There is something about watching animals in zoos that seems to slow down the world and ground us in the present. Whether there are some restless kids in town, you’ve organized a chilled day out with some friends, or you just need time to escape the mania of Abuja, a stop at the zoo can be therapeutic. Fortunately, Abuja has a few lesser-known wildlife sanctuaries that provide a lot more than the chance to spot exotic animals, they’re great escapes that enable you to reconnect with the natural world without leaving Abuja.
Best Zoos in Abuja
1. National Children’s Park and Zoo, Abuja
2. BMT African Garden
3. Happy Island Amusement Park and Zoo.
Best Zoos in Abuja
Although these are mainly parks, not zoos, these destinations fit the zoo gap just fine. Take in these three zoo adventures from Abuja that will allow you to reconnect to the animal kingdom in a meaningful leisure experience.
1. National Children’s Park and Zoo, Abuja
Tucked away in the peaceful neighborhood of Asokoro, arguably one of the safest and swankiest in Abuja, the National Children’s Park and Zoo is one of the more underrated spots for animal lovers/families in the city. Centrally located but conveniently tucked away out of the fray, the park sits just behind the Presidential Villa and near the Aso Rock, which you can even view clearly.
The park combines nature and wildlife to entertain and educate young children, but is also fun for adults and families who are young at heart. The zoo part is more lively with lions who slowly roam, long-necked giraffes who look at you curiously, zebras, ostriches, monkeys, and various exotic birds that represent African and international wildlife.
It is a big open space, so it’s perfect for walking, picnics, and playground fun. An obvious advantage for families with kids, the park has a huge playground, so you can occupy an entire afternoon. It also has a lake, which offers tranquillity to the area for people looking to sit by the water and chill out simply.
Aside from fun and entertainment, the zoo area also functions as an educational outlet. Signposts are placed in the park to give information about the animals and where they came from. It makes quite a good place for informal learning about wildlife.
Visit the park early in the morning or late afternoon to experience the animals when they’re more active and the sun isn’t that harsh. The park is usually busy on weekends, but you won’t feel overcrowded due to its size.
Location: Off the Central Business District by Asokoro, after Millennium Park, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
Opening Hours: Monday– Saturday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Entry Fee: ₦1,000(Adults)
₦500(Children)
2. BMT African Garden
BMT African Garden, located in Wuse 2, is your best bet for a comfortable and traditional zoo experience.
Although the large size and popularity can’t be compared to the National Children’s Park and Zoo, BMT has its own unique experience— smaller, but it still puts on a good show. Nestled in BMT’s garden is a mini zoo, with animals such as lions, horses, pigs, tortoises, camels, and chickens. It sounds like an unusual assortment, right? That’s where some of the enjoyment may come in. It’s conceivably a place where you arrived thinking you were just visiting a standard garden, and you could end up watching a camel in the shade under a tree.
The animals encountered at BMT African immersive than a typical zoo visit. The garden is not just for animal lovers; it is a place where people hang out with friends and family to relax and unwind. There is also the children’s playground, swimming pool, and event center that host family functions regularly. The combination of nature, rest & relaxation while having active recreation time is attractive to families that want to enjoy time and games outdoors.
Another lovely feature of the BMT African Garden is that it is not overly saturated with other guests or stalls, which means you can experience time for yourself at your own pace, whether just wandering around, snacking, or just sitting in the shade, cool drink in hand. BMT Garden is an overlooked haven but a soft getaway for the residents of Abuja, close enough to the city centre but far enough to make a difference.
Location: 155 Adetokunbo Ademola Cres, Wuse 2, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
Opening Hours: Monday– Saturday: 24 hours
Entry Fee(BMT Zoo): ₦1,000(Adults)
₦800(Children)
3. Happy Island Amusement Park, Abuja
For those looking for a more upbeat and active location with amusements, Happy Island will not disappoint. It provides families with a nice experience, which makes it the best entertainment venue for families. Compared to other zoos, it’s small, but it satisfies families still looking to expose their children to animals in a more controlled and interactive setting. When you walk into the zoo space at Happy Island, you will see a small collection of animals, enough to captivate young children who may have never seen some of those animals up close and personal.
Modern recreational spaces differentiate Happy Island from others, though. The 8D Movie Theatre is popular among guests with the powerful movie experience that it offers. With the rows of seats, blasts of air, and brushes with other sensations, it feels like you are in the movie.
There are loads of different rides and games that can be enjoyed by anyone from preschoolers to adults. Then there’s the old-fashioned amusement park aspect— rollercoaster rides, bumper cars, carousel rides, and booths with games, all well represented and active. It’s a good park for birthday parties, school excursions, or staff team days. They do host events and create packages that suit your requirements.
Safety is also a priority. Security officers patrol the entire grounds, while staff are present in all areas of the park to assist guests. First aid stations are available, and the attractions are regularly maintained to adhere to safety standards.
Location: After Stella Maris College, Abubakar Koko Avenue, Life Camp, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
Opening Hours: Monday- Sunday: 24 hours
Entry Fee: Around ₦1,500+
