Calabar

Introduction

You will find yourself in Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State, Nigeria. Known by various names including Callabar, Calabari, Calbari, Cali, and Kalabar, the city was originally named Akwa Akpa in the Efik language, reflecting the dominance of the Efik people in this region.

The city's geography is defined by its proximity to the water, situated adjacent to the Calabar and Great Kwa rivers as well as the creeks of the Cross River.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by understanding the historical layers of this coastal city. Situated on a natural hill overlooking the Calabar River, the area has been inhabited by Efik-speaking people since at least the 17th century. You can trace its evolution from an early center of the slave trade to a major port for palm oil and other commodities during the 19th century. As the capital of Cross River State, it serves as a significant hub for tourism and hosts the Calabar Carnival, a massive street cultural festival held every December.

When planning your trip, consider the following practical details:

• The tropical monsoon climate features a long wet season and a brief dry season with consistent temperatures throughout the year.
• While power supply can be inconsistent in many parts of the country, local infrastructure projects aim to improve domestic and industrial electricity.
• Water is readily available and of high quality within the city.
• You can access other regions via an airport with connecting flights or by traveling a few hours to reach the Obudu Mountain Resort.

Getting there

You can reach Calabar by air via Margaret Ekpo International Airport, which hosts flights from major domestic cities including Lagos and Port Harcourt. Several airlines maintain a presence in the city, providing daily flight schedules that you can check on their respective websites.

Alternatively, you can arrive by boat from various points along the Cameroon coastline, where services transport both people and vehicles. If you prefer traveling by road, numerous car transportation services operate from across Nigeria, connecting Calabar to major hubs such as Abuja, Yola, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.

Getting around

You can navigate the city streets with confidence as local authorities have improved road safety by widening roads, filling potholes, and adding lane markings. While the city is generally safe for your travels, you should exercise caution while moving about.

When choosing a mode of transport, avoid using local taxis. These vehicles are often aged and operated by drivers who may lack sufficient experience.

Where to stay

You can choose from various accommodations that cater to different preferences for comfort and location. For those seeking luxury hospitality services with unique furnishings, Jacaranda Suites offers a distinct atmosphere. If you prefer a holistic, smoke-free environment featuring authentic African dishes near the airport, Marian Hotel provides a dedicated space for your stay. Other options include Le Chateau Hotel, which features satellite TV and air conditioning, or Mirage Hotels, where you can rely on friendly and well-trained staff.

Depending on your preferred proximity to local landmarks, several locations provide convenient access:

• Stay at Xcape Hotels & Suites Limited if you want to be close to the Ika Ika Oqua Market.
• Choose Axari Hotel for a relaxing pool and proximity to the Driscoll Ranch Monkey Centre.
• Select Scholet Suites for high-speed broadband, security features like electronic doors, and a jacuzzi.
• Other available options include Transcorp Hotels, Adrians Place, Adrian's Place MCC, The Channel View, Cytaro Hotel, Mega Hilton Hotel, Pyramid Hotels and Conference Center.

Food & drink

Savor the local flavors of Calabar by visiting Bogobiri Corner to enjoy suya from various vendors. For a taste of Lebanese cuisine, you can visit Freddy's Restaurant where you can find salads, fish, and large prawns, along with a selection of local beers and wines. If you prefer Chinese cuisine, a nearby hotel offers a well-run restaurant with a focused menu.

Explore a wide variety of traditional dishes across several local eateries. You can sample regional specialties such as afang soup, fisherman soup, wheat, edikaikong soup, and ekang soup, alongside staples like jollof rice, coconut rice, and fried plantain. Other local favorites include nkwobi, goat meat, and various pepper soups. For those seeking continental options, you can find items such as pizza, shawarma, and assorted salads at nearby establishments.

What to see and do

Explore the historic architecture of the older parts of Calabar, where colonial-era buildings are prominent in the areas surrounding Henshaw Town, Duke Town, and the waterfront. You can visit the National Museum, housed in a former government residence that was designed in Glasgow and shipped over in pieces, to view artifacts related to palm oil production and regional history. Nearby, the Slave History Museum is located in a former trading warehouse, while the Marina Resort offers views of the Calabar River alongside facilities such as a slave museum and a carousel. In the Duke Town area, you can visit one of Nigeria's oldest churches and a nearby cemetery offering views over the town and river.

Experience the local culture by attending the Calabar Carnival in December, which features music performances, traditional dances, a boat regatta, and the Ekpe Festival. For those interested in wildlife, you can visit a rehabilitation center for endangered Drill Monkeys or travel to the Afi Mountain Ranch to experience a forest canopy walkway. You may also explore the unique two-storey prefabricated structure at the Hope Waddel Training Institution.

When to go

You can expect a tropical monsoon climate in Calabar, characterized by consistent warmth throughout the entire year. While you will experience significant rainfall during the nine-month wet season, the temperatures remain steady with very little variation between day and night.

During the three-month dry season, you will encounter reduced rainfall. While this period coincides with the harmattan, its effects are much less pronounced in Calabar than in other parts of West Africa.

Three days in Calabar

Day one, you can begin your journey in Calabar by exploring the local culture and history of Cross River State. You can take in the sights near the Calabar River as you settle into the area.

Day two, you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of the region. If you are visiting during December, you can witness the festivities associated with the Calabar Carnival.

Day three, you can explore more of the surrounding landscape or prepare for your departure from the region toward other destinations such as Port Harcourt or Abuja.