11 Best Things To Do In Cross River State

By Ekemini Ekpo

Cross River State, in south-south Nigeria, is a hidden treasure just waiting to be discovered. The state provides a unique blend of adventure and relaxation with its lush green forests, stunning waterfalls, and diverse culture. Cross River State is a perfect place to enjoy nature at its peak in Nigeria and learn about the diverse culture, tradition, and people of Nigeria.

The state is renowned for hosting one of the biggest festivals in Africa – the Calabar Carnival – a hospitality, and warm environment which is highly welcoming to indigenes, residents, and visitors. This is where the famous Obudu Cattle Ranch is located, one of the best ranches in Nigeria. Indeed, Cross Rivers State is a travel destination of choice that combines culture, nature, and adventure. It has the perfect blend of extreme fun to education and embeds nature and history to give tourists a highly exciting and rewarding adventure. Although the state is filled with numerous fun and engaging activities some activities stand out above others. These 10 best things to do in Cross River State are discussed below.

11. Go on a Picnic

Cross River State, Nigeria is a great place for a picnic due to its many parks and nature attractions. One of the best places to have a picnic in Cross River State is Agbokim Waterfalls, which offers beautiful green scenery and is an excellent spot for relaxation and connecting with nature. The Agbokim Waterfalls are located in the Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, about 17 kilometers (10 miles) from the small town of Ikom.

Other popular picnic spots include Kwa Falls, which is also great for hiking, and Drill Ranch, where visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Kwa Falls are located in Anegeje Village in Akamkpa Local Government Area while the Drill Ranch is located in the Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, about 4 hours north of Calabar.

10. Visit the Recreational Parks

Cross River State has numerous recreational parks and nature attractions, making it one of the best places to visit in the country. The Cross River National Park is an integral part of the state’s rainforest conservation area and is located in Boki LGA spanning from Kanyan to the foot of Oban Hills. Visitors can explore Calabar City and its attractions, including Jungle Adventure at Cross River National Park which has its Okwangwo and Oban Division.

Another place of interest in Cross River State is Tinapa Water Park located in Tinapa Resort, Calabar Free Trade Zone, Ikot-Okon, Cross River State. These parks and attractions offer visitors a great opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Africa’s most beautiful wildlife.

9. Ride a Cable car

The Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River State, Nigeria is one of the fun places in the state with plenty of fun activities to engage in. Obudu Mountain Resort is located in Obudu town in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State and is close to the Cameroon border in the northeastern part of Cross River State.

Visitors can take a cable car to get to the top of the resort center, where they can enjoy activities such as swimming in the springs and spotting rare gorillas. Another activity to engage in at the Obudu Mountain Resort is hiking.

8. Go to a wildlife Observatory

Cross River State in Nigeria is a great destination for seeing wildlife in its natural habitat. The Cross River National Park located at Ikom – Abanliko Rd, Basua, Cross River state is home to one of Nigeria’s oldest rainforests and is a great place to observe rare birds, herbs, and other wildlife. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as game viewing, bird watching, gorilla tracking, mountaineering or hiking, sport fishing, boat cruising, and the Botanical garden and Herbarium. Other attractions in Cross River State include the Obudu mountain resort and the Mandrill ranch located at Big Qua Town 540281, Calabar, Cross River.

7. See Archaeological Sites (Ikom Monoliths)

The Ikom Monoliths in Cross River State, Nigeria are a collection of more than 300 upright, carved stones varying in height from one to two meters. The monoliths are distributed among over thirty communities within Ikom Local Government in Cross River and are thought to bear a complex codified iconography. Visiting the Ikom Monoliths is one of the fun things to do in Cross River State as it provides an opportunity to explore the unique culture and history of the area.

The Ikom Monoliths are located in a region known for its production of bananas and plantain, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a cultural experience combined with delicious local cuisine. The Ikom Monoliths provide an insight into the rich cultural heritage of Cross River State and offer visitors a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else.

6. Mountain Climbing/Hiking

Mountain climbing and hiking are popular activities in Cross River State, Nigeria. Obudu Mountain Resort is a popular destination for these activities which includes hiking, cable car rides, and trekking on the canopy walkway. Climbing to the top of Obudu Mountain is quite strenuous due to its height.

The resort is located on the Obudu Plateau, close to the Cameroon border in the northeastern part of Cross River State, east of the town of Ogoja and from the town of Obudu in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State. Other outdoor activities available in Cross River State include mountain climbing, trekking, backpacking, and more.

5. Go Swimming

Swimming at Agbokim or Kwa Waterfalls in Cross River State, Nigeria is one of the fun things to do in the state. Agbokim Waterfalls is a wonder of nature in Cross Rivers State, and visitors can carry out activities like swimming, kayaking, walking along the river bank, and relaxing at the Kwa River sand beach.

Kwa Falls is a deep plunge pool hidden under the thick canopy of the tropical rainforest, and it is one of the top attractions in Cross River State alongside the Cross River National Park and the Agbokim Waterfalls. The Kwa Falls are located in Anegeje Village in Akamkpa Local Government Area. Swimming at these waterfalls provides an opportunity to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities in a beautiful setting.

4. Eat Assorted Delicious Meals

Cross River State, Nigeria is home to a variety of local foods that can be found in food markets and other places in the state. Popular dishes include pounded yam and ogbono soup. The state is also a source of high-quality oil palm, rubber, and cashews in commercial quantities. Other crops grown in Cross River State are cassava, yams, rice, plantain, banana, and more.

Visiting Cross River State to explore its local foods is a fun activity for foodies. In particular, Ikom is a Local Government Area of Cross River State that is known for its delicious local dishes. Exploring the area’s markets and restaurants can be an enjoyable way to experience the culture and cuisine of Cross River State.

3. Attend Festival

Cross River State is renowned for its many festivals and carnivals popular among which are the Calabar Carnival, Aji Festival, Calabar Dance Festival, Edele Festival of the Itigidi People, and Cross River Christmas Festival.

The Calabar Carnival, also known as “Africa’s Biggest Street Party” or the “Pride of Nigeria”, is an annual carnival held in Cross River State, Nigeria. The Aji Festival is a celebration of the traditional culture and heritage of the people of Cross River State. The Calabar Dance Festival is an annual event that celebrates traditional dance styles from across Nigeria.

The Edele Festival of the Itigidi People is an annual festival that celebrates the history and culture of the Itigidi people in Cross River State. Finally, the Cross River Christmas Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year with musical performances by international and local artists, as well as activities such as boat racing and canoeing competitions.

2. Visit the State Museum

Museums are a great way to learn about the history and culture of the area and Cross River State has one, The National Museum, Calabar, which people visit to learn about the people and culture of the state. The National Museum in Calabar has an impressive collection of skin-covered masks from the region. The museum is located at Ekpo Eyo Drive, Duke Town 540281, Calabar, Cross River. Visitors can also take a walking tour of Calabar to explore its many attractions, such as Marina Resort and Moor Road.

1. Visit Historical sites

Mary Slessor’s house in Cross River State, Nigeria is a popular tourist attraction and a great place to visit in the state. Mary Slessor was a Scottish missionary sent by the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland to Calabar in 1876. She worked to end the practice of killing twins and helped improve the lives of many people in the region.

Visitors can explore Mary Slessor’s house and learn about her life and legacy. The house is located on Mary Slessor Avenue in Ekange. Other fun things to do in Cross River State include visiting Slave History Museum, National Museum Calabar, and the first Presbyterian Church in Calabar.

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