Cross River State has some of the most beautiful and unusual tourist attractions in Nigeria. It is excessively blessed with mammoth waterfalls, rich historical sites, peaceful mountain resorts, and breathtaking tropical rainforests that host an abundance of wildlife. Cross River shows its colourful side to all visitors. In this post, we will explore five important tourist locations in the state, giving you an important insight into Nigeria’s natural and cultural features. Whether you are an adventurous person, history buff, or nature lover, these locations allow you to explore the Unusual that may be out of your comfort zone.
Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Cross River
1. Agbokim Waterfalls, Nigeria
2. Cross River National Park
3. Kwa Falls
4. Slave Trade Museum
5. Obudu Mountain Resort
Tourist Attractions in Cross River
Firstly, let’s say why we believe these locations are special, such as their natural beauty, for the wildlife, historical importance, and the types of experiences visitors should expect. Here is a background and helpful context for each location.
1. Agbokim Waterfalls, Nigeria
Among the natural wonders of Cross River State, Agbokim Waterfalls, deep in a thick tropical rainforest, is a noted destination. The waterfall contains a total of seven separate streams that tumble into a calm pool, and visitors especially recognise Agbokim for the impressive sight of flowing water converging into one continuous flow. This waterfall also has a unique context in the sense that waterfall diving typically involves either a single stream or fewer than seven falls converging. The unique waterfall also creates a beautiful and calming landscape of flowing water in a natural setting.
The notable terrain alone creates a hiking experience that represents an adventure before arriving at Agbokim Waterfalls. Visitors take a hike through valleys and steep hills, enjoy scenic views of the tropical rainforest, along with the sounds of the animals like monkeys, parrots, and an antelope-like creature, which they can’t experience while on a road drive. The remote setting provides a tranquil and private experience.
Agbokim Waterfalls were first discovered in the early 1900s by an early hunter. The man settled with his family near the waterfalls, which started a small community. The area became a popular destination for nature lovers and a quiet getaway for tourists over the years. Compared to other Nigerian tourism spots. The waterfalls are not less commercialized, but the number of visitors has been on the surge in recent years due to the growing awareness about Nigeria’s natural attractions. The falls become more ferocious in the rainy season, and if luck would have it, you may even find the mist rolling over the rocks creating rainbows.
Location: Agbokim Waterfall, Obokum, Cross River State
2. Cross River National Park
Cross River National Park is one of the most significant conservation areas in Nigeria, and therefore a location of high conservation value and biodiversity. It was formed by merging four former forest reserves and was separated into two major sections- Oban and Okwangwo. Cross River National Park has an approximate area of 4,000 square kilometers of tropical rainforest, mangrove swamps, and diverse ecosystems, and is the biggest rainforest in Nigeria.
It has a staggering population of animals like elephants, buffalo, and a whole array of primates. The park hosts the Cross River gorilla, the most endangered subspecies of gorilla in the world, along with the common chimpanzee and drills. As well as almost 950 species of butterflies, which also demonstrates the biodiversity of the region.
Cross River National Park is more than an animal sanctuary, as the park offers guided safaris and nature walks, where you can get well adjusted to this stunning rainforest ecosystem. The canopy formed by the trees, some reaching a height of 50 meters, can make you feel surrounded within the jungle. Bird watchers will love the variety of birds to observe, as will flower lovers, who will find that there are several plants and rare species of trees here unique to the park.
Cross River National Park, bounded by Korup National Park in Cameroon, forms an integral part of the larger regional conservation perspective and is internationally recognized as a biodiversity hotspot. Ecotourism is an area of increasing interest for many travellers, and this park, with its mix of adventure, information, and social awareness of conservation, is truly exceptional. It is a hewn wilderness where you can travel through the jungle, listen to calls of primates, and meet exotic wildlife.
Location: Ikom-Abanliko Road, Basua, Cross River State.
3. Kwa Falls
Also called the Kwa rapids, they are one of Cross River State’s natural gems, with a mix of aesthetic beauty and entertaining outdoor adventures. These falls are set in rainforest vegetation and provide visitors overnight accommodation to experience and immerse, in a jungle environment. The rocky cliffs of the waterfall and the intense water flow over the cliffs surrounded by vegetation, is a phenomenal view, a perfect advertisement for leisure tourism that has drawn visitors from near and far.
A point of interest with Kwa Falls was that the reason it gained much national prominence was that it was the location for Miss World 2002, and all of the photoshoot to showcase the natural ecological beauty of the site and the surrounding rainforest. Nonetheless, Kwa waterfalls is a fantastic place for outdoor activities, such as fishing, kayaking, or hiking, all of which are usually undertaken with local guides who have the experience to not only ensure safety, but also enhance the enjoyment of the activities.
The biodiversity of the area around Kwa falls makes it a favourite for snoozing wildlife lovers, as well as landscape, wildlife, and insect photographers. The various hiking trails that wind through the forest provide opportunities to glimpse brightly colored birds and other animals, also get close to interesting foliage along the way. Visitors can sit and eat at the picnic areas while taking in the soothing sounds of nature.
Its relatively calm environment and natural beauty make it a refreshing haven for anyone passing through Cross River State.
Location: Aningeje Town, Along Oban Road, Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State.
4. Slave Trade Museum
The Calabar Slave Trade Museum offers a forceful insight into a dark but important part of Nigerian and African history. Built on the site of a 15th-century slave warehouse, the museum explores the transatlantic slave trade that uprooted millions of Africans from their native lands.
The Cross River State initiative established the museum to drive tourism and enlighten individuals about this period of history. The museum holds ethnographic artifacts and exhibitions relevant to the slave trade, such as shackles and chains used to bind prisoners, currency items such as copper bars and manillas that were used to buy slaves, and artwork photographs depicting the slavers’ configurations of slaves on a ship during their awful journeys.
Among the chief attractions of the museum is the replica of the Esuk Mba Slave Market, illustrating the manner in which slaves were brought together and bought. The market exists even today in a restricted capacity, with locals still practicing bartering as an ancient tradition. The museum also pays homage to the abolitionist campaign undertaken by the likes of William Wilberforce and Thomas Clarkson, culminating in the British Act that abolished the slave trade in 1807.
Location: Duke Town, Calabar, Cross River State
5. Obudu Mountain Resort
This resort sits on Obudu Plateau in Cross River State, and it’s 1’580 meters above sea level. The resort comprises several attractions which including the canopy walkway, a suspension bridge (100 meters long) that sways above the canopy forest. The walkway has fabulous views of the mountains and forest surrounding it and is a favorite with tourists seeking awesome scenery and a splash of adrenaline.
You can reach the resort either by a winding 11-kilometer road or by a six-minute scenic cableway ride. The cableway gives a unique bird’s-eye perspective over the forested landscape and the plateau, adding to the experience.
Other Obudu attractions include the Angel’s View, where valleys form a striking “V” shape, and the grounds of the Presidential Villa. The plateau itself measures over 40 square miles and contains rare birds and mixed vegetation. Visitors also have the water park, nature reserve, and forest nursery of the resort to visit, which assist in the conservation process and complement other means of recreation.
Obudu Mountain Resort combines natural beauty with a restaurant, room service, and free parking amenities, providing a cozy but adventurous escape for individuals and families. Its unique climate and scenery ensure that it becomes one of Nigeria’s best mountain resorts.
Location: Obanliku, Obudu Plateau, Bechere, Cross River State.
These attractions offer you the opportunity to interact with Nigeria’s diverse nature and cultural heritage, making Cross River a destination to visit. Which of these tourist attractions in Cross River are you planning to visit next?
