The beauty of Local Guides is the audacity to seek new adventure.Yesterday was an astonishing experience for me personally. I wasn’t expecting anything near what we encountered. I will just call it the pulchritudinous experience!
Looking at beauty in the world, is the first step of purifying the mind. ~ Amit Ray
Our journey to another meetup began from Victoria Island. We left Victoria Island at about 9:14 am. It took us about 40mins drive to arrive Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate. The view from the gate was astonishing to the eyes. Yes, even the air was clean and sweet to the nostrils. Local Guides couldn’t wait to start clicking their shutters despite the drizzles. Nature is purifying!
While waiting for other Local Guides to arrive, we took the opportunity to see the lake beside the club house. We had some hot tea and coffee at about 10:30am as four other LGs joined us.
Funmi and Sarvenaz welcomed us officially, thereafter gave us an overview of the history, activities, success and future plans of their organization. Sarvenaz guided us around the Lakes and Golf Resort while Funmi took us through the Enclave, Beachwood and Adiva residential estates.
GEOGRAPHY
Lakowe Lakes and Country Estate is a 305 hectre land with five artificial lakes and trees. It is located about 35km from the city centre. Lakowe Estate is near to nature within a pristine rain forest which is home to numerous bird species, snakes, aligators, palm trees and wild flowers.
LAKES
A lake is the landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature. ~ Henry David Thoreau
To garnish the beautiful vast green landscape, a lake transverses the golf course and the exquisite Bali huts beside the hospitality centre.
The 55 hectre lakes provide fun activities such as boat ride, fishing, sightseeing and other activities. Surprisingly, these lakes are man-made.
GOLF COURSE
One attractive feature in the Lakowe Facility is its captivating 18 hole golf course. It stretches from east to west on an undulating earth surface which is being maintained regularly to preserve its lush green texture. Lakowe Golf Course has hosted International Golf Tournament for several years.
We had a first-hand view of the practice facility comprising a driving range and golf academy where beginners can learn basic skills.
This 92 hectares course was designed by the famous PGA Golf Architect Robert O’Friel. Probably the best international golf course in West Africa.
At about 12:15pm we were done touring the Lakes and Golf Resort.
HOSPITALITY
The corporate lodge and spa facility was a remake of another world. Bali styled apartments built of woods from the walkpath to the amazing veranda. Most of the fine flowers and scents tickles your fancy.
RESIDENTIAL ESTATE
The Enclave
We arrived the Enclave Residents at about 12:24. Located on eastside of the golf course, it is a brawling high brow estate of over 200 houses. The buildings are in phases- mansions, studio, block of flats and owner designed allotments. All Fully built and sold. There’s also a long winding lake seperating the estate from the golf resort.
Beachwood Estate, Adiva Plainfields and Beachwood Park- are three other housing layouts located a few kilometres from the Lakes and Golf facility. Beachwood is an owner acquired estate. Adiva plainfield is a fenced community with a lake overlooking the neighbourhood. While Beachwood Park is a block of colorful flats with ongoing development. All trio are interconnected by road.
ACCESSIBILITY
Lakowe Lakes and Golf Estate is accessible by able and disable visitors. Almost all doors are wide and step-free; Particularly the guest lounge and club house. All walkways are step free and smooth enough to enable wheelchair users navigate without assistance. At the residential area some of the houses do not have ramps but the representative who guided us promised to make a report to its management on that.
TAKEAWAYS
*Two of the Estates didn’t have any reviews as at the time we visited.
*Lakowe Golf Course is an international approved facility for PGA tournaments.
*The management pledged to improve their accessibility policy going forward.
*Lakowe Lakes and Golf is an exclusive resort for members only.
About 11 Local Guides attended the meetup and of course there was never a dull moment. Thanks to @alukohammed @SanyaOdare @Lelekena @Taofik @Xris802 @Vivian, Obinna, Deji, Mubarak, Leke for showing up on a Friday.
Lakowe Lakes and Golf is the best kept secret in Africa! Here’s our Photo Album
and see a list of golf courses in Nigeria.
This meetup is part of a series by #OneAccessibility Initiative to engage organizations and decision makers on the need to ensure accessibility for everyone.
