Cross River National Park: Nigeria's Rainforest Jewel

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Explore Nigeria's largest rainforest, a biodiversity hotspot with rare primates and stunning landscapes in Cross River National Park.

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Cross River National Park

Cross River National Park, located in Cross River State, Nigeria, is a biodiversity hotspot and home to some of Africa's oldest rainforests. Divided into two sections, Oban and Okwangwo, the park boasts diverse ecosystems, rare primates, and stunning natural landscapes. It's a prime destination for ecotourism and conservation.

A brief summary to Cross River National Park

HPJX+669, Ikom - Abanliko Rd, Basua, Cross River, NG

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cross River National Park.

The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to March) for cooler temperatures and better hiking conditions.
Hire a local guide for enhanced wildlife spotting and safety on hiking trails.
Bring your own food and drinks, as amenities within the park are limited.
Check current conditions and obtain necessary permits before visiting.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Calabar, take a bus or shared taxi to Ikom. From Ikom, hire a local taxi or bush taxi to the park entrance. Be prepared for a bumpy ride. The total cost for the final taxi approach should be around NGN 2,000 - NGN 4,000, depending on your negotiation skills.
Driving

From Calabar, follow the Ikom - Calabar Highway. The drive is approximately 2-3 hours, depending on road conditions. Note that the roads can be rough, so a vehicle with high clearance is recommended. Parking is available near the park entrance, and the cost is typically around NGN 500 per day.

Discover more about Cross River National Park

Cross River National Park, established in 1991, is a sprawling protected area in Cross River State, Nigeria, bordering Cameroon. It is divided into two distinct sections: Oban (established 1988) and Okwangwo (established 1991), encompassing approximately 4,000 square kilometers of Nigeria's largest remaining closed-canopy rainforest. The park stands as a crucial biodiversity hotspot, recognized by the United Nations, and is contiguous with Cameroon's Korup National Park, forming a transboundary ecological zone.The Oban division, characterized by lowland rainforests and rising hills, is an important watershed and home to rare species like the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee. The Okwangwo division features rugged terrain, montane forests, and the critically endangered Cross River gorilla. Visitors can explore diverse flora and fauna, including 16 primate species, various birds, and unique plant life.Activities within the park include game viewing, bird watching, gorilla tracking, hiking, sport fishing, and exploring botanical gardens. Key attractions include Kwa Falls and Agbokim Waterfalls. While facilities within the park are limited, the Kanyang tourist village offers a base with a lodge, restaurant, and wildlife museum. However, illegal logging, farming, and poaching pose ongoing threats to the park's ecosystem.