Victoria Island) on a Saturday, chances are high that you simply’ll meet a bunch of labor buddies hanging out, picnicking on their patch of inexperienced floor; or celebrants marking their birthdays with family and friends, feasting and dancing via all of it.
Elsewhere on the premises, a bamboo bar serves shakes, smoothies and a wide range of drinks, whereas protecting its patrons shifting to a playlist of up to date Afrobeats.
It’s one of some parks within the metropolis with a small books assortment, though it’s virtually at all times locked up. Wherever you select to take a seat within the park, you’ll not miss the 40-foot fiber-glass monument, Ma’ami, celebrating motherhood. One other set up of the Eyo masquerade, created from discarded aluminum, hangs additional away on the southern wall.
Spend a night at Freedom Park
100 years in the past, this facility was a jail run by the colonial authorities; over the previous decade – with the design genius of native architects – it’s been reworked into a nice park.
Relaxation on park benches thoughtfully planted amidst the backyard bushes, or take a stroll on walkways crisscrossing the grounds to find totally different sections of the park: fountain, ponds, an amphitheater, meals courtroom and gallery blocks.
On weekdays, you’ll discover Lagosians right here sitting out the night rush-hour visitors over drinks and dwell music, or attending the creative packages which the park can also be identified to host, together with concert events, exhibitions, craft festivals, e-book readings and theater reveals.
Issues to know earlier than touring to Lagos
Spend some household time in Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park
The Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park within the Central Enterprise District of Alausa boasts a mini-waterfall, fountain, youngsters’s play space, a love nest, a number of gazebos and a lush garden match for picnics. It’s additionally the general public face of the drive to make Lagos greener.
The Lagos State Home of Meeting advanced adjoins the park. There, you’ll discover three statues representing former governors of the town, in whose honor the park was constructed.
On busy days, the park hosts festivals and e-book hangouts. And whereas right here, you’re only a stroll away from the Lagos parliament constructing and the state secretariat. The governor’s workplace (appointments solely) can also be inside the neighborhood and is adorned with a concrete-and-metal 60-foot EcoTree, an emblem of the sweetness and synergy of know-how and the humanities.
Have a picnic and a historical past lesson at Jaekel Home Backyard
Fancy having a picnic backdropped by a 124-year-old colonial-era mansion? In that case, then plan it for the Jaekel Home gardens within the Ebute Metta space of the town. Tucked contained in the previous railway compound, you’ll be able to take a guided tour of the mini-museum inside to get a glimpse of Nigeria’s railway historical past and the important function performed by the Nigeria Railway Company pre- and post-independence.
Try the Nationwide Theatre garden, then get pleasure from a chew to eat
The Nationwide Theatre, constructed to host the 2nd World Black and African Pageant of Arts and Tradition (FESTAC) in 1977, is likely one of the high architectural gems in Lagos. Past its eye-catching exterior, the shade bushes and lawns encircling it have served Lagosians as picnic spots for many years.
A $100m renovation is underway to show the advanced right into a inventive and leisure middle; and by the tip of 2022, guests ought to have the ability to attain it utilizing the floor mild rail.
Sightseers could wish to take a break in any of quite a few bars and eating places located in part of the premises popularly referred to as “Abe Igi” for an assortment of meals and drinks.
For swimming, video games and even a zoo, head to Shodex Backyard
Shodex Gardens is a horticulturists’ delight, full of a various assortment of crops. With cautious labeling of the totally different species, you’ll come away from the expertise extra educated concerning the flora on show.
It’s a superb spot to have a day drink if you happen to don’t thoughts the sound of autos rushing from side to side on the ever-busy Ikorodu Street.
One of the family-friendly areas round, its play space, swimming pool, recreation arcade and sculpture backyard are successful with youngsters. There’s a modest zoo fashionable with college students on excursions. The backyard is busiest on weekends (and it opens for longer hours too), when adults pack into the bar, snack on small chops and revel in a musical deal with from the in-house DJ.
Inexperienced thumbs will not wish to miss RF Gardens
Be warned: For those who do not care about crops, RF Gardens will probably convert you. Located within the serene Ikoyi space, virtually each inch of it’s coated in crops and flowers, properly cultivated in pots and vases of various shapes, colours and sizes. There’s an exhilarating selection to get pleasure from and, if you happen to’re impressed, indoors you’ll discover a number of backyard provides and equipment.
Guests might simply spend a complete day at this household enterprise, full with a restaurant and an indoor bar and grill station.
