LUFASI Park Lagos: Picnic, Butterflies and Forest Calm

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Lagos can be hectic, and sometimes you just need a simple spot to relax. LUFASI Park in Lekki offers open lawns for picnics, quiet forest trails, and a chance to see butterflies and small wildlife. 

It’s close enough for a quick trip yet calm enough to feel away from the city. In this article, we examine what makes LUFASI Park worth visiting, from its picnic areas to its role in preserving a unique piece of Lagos nature.

 

Visiting LUFASI Park In Lagos: Quick Facts You Need

Lufasi Park in Lekki is one of the few forest reserves in Lagos that remains open to the public. 

Spanning approximately 20 hectares, it features a small animal rescue centre, forest trails, and expansive lawns where families gather for picnics.

If you’re planning a visit, here are the basics:

• Opening Hours: Opening hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
• Entrance Fee: Entrance fees are affordable, with discounts available for children and students.
• Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit is during the dry season, on weekends for picnics or on weekday mornings for a quieter forest feel.

 

How Do I Get To LUFASI Park?

Finding your way to LUFASI Park in Lekki is straightforward, whether you’re driving yourself or using public transport. 

Here’s how you can reach LUFASI Park from different parts of the city:

1. By Car Or Taxi

From Victoria Island, take the Lekki-Epe Motorway and exit at Majek 1st Gate-KM 41. The drive takes around 25–30 minutes without heavy traffic. Parking is free and available on-site.

2. By Public Bus

By public bus (danfo), board one heading towards Lekki or Sangotedo and ask the driver to stop at Majek 1st Gate. The park entrance is a short 5-minute walk from the bus stop.

3. By Motorcycle 

If you are in Lekki or Ajah, take a motorcycle taxi (okada) and request a drop-off at Majek 1st Gate. This is often the fastest way to beat traffic.

 

Picnic Spots in LUFASI Park for Families and Friends

LUFASI Park in Lekki is one of the few nature reserves in Lagos where families and groups can enjoy picnics. 

The main lawns near Lake Nora are the most popular, while shaded pavilions work well for larger gatherings.

Visitors are welcome to bring their food and drinks, and bins are provided to help keep this green space in Lagos clean. 

Weekends are the busiest, while weekday mornings are better for a quieter picnic. Among picnic spots in Lagos, LUFASI Park stands out for its space and easy access.

 

Where Is The Best Picnic Spot In LUFASI Park?

Picnicking is one of the main reasons people visit LUFASI Park in Lekki. But not every spot feels the same, and some areas stand out more than others.

• For large groups, the covered picnic sheds are near the main entrance.
• For couples or small families: the open grass lawns beside the forest trail.
• Tip: Bring your own food and drinks, as on-site options are limited.

 

Butterflies and Wildlife: What Makes LUFASI Park Different

Unlike many green spaces in Lagos that are mostly lawns, LUFASI Park in Lekki still protects part of the natural forest. 

This gives visitors the chance to see butterflies, birds, and small animals in their natural setting. The park is home to Lake Nora and a rescue centre that cares for injured wildlife, making it stand out from other nature reserves in Lagos.

For families and school groups, the forest trails double as an outdoor classroom. Children can spot different butterfly species and learn how the park’s conservation work helps protect wildlife in Lagos. 

It’s this mix of recreation and education that makes LUFASI more than just another picnic ground.

Lagos Eco-Tourism And LUFASI Park’s Role

When people mention Lagos eco-tourism, Lekki Conservation Centre often comes up first. But LUFASI Park plays its part too, protecting 20 hectares of forest, lakes, and wildlife along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

The park isn’t just for picnics. It runs school programmes that showcase Nigeria’s biodiversity in real life and shelters rescued animals, including donkeys and tortoises. 

Volunteers also get the chance to take part in small conservation projects. For visitors, LUFASI Park offers a mix of open lawns, forest walks, and simple lessons about threats to Nigeria’s ecosystems. 

It’s one of the few spots in Lagos where leisure and conservation come together.

Things to Do at LUFASI Park Beyond Picnics

LUFASI Park offers more than just open lawns. Visitors can try a few simple activities that make the park worth spending more time in. 

Here are some of the things you can do beyond picnics:

• Nature walks

The forest trails come with simple interpretive signs, making it easy to learn about the trees and wildlife as you walk.

• Photography

With butterflies, lakes, and shaded forest backdrops, the park gives photographers plenty of natural subjects to capture.

• Children’s play zones

Families can take advantage of swings and slides, giving kids a space to burn energy while adults relax nearby.

• Events and school trips

The park regularly hosts groups for environmental awareness programmes that combine fun activities with learning.

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Why LUFASI Park Matters For Urban Green Spaces In Lagos

LUFASI Park in Lekki protects 20 hectares of forest and lakes at a time when Lagos has one of the lowest levels of urban green space, about 14% coverage.

The park shelters endangered species like the Ekki tree and hooded vultures, while also running a nursery with over 1,200 saplings for reforestation.

Schools and visitors use it as an outdoor classroom to learn about biodiversity and conservation.

For Lagos ecotourism, LUFASI demonstrates how recreation, education, and conservation can be effectively integrated in an urban setting.

 

Conclusion 

Lufasi Park in Lekki may not be the largest nature reserve in Lagos, but it demonstrates why green spaces are essential in a fast-growing city. 

Families come for picnics, students use it as an outdoor classroom, and eco-tourists see how conservation and leisure can fit side by side.

For Lagos ecotourism, it’s proof that protecting biodiversity and offering recreation don’t have to be separate goals. 

If you’re looking for picnic spots in Lagos or want to experience a pocket of forest still standing in the city, LUFASI Park is worth a visit.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Where Is LUFASI Park Located In Lagos?

Lufasi Park is located in Lekki, along the Lekki-Epe Motorway, at Majek 1st Gate. It’s easy to reach by car, taxi, or public bus.

2. What Makes LUFASI Park Different From Other Nature Preserves In Lagos?

Unlike some Lagos parks, LUFASI combines ecotourism with conservation. It protects 20 hectares of forest, shelters rescued animals, and serves as an outdoor classroom for schools.

3. Can Families Enjoy Picnics at LUFASI Park?

Yes. Families often picnic on the open lawns near Lake Nora. It’s one of the most accessible picnic spots in Lagos, with shaded pavilions for groups.

4. Is There Logging Available At LUFASI Park?

No, LUFASI Park is strictly a day-use nature reserve; there are no accommodation facilities on-site.

5. Am I Allowed To Bring My Own Food And Drinks?

Yes. Visitors can bring their own snacks and beverages, making it one of the most flexible picnic spots in Lagos.