Nigeria's tourism capital. Home to Africa's largest street party - the Calabar Carnival - Cross River Gorillas, the Obudu Mountain Resort, and spectacular waterfalls. A state with exceptional natural endowments and the most organised tourism infrastructure in Nigeria.
Top things to do in Cross River State.
Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary
Ikom LGA, Cross River StateAfi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the last refuges of the critically endangered Cross River gorilla - the world's rarest great ape, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining in the wild.
Obudu Mountain Resort (Obudu Ranch)
Obudu LGA, Cross River StateThe Obudu Mountain Resort - built on the Obudu Plateau at 1,576 metres (5,171 ft) above sea level - is one of Africa's most spectacular highland destinations.
Kwa Falls
Akampa LGA, ~40km (25 mi) from CalabarKwa Falls is one of Nigeria's most spectacular and photogenic natural attractions - a powerful multi-tiered waterfall cascading down a sheer rock face into a natural pool surrounded by pristine lowland rainforest.
Calabar Museum and Monument
Marina, CalabarHoused in the old colonial court building - an elegantly restored example of British colonial architecture on the Calabar waterfront - the Calabar Museum is the premier museum of the slave trade and colonial history in southern Nigeria.
Cross River National Park (Oban Division)
Akamkpa LGA, Cross River StateCross River National Park is Nigeria's most biodiverse protected area and one of the most ecologically significant forests in all of Africa.
Calabar Carnival
CalabarBranded “Africa's biggest street party,” a month-long programme through December culminating in a Grand Parade on New Year's Eve. Costumed bands compete along a city-wide route in a spectacle of colour, music, and choreography, drawing visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Climate, month by month.
What to wear, by season.
Light clothing
November is warm and dry. Pre-carnival Calabar is an excellent visit.
Very light clothing
Calabar in December is warm with moderate humidity. Light cotton or linen is ideal for all carnival activities and outdoor events.
Flat comfortable shoes
Carnival parades involve hours of standing and walking. Flat shoes are not optional. Heels are a logistical mistake on parade routes.
Sun hat and SPF 50
Day-long outdoor carnival events. The dry season sun in Calabar is intense. UV protection is essential for extended outdoor exposure.
Light layer for evening events
Calabar evenings in December are pleasant. One light layer covers all scenarios.
Heavy-duty rain jacket
Calabar rainy season is intense. A proper waterproof is essential.
Waterproof sandals
Calabar streets flood in heavy rain. Waterproof rubber sandals are the practical choice.
Full waterproof set
June-August in Calabar sees extraordinary rainfall. Full rain gear is essential.
Quick-dry clothing
Humidity is extremely high. Quick-dry fabrics are far more practical.
Safety and health in Cross River State.
🛡️ Safety
Moderate riskCommon concerns
Piracy, Kidnapping, Petty Crime, Road Hazard, Flooding
Exercise caution
- All riverine areas accessible only by boat - FCDO advises against all travel
- Obudu road at night (landslide risk in rainy season)
Smart-traveller checklist
- FCDO advises against all travel to riverine (boat-only) areas of Cross River State
- Calabar city is relatively accessible - standard urban precautions apply
- Road to Obudu must be travelled in daylight only
- Road to Cross River National Park can deteriorate severely in wet season (April-Oct)
- December Carnival period: avoid crowded areas with valuables
- Register with your embassy before Afi Mountain gorilla tracking
Emergency numbers
💉 Health
Required vaccination
Yellow Fever
Recommended
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal
Local disease notes
- Lassa Fever (low risk in Calabar city; higher in forest zones)
Nearest referral hospital
University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar
More of Nigeria.
On the map. See Cross River State in context on the interactive atlas. Open Cross River State on the map →
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