Calabar is a vibrant city with a rich history and diverse cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for tourists. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Calabar:
1. Calabar Carnival
Description: Known as \\\”Africa\\\’s Biggest Street Party,\\\” the Calabar Carnival takes place every December and features elaborate parades, colorful costumes, music, dance, and various cultural performances. It\\\’s a month-long celebration that draws visitors from around the world.
2. Obudu Mountain Resort
Location: Approximately a few hours\\\’ drive from Calabar in Obudu, Cross River State.
Description: A popular tourist destination, Obudu Mountain Resort offers stunning scenery, cool temperatures, and various activities like hiking, cable car rides, and swimming in natural pools. The resort is located on the Obudu Plateau, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
3. Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort
Description: This resort is a combination of business and leisure facilities, including a water park, shopping mall, entertainment complex, and a conference center. It’s a great place for family fun and relaxation.
4. National Museum, Calabar
Description: The Calabar Museum is housed in a former colonial government building and offers a rich collection of artifacts related to the history of Calabar, including items from the slave trade era, colonial times, and traditional Efik culture.
5. Slave History Museum
Description: Located within the Marina Resort, this museum offers a sobering and educational look at the history of the transatlantic slave trade, with exhibits on the role of Calabar as a major slave trade port.
6. Marina Resort
Description: Set on the waterfront, Marina Resort is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It features attractions such as the Slave History Museum, a cinema, a nightclub, and a boat ride on the Calabar River.
7. Drill Rehabilitation Centre
Description: Located in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, this center is dedicated to the conservation of the endangered drill monkey. Visitors can tour the facility and learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect these rare primates.
8. Kwa Falls
Location: About 25 kilometers from Calabar.
Description: Kwa Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Kwa River Nature Reserve. It’s a great spot for nature lovers, offering scenic views, hiking opportunities, and a cool, refreshing atmosphere.
9. Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Near the border with Cameroon.
Description: A protected area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and the rare drill monkey. It’s a fantastic destination for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts.
10. Mary Slessor House
Description: A historical site dedicated to Mary Slessor, a Scottish missionary who lived in Calabar and was instrumental in ending the killing of twins in the area. The house is preserved as a museum, showcasing her life and work.
11. Agbokim Waterfalls
Location: Near the Nigeria-Cameroon border, about 315 kilometers from Calabar.
Description: Agbokim Waterfalls is a stunning natural attraction, consisting of seven cascades surrounded by lush greenery. It’s an ideal spot for picnicking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
12. Calabar Drill Ranch
Description: This wildlife sanctuary focuses on the conservation of drill monkeys and other endangered species. Visitors can take guided tours and learn about the rehabilitation efforts for these animals.
13. Chief Ekpo Bassey’s House
Description: This historical site is the residence of Chief Ekpo Bassey, a prominent figure in Calabar’s history. The house is a museum that provides insights into the life and times of the chief and the history of Calabar.
These attractions make Calabar a unique and exciting destination for tourists looking to explore Nigeria\\\’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage.