Cross River National Park: Nigeria's Rainforest Jewel

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.