· NG

Calabar

Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria

Discover Calabar: Nigeria's Tourist Gem Escape to Calabar, the captivating capital of Cross River State, Nigeria, where history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Nicknamed "Ca…

#Calabar#Cross River#Nigeria#Coastal city#Tourist destination

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Calabar.

Top Hotels in Calabar

Top Flights to Calabar

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Calabar.

Tours

Explore Marina Resort

A beautiful waterfront resort offering a blend of history and leisure activities, including boat rides and a cinema.

Calabar Carnival

Experience Africa's biggest street party featuring vibrant cultural displays, parades, and performances.

National Museum, Calabar

Discover the history and culture of Calabar and Nigeria at large through diverse exhibits.

Shopping

Watt Market

A bustling market where you can explore and shop a wide variety of goods and local products.

Outdoor

Drill Ranch and Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary

A sanctuary dedicated to the protection of the endangered Drill monkeys and other wildlife species.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Calabar.

Currency

₦ | NGN | Nigerian Naira

Population

179392.0

Languages

English, Efik, Ibibio, Annang

Average weather

Calabar

Jan

32°22°

Feb

33°23°

Mar

33°23°

Apr

32°23°

May

31°23°

Jun

30°23°

Jul

29°22°

Aug

28°22°

Sep

29°22°

Oct

30°22°

Nov

31°22°

Dec

32°22°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Calabar.

What people love

Calabar, located in Cross River, Nigeria, offers a unique travel experience with several pros that make it a worthwhile destination to visit. Here are some detailed pros of traveling to Calabar:

Cultural Diversity: Calabar is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a blend of various ethnic groups such as Efik, Ibibio, and Qua. Travelers can immerse themselves in traditional dances, music, and festivals that showcase the diversity of the region.
Natural Beauty: Calabar boasts stunning natural landscapes, including picturesque beaches, lush rainforests, and serene waterways. Visitors can explore places like Kwa Falls, Tinapa Resort, and Marina Resort to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Historical Significance: Calabar has a significant historical background as one of the major slave trade ports in Africa. The city is home to several historical sites such as the Slave History Museum and the Duke Town Church, providing insights into the dark past of the region.
Culinary Delights: The local cuisine in Calabar is a delightful blend of flavors influenced by the various ethnic groups. Travelers can savor traditional dishes like Edikang Ikong soup, Afang soup, and Ekpan Nkukwo to experience the authentic taste of Calabar.
Festivals and Events: Calabar is famous for its vibrant festivals, most notably the Calabar Carnival, which is one of the largest street parties in Africa. The carnival features colorful parades, music performances, and cultural displays that attract tourists from around the world.
Warm Hospitality: The people of Calabar are known for their warm and welcoming nature, making visitors feel at home. Travelers can interact with the locals, learn about their customs, and enjoy the hospitality that Calabar has to offer.

Overall, Calabar offers a unique blend of culture, nature, history, and hospitality that makes it a compelling destination for travelers seeking an authentic African experience.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Calabar, Nigeria could include:

Malaria risk: Calabar, like many parts of Nigeria, is located in a region where malaria is prevalent. Travelers should take necessary precautions such as taking anti-malarial medication and using mosquito repellent.
Safety concerns: While Calabar is generally considered safe for tourists, travelers should remain vigilant and take common safety precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and being cautious of petty theft.
Limited infrastructure: Calabar may have limited infrastructure compared to more developed tourist destinations. This could affect aspects such as transportation, accommodation options, and availability of certain amenities.
Language barrier: English is the official language in Nigeria, but there may still be communication challenges due to local dialects or accents. Travelers may encounter difficulties in understanding or being understood in certain situations.
Health and hygiene standards: Travelers to Calabar should be aware of potential differences in health and hygiene standards compared to what they are accustomed to. It is advisable to drink bottled water, avoid street food, and ensure food is properly cooked.

It's important to note that these cons are general considerations and may not apply to every traveler's experience. It's always recommended to conduct thorough research and consult official travel advisories before planning a trip to Calabar or any other destination.

Calabar, located in Cross River State in southeastern Nigeria, has a rich and diverse history. It has long been an important city due to its strategic position near the coast and the Cross River. Here's a detailed history of Calabar:

Early History

Pre-Colonial Era: Calabar, originally known as Akwa Akpa, was founded by the Efik people, who are part of the Ibibio-Efik ethnic group. It became a significant settlement due to its strategic location for trade.
Trade Hub: By the 17th century, Calabar had become a central hub in the transatlantic slave trade. The city served as a major port where enslaved Africans were shipped to the Americas. The Old Calabar region was known for its powerful Efik traders who engaged in trade with European merchants.

Colonial Era

British Influence: In the 19th century, Calabar came under British influence. The British established a consulate in the city in 1846, making it one of the first areas in Nigeria to have significant European presence.
Missionary Activities: The Scottish Presbyterian missionaries, notably Mary Slessor, worked in Calabar during the late 19th century. Slessor is notable for her role in ending the practice of infanticide of twins among the Efik people.
Protectorate: In 1884, Calabar became part of the Oil Rivers Protectorate, which later evolved into the Niger Coast Protectorate.

Post-Colonial Era

Nigeria's First Capital: Following Nigeria's independence in 1960, Calabar was briefly considered as the capital of Nigeria before the decision was made to move the capital to Lagos.
State Capital: Calabar became the capital of South Eastern State in 1967, which was later renamed Cross River State in 1976.

Significant Events

Civil War: During the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), Calabar was affected by the conflict, although it was not one of the central battlegrounds.
Bakassi Dispute: In the late 20th century, the nearby Bakassi Peninsula became a point of contention between Nigeria and Cameroon, with Calabar being a key city in the region during the dispute.

Historical Figures

Mary Slessor: A Scottish missionary who is remembered for her humanitarian work in Calabar.
King Eyo Honesty II: A notable Efik king and trader in the 19th century.

Important Landmarks

Duke Town Church: One of the oldest churches in Nigeria, built by early missionaries.
Calabar Museum: Housed in the old British colonial government house, it offers insights into the history of Calabar and the surrounding region.
Slave History Museum: Located at Marina Resort, it provides an overview of the transatlantic slave trade and Calabar's role in it.
Obong of Calabar's Palace: The traditional residence of the Obong, the Efik monarch.

Calabar today is known for its cultural heritage, annual festivals such as the Calabar Carnival, and its role as a gateway to tourism in Cross River State, including attractions like the Cross River National Park and the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary.