Day trip to Badagry from Lekki
Two hours west of Lekki, Badagry holds the heaviest history in Lagos State: the slave route, the first storey building in Nigeria, and a quiet beach.
Historic slave route marker on the road at Badagry
The route
Badagry is 80 kilometres west of Lekki, through Victoria Island, over the Third Mainland Bridge and along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. Two to three hours depending on Apapa traffic. This isn’t a Bolt trip; hire a driver for $100 to $130 for the day. Leave by 7am. Bring a passport photocopy in case of checkpoints.
What to see
Start at the Badagry Heritage Museum on Marina Road, entry about $3, one hour with a guide. Walk to the Point of No Return via the slave route; a boat crosses the lagoon for $2 each way. The First Storey Building in Nigeria, built 1845, is $2 to enter. Mobee Slave Relics Museum has chains and shackles on display, $2 entry, and the family still runs it. Lunch at a local buka on Marina, rice and stew for $4.
Tone and timing
This is a heavy day, not a beach day. Come with the intention of learning. Guides charge $10 to $15 for the full circuit and are worth every naira; the history won’t land without one. Aim to leave Badagry by 3pm to be back in Lekki before dark. Combine with a beach stop only if you have real energy left, which you won’t.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
Yes if you care about West African history. It's the most significant historical site in Lagos State.
About four hours on the ground, plus four to six hours of driving round-trip.
You can but you shouldn’t. The sites don’t have signage and the story needs telling.
Yes, it's a well-established heritage destination. Stick with your guide and driver and you’re fine.
Hotels in Lekki
More guides to Lekki
All guides
Itineraries · 7 min read
48 hours in Lekki
Two days built around beach clubs, lagoon views and the Lagos energy that spills over from Victoria Island every night.
Itineraries · 9 min read
One week in Lekki
Seven days pacing beach clubs, art, markets and two day trips out of the Lagos heat, with room to actually rest.
Itineraries · 6 min read
Lekki in 3 days on a budget
Three days under $200 total, using street food, public beach entry and buses where it makes sense.
Same hotel, same price as the big sites — and every booking funds one verified tonne of carbon removal, at no extra cost to you.