A picnic in the park is always a great way to spend the day and if you’re looking for things to do in a great area, LUFASI Park is a great option to try. They say you can plan a picnic but not the weather. Luckily for us, the location and the weather were in sync and worked out great. Besides, who doesn’t love a picnic in a serene environment? LUFASI stands for Lekki Urban Forest Animal Sanctuary Initiative and their main aim is to be a safe haven for wildlife and nature.
LUFASI has a natural beauty about it and the serenity is second to none. It is a great location for families to visit. You could also take a book along and get lost in it or if you’re an unconventional person, it could serve as a location for a meeting/date. Sitting on 20 hectares on land, it contains a children’s playground, a botanical garden, the Ekki Forest, the Animal Garden, a lake and a sitting area where you could relax and just put your worries on hold. While walking through the park is a work out on its own, it helps you to appreciate how amazing and calming nature can be.
Upon entry it is easy to forget that you’re in Lagos as it feels like it is cut off from the surroundings around it.
The staff were courteous and friendly and after paying the entry fee, they left us to our devices. If you go in with your camera, they’ll have something to say as they are a bit skeptical about people taking pictures. However, if you’re able to explain to them what these pictures are for, they just might give you a pass. 🙂
The animals in the park include monkeys, donkeys, turtles, ducks, raccoons and more and it said that they are rescued and given a new home at LUFASI. While this is a foreign thing to hear for many people, it serves as a great initiative and another way to fill up an animal zoo.
The animals looked well tended to and their area was also kept fairly clean so it is safe to assume that they mean business in taking care of them.
Directions are well laid out in the park which eliminates the risk of people getting lost and I loved that the park was as clean as it could possibly be. There were trash cans everywhere with signs imploring people to ‘love nature and keep the park clean’. The nature walk was soothing and you could hear the birds chirping away. I’m pretty sure we spotted a vulture at some point but unfortunately I couldn’t get a picture. Table tennis is also available beside the juice bar and after a few minutes, I was pretty sure I could take on world champs. LOL
This reminded me of Northern Architecture
After exploring the park, we then looked for the perfect spot to have a picnic. Another thing which I thought was great was that during the picnic, a member of staff went round with games asking which one people would like and we chose ludo.
While LUFASI still has a long way to go before it becomes exactly what it wants to be, I absolutely loved my visit there and can see the potentials in it. It’s a great place to spend the day with family and friends, a place to relax, unwind and get away from the stress of the city and it’s also an amazing way to conserve nature. It’s also a great space for kids to run around and learn about different species of plants. It is also being managed properly (for now) and I hope it stays that way.
Additional Info
It costs N1000 ($5) for adults and N500 ($2.50) for kids and you can stay as long as you like
Limited parking is available
You can take in your own food and drinks
Dress comfortably especially because of the walk around the park.
Cash is the best option if you’re going to buy anything from the fresh juice bar.
They are open throughout the year. Mon – Sat : 9 am – 6pm and on Sundays from 12 pm – 6pm.
LUFASI is next to Fara Park Estate. You drive past VGC, Ajah and Abraham Adesanya roundabouts. While it’s a distance for those coming from the mainland axis, it is worth it.
Ever been to Lufasi Park? What was your take on it?
*foreign conversion is based on the current rate of the Naira and is subject to change.
*prices written are based on the time the visit was made and is subject to change by the owners.
*Reviews are based on my opinion and personal experience, and may differ from person to person