Ever wondered where the best vacation spots in Cross River could be? This is just for you. In case the thought has never crossed your mind, you’ll still find this useful. You’ll understand in a short while why Cross River State is rightly regarded as “The People’s Paradise,” and how it very much lives up to its name. You can already guess you’ll be in for something special when you realize you can enter the state by air, water, or road. I love having options, and that is something well catered for in the state. From the natural sights to the rich cultural and historical heritage to the man-made attractions and guided tours for solo tourists, families, friends, and couples, everyone’s needs are catered to.
5 Best Vacation Spots In Cross River
1. Agbokim waterfalls
2. Obudu Mountain Resort
3. Calabar
4. Tinapa business and Leisure resort
5. Cross River National Park
Best Vacation Spots In Cross River
You’ve probably never thought of vacation and Cross River in the same sentence; that’s why I want to take you on tour. Let’s check out a few wonderful options while you’re vacationing.
1. Agbokim waterfalls
Remember I said Cross River is regarded as the People’s Paradise? Think of this as a piece of paradise. Nothing comes close to natural sights to behold. This one promises a view of a seven-part waterfall. Splendid, isn’t it? The long walk to the waterfall will be long forgotten at your first view of this beauty. It is the kind that draws you in and makes you wonder “how!” Some tourists have been lucky to see rainbows during the rainy season, alongside different animals you wouldn’t see on a normal day, like antelopes, monkeys, and parrots. I think of it as one of those places Mother Nature abodes.
For nature lovers, this is another chance to go sightseeing. For explorers, darling Doras, this is the picnic venue for you. You don’t have to break the bank to actualize that picnic you and your friends have been planning since forever. Content creator or team, “enjoy the moment with my eyes alone,” all and sundry, this is a top pick for you.
Fun fact: it is close to the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
Location: Ikom, Etung Local Government Area, Cross River
Entry: Free, but with varying tips for guides
2. Obudu Mountain Resort
Deeply inhale! This is a sight to behold. The resort is one of those vacation spots you just experience, solo or with loved ones. Everything here is extra special, from the incredible road view with a road path surrounded by nature in all its beauty to the water park. There is the cable car experience, you have probably never guessed was available in Nigeria, where you see the heights of nature, if you’re a lover of heights or you’re in for new experiences. They also have the Becheve reserve and tree nursery experience, a conservation forest with various species of trees and animals.
This is a call to take a break from the loud city life you’re used to and experience the country in all its splendor and tranquility. The one place to experience a canopy walkway, a natural swimming pool, a panoramic angel’s view of the landscape, a holy mountain and grotto waterfall view that I regard as the heights and depths of nature, and a lot more. I would love to say more, but I’d rather you experience the rest from your lens, as seeing is believing. Okay, now exhale.
Location: Obanliku, Obudu Plateau, Cross River State
Price: From ₦50,500
3. Calabar
That’s right! Calabar sits pretty on this list as the first of her name. Cross River State, particularly its capital, Calabar, is one of the leading tourist cities in Nigeria. Calabar sees itself as the tourism capital of Nigeria, and rightly so, from the rich cultural aesthetics to the number of tourists that come in yearly.
Let’s begin with the museums: the Slave History Museum that is a constant reminder of how far we have journeyed as people and what our ancestors have been through and the National History Museum that was once the home of a British governor, another reminder to cherish the freedom we now enjoy; to the parks and resorts spread across the city some of which include the Millennium Park, Tortuga Island, Tinapa Resort, Cross River National Park, and many others; to the abode of the famous Mary Slessor who stopped the killing of twins in the state; down to the carnival that brings thousands into the city yearly. All of these are wrapped up with the vast options of luxury and affordable hotels to rest after a day of touring. Calabar is not just a capital in name, but one that has bragging rights.
Location: Cross River, Calabar.
Price: Varying
4. Tinapa business and Leisure resort
A top leisure for luxury lovers. This is a classic getaway option. Attractions include a digital cinema that is one of the first cinemas to be introduced in Nigeria, a casino, children’s arcades, restaurants, a night club, pubs, water park that is one of the only two across the country, an open exhibition area, the Tinapa studio and a 243 roomed hotel facility that is called the Tinapa Lakeside Hotel as it is just behind the artificial lake. It is especially admirable how every age grade is catered for in this facility.
For business purposes, it has standard conference rooms that can accommodate from 8 to 1500 people at a time. The artificial lake affords guests the luxury of a boat cruise to other picturesque attraction sites. It is known to permit surfing during the rainy season. The Tinapa Resort screams, “premium or nothing!”
Location: Tinapa Free Zone and Resort, Calabar, Cross River
Price – Resort ground is free, hotel prices vary from ₦60000
5. Cross River National Park
Let’s wrap this up with a safe jungle adventure. You have probably heard of a rainforest in Biology if you took any Biology classes. If you have, think of this as your practical view. If you haven’t, welcome to class. A rainforest is a forest in a climate with high annual rainfall and no dry season. That’s what the Cross River National Park is. It is a park with waterfalls and different animal species. It offers game viewing, bird watching, and sport fishing options. There are other fun things to do like playing tennis, hiking, skateboarding, slides and swings, and picnics, aside from the plant and animal sightseeing.
It is a park that affords the lodging option, that is, you can choose to stay here throughout your vacation, as it has accommodations within. It is friendly for all ages. There are provisions for children, like kid-friendly hikes and playgrounds. It’s a thoughtful, all-inclusive option that makes it wheelchair accessible. The park creates a long-lasting memory.
Location: Ikong Offiong – Ekang Rd, Akampa, Cross River
Price: Free, outside accommodation
In the famous last words of secondary school debates, with these few pieces of evidence of mine, I hope I’ve been able to convince and not confuse you that Calabar is not just another random state, but a rich state to visit and vacation in.
