Most historic places to visit in Cross River State

Cross River State is a state Located in South -south geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Cross River State was formed from the eastern part of the Eastern Region on 27 May 1967, its capital is Calabar.

Cross River State, known as “The People’s Paradise,” is a region of stunning natural beauty and diverse cultures. It’s famous for lush rainforests, pristine beaches, a deep cultural heritage, and vibrant traditions

Here are most historic and beautiful places to visit in Cross River State:

1. Obudu Mountain Resort

This is probably the crown jewel of Calabar’s attractions. Located about a five-hour drive from Calabar city, Obudu Mountain Resort offers breathtaking views, a serene environment, and fun activities like hiking, the cable car ride, and a canopy walk.

It’s the perfect spot if you enjoy nature and a bit of adventure.

The cool climate up there is also a refreshing change! The ranch has in recent times seen an influx of both Nigerian and international tourists because of the development of tourist facilities by Cross-River State Government, which has turned the ranch into a well-known holiday and tourist resort center in Nigeria. It has a serene climate compared to other regions in Nigeria.

The resort is found on the Obudu Plateau, close to the Cameroon border in the northeastern part of Cross River State, approximately 110 kilometres (68 mi) east of the town of Ogoja and 65 kilometres (40 mi) from the town of Obudu in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.

It is about 30 minutes’ drive from Obudu town and is about a 332 kilometres (206 mi) drive from Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

2. Marina Resort

Marina Resort is a recreational and historical destination in Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State, Nigeria It was built on May 26, 2007, by former governor Donald Duke, to promote tourism in the state.

The resort features a variety of attractions, such as a slavery history museum, a cinema, a restaurant, a bar, boat ride and a waterfront area

3. Drill Ranch and Afi Mountain sanctuary

Drills are one of Africa’s most endangered primates, and here is the only place in the world to see natural-sized captive drill groups in natural habitat.

The founders of our drill groups were recovered as orphans after their nursing mothers were illegally shot for bushmeat.

We have rehabilitated over 85 lone drills into 6 social groups, now bearing a new generation; over 450 drills have been born at the project.

There are 5 drill groups, each in their own electric fenced enclosure, powered by our solar energy system.

The enclosures can be reached down different winding paths through the forest; the largest enclosure perimeter is nearly a kilometer around.

Drill Ranch also provides a lifelong home for orphan chimpanzees, and our busy chimpanzee group can be seen in their forest enclosure.

Please keep in mind when you visit the chimps’ enclosure that you are not only coming to see them but, more importantly, you are coming for them to have a look at you!

Chimpanzees can be excitable and great care must be taken near their enclosure: all visitors must be accompanied by a staff member when visiting the chimpanzees and comply with their instructions for their own security and that of the animals.

There are plenty to keep you busy at Drill Ranch.

In addition to seeing the animals there are beautiful walks in the rain forest to the canopy walkway, and beyond to the pools and waterfalls of the Bano River coming straight off the mountain, making a very refreshing dip.

The Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary was created in May 2000 and is managed by the Cross River State Forestry Commission.

Protection and research is sponsored by a partnership of NGOs (Pandrillus, Wildlife Conservation Society and its partners) with government.

After generations of hunting, Afi’s gorillas, chimpanzees, drills and other endangered species are shy and need a few more years of good protection before they will be easily seen.

Afi’s gorillas belong to the most endangered subspecies – the Cross River gorilla. The hikes or multi-day treks can be arranged by Drill Ranch.

4. National Museum, Calabar

Located on the site of a fifteenth-century slave-trading warehouse in Marina Beach, the Slave History Museum derived its name from the activities that took place in Calabar, the embarkation point for a significant percentage of the slaves who left African shores during the transatlantic slave trade.

Though the idea for the establishment of the museum was entirely that of the Cross River State initiative, to boost the tourism potential in the state, the museum is directly managed by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

The institution has in its custody artistic objects but is also an ethnographic museum with permanent exhibitions.

The national museum is mainly for history buffs, it is a treasure trove.

It provides a deep dive into the city’s colonial past, the slave trade, and traditional artifacts.

A visit here gives you a solid background on Calabar’s cultural heritage.

5. Agbokim waterfall

In a remote rainforest near the border of Nigeria and Cameroon, seven streams tumble over steep cliffs to form the Agbokim waterfall.

The waterfall is surrounded by steep hills and valleys, which makes the hike to the waterfall challenging, yet rewarding.

During the rainy season, the rushing falls create a thunderous sound and sometimes, for those who are lucky enough to see them, rainbows.

The waterfall offers a beautiful and serene environment for nature lovers, seeking a getaway spot as it offers exclusivity and tranquility. Because of its remote location.

A tour around the waterfall offers a wild array of the wonders and beauty of nature, including frequent encounters with animals such as antelopes, monkeys, and parrots.

Calabar has something for everyone. It’s a destination where you can mix adventure with relaxation, and no matter what you choose, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience.