Marked as one of the legendary recreational gems in Nigeria is the Elegushi Royal Beach, located along one of Lagos’ busiest roads, Lekki-Epe Expressway. The beach is owned by the esteemed Elegushi Royal family of Ikate Land.
The beach is dubbed a haven as a result of the unforgettable impression it leaves on visitors. The scenic beach surpasses just being a spot for so many things like getting a tan or sticking your toes in the water, it is an experience out of the ordinary, perfectly blending coastal aesthetics with culture and vibes.
If you’re a party lover, a tourist seeking fun, or a Lagosian in search of an escape from the chaos, Elegushi is your go-to option for ecstasy.
You’re probably wondering what makes Elegushi Royal Beach so special. It’s just a beach, why rank it as one of the most iconic spots in Lagos for a series of activities, particularly weekend get-togethers, music videos, and photoshoots, and also cultural events?
Ask no further, read on as I explore this in detail.
A Brief History of Elegushi Royal Beach
Owned by the prestigious Elegushi Royal Family, in the early 2000s, Elegushi Royal Beach became accessible to the public. The beach is compared to none as it was specifically designed with intentionality and for a purpose, the reflection of a balanced blend of royalty eminence with public recreation.
The leadership of Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi ushered in the fast growth of the beach into a tourist attraction, uniting the long-standing Yoruba culture with the vibrance of contemporary Lagos.
Remember this: whenever you visit the beach, you’re stepping onto a noble domain.
What to Expect When You Visit
If you visit Elegushi Royal Beach, you’d agree with me that the beach is not only about the ocean view, but also about the lifestyle. It continues to stand out among other beaches, marking the Atlantic coastline of Lagos. Here are the reasons:-
1. Unmatched Vibes
The beach presents a fascinating view of the Atlantic Ocean with an expanse of golden, soft sand, which beckons barefoot strolls. The sound of Afrobeat music coming from close-by speakers is followed by the sound of crashing waves. This is also accompanied by the murmurs of vendors trying to sell their tantalizing delicacies and cool drinks. The beach offers a variety of fantastic options, especially live music, nightlife entertainment, and beach sports, among others.
Picture beach locals playing football, visitors taking dope selfies with the sunset highlighting their tanned skin, and vendors trying to sell everything from fresh coconuts to woven hats— you arrive at a chaotic but colorful and picturesque view.
2. A Centre of Entertainment
When the sun sets, the beach literally lights up. Elegushi Beach is themed with bars and clubs which line up front, hosting well-known DJs in Lagos, cool live music, and curated parties.
A typical Friday or Saturday night on Elegushi Royal Beach is characterized by an intense rave stemming from cozy bonfires happening nearby. Events are constantly held on the beach by celebrities, and it also serves as a perfect location for shooting music videos. In all, it offers a splendid taste of the city’s nightlife experience.
3. Food That Satisfies Cravings
Elegushi offers a wide range of flavorsome food, especially Nigerian street food such as our spicy grilled meat commonly known as Suya, palm wine or chilled beer, roasted fish accompanied with pepper sauce, spicy goat meat popularly called Asun, and barbecue chicken and plantain, among others.
For those who prefer a selective dining experience, some top-notch restaurants and lounges serve budget-friendly and diverse meals.
4. Birthdays, Weddings & Private Parties
As established earlier, Elegushi Royal Beach also serves as a ground for various activities and events, some of which are birthday parties, beach weddings, and private parties. Owing to its flexibility and aura, the beach tops the list of several event planners seeking top-notch locations for hosting events.
5. Celebration of Cultural Heritage
Once in a while, cultural events are hosted by the royal family and local groups, showcasing the richness of the Yoruba cultural heritage through music, attire, and dance. This offers a refreshing and colorful view different from the usual party scenes, serving as a gentle reminder to visitors that beneath the city life vibes and chaos, cultural richness still exists.
How to Get There
Located along Lekki-Epe Expressway, Elegushi can be reached through ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, or Indrive, and public transport. Depending on the traffic, it takes 30 minutes or less to reach the beach from Victoria Island and Lekki Phase 1.
Entry Fee and Other Costs
Entry to Elegushi Beach costs ₦3,000 per person, although this is subject to modifications during major holidays like public holidays or special events. Depending on the time and day, cover charges may also arise from the beach bars or lounges.
Budgeting for Elegushi Royal Beach
Entry Fee: ₦2,000- #3000
Food & drinks: ₦3,000 – ₦10,000
Access to areas like Beach club: Up to #10,000
Activities: ₦500 – ₦3,000 (for horse rides, quad bikes, etc.)
Address: By Road 3 Lekki Phase 1, Lekki 106104, Nigeria
Opening Hours: 24 hours (Monday-Friday)
Saturday- Sunday (Closed)
Safety and Cleanliness- The Issues
Let’s be honest, Elegushi Royal Beach is so captivating; however, when it comes to cleanliness and crowd management, it’s somewhat lacking. The good thing is that these issues have been identified and efforts towards the improvement of hygiene have been made, as waste reduction is being carried out through tidy-up drives fully backed by private businesses and NGOs.
Safety Measures to follow during your visitation:
Waves are unpredictable and can get rough; therefore, resist the urge to swim deep.
Carry luxurious items with caution, you don’t know who is watching.
Solo experience is great, but for a better experience, visit with a group.
Avoid strolling a lonely path at night, and stay in well-lit and crowded areas.
Best Time for Visitation
If you want a vibrant experience, weekends, particularly Sundays, are the best times to visit, owing to the fact that the beach is more energetic and populated on these days. But for a cozy experience, you might wanna visit on a weekday afternoon when you can enjoy your peace and quiet.
Visitations during the rainy seasons, like June to August, should be avoided.
Taking note of all these, you’re good to go! Explore the atmosphere, heartbeat, and story of Elegushi Royal Beach first-hand.
