Things To Do
in Calabar
Calabar is a city located in southeastern Nigeria, along the Cross River. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, with influences from indigenous tribes and colonial history. The city is a hub for festivals and events, showcasing traditional dances, music, and arts.
Calabar also boasts beautiful natural landscapes, including lush forests and picturesque beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.
- "Bawo ni" - How are you
- "I appreciate" - Thank you
- "Wetin dey happen?" - What's happening?
- "Make we go" - Let's go
- "No wahala" - No problem
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Calabar Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local eatery.
Head to the Calabar Waterfront for a leisurely walk and relax by the riverside. Don’t miss out on sampling some local delicacies at nearby food stalls.
Visit the Calabar Carnival Village to soak in vibrant local performances. Dine at a restaurant offering some of the best local cuisines, like Afang soup.
Visit the Calabar Botanical Garden to enjoy its beautiful plants and serene environment. Take a guided tour to learn more about the local flora.
Explore the Cross River National Park and go for a short hike through the lush rainforest. Keep your camera handy to capture stunning wildlife.
Return to Calabar and enjoy a peaceful evening by the river. Relax over dinner at a charming outdoor café while watching the sunset.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with diverse ethnic groups and traditions.
- Breathtaking natural scenery, including beaches and the Calabar River.
- Home to various festivals, such as the Calabar Carnival, attracting tourists.
- Historical significance, with attractions like the Calabar Slave History Museum.
- Growing hospitality and tourism industry, providing economic opportunities.
- Limited infrastructure and public services compared to larger urban centers.
- Challenges with waste management and environmental concerns.
- Economic opportunities may be limited for some residents.
- Issues with security and safety in certain areas.
- Access to healthcare and education facilities can be inadequate.
Best Activities in Calabar
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful mountain landscape, go hiking, and enjoy the cable car ride.
Engage in outdoor activities like beach volleyball, water sports, and leisure walks.
Visit this scenic waterfall for swimming, picnicking, and nature photography.
Tours
Uncover the best of Calabar with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Calabar
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers scenic views of the Calabar River and the city skyline, with opportunities for picturesque shots.
Features beautiful landscapes and architectural elements that provide ideal settings for photography.
Provides stunning natural scenery, including lush gardens and water features, perfect for capturing memorable moments.
Food in Calabar
Calabar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A nutritious soup made with a generous mix of leafy vegetables, assorted meats, and fish, seasoned with spices and palm oil. It is a staple dish in Calabar and can be savored at local eateries like Calabar Kitchen.
Must-Try!
Another popular local delicacy, Afang Soup comprises a delightful blend of wild spinach, assorted meats, and seafood. For an authentic taste, try it at Mama Cass Restaurant.
This traditional dish features grated cocoyam wrapped in leaves and steamed with a mix of spices, meat, and fish. For a genuine experience, head to The Venetian Arena for a serving of Ekpang Nkukwo.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest markets in Calabar, Watt Market is a treasure trove of fresh produce, spices, and street food. Delight in flavorful kebabs, roasted plantains, and local snacks while exploring the bustling market stalls.
Marian Market is renowned for its array of street food options. Sample delicious local favorites such as suya (spiced grilled meat), akara (bean cakes), and boli (roasted plantains) from the lively vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When meeting someone in Calabar, it's customary to greet them with a handshake and a smile. It's important to show respect and acknowledge the other person before starting a conversation.
In Calabar, showing respect for elders is highly valued. It's important to use appropriate titles when addressing older individuals and to demonstrate deference in your behavior towards them.
When visiting Calabar, it's important to dress modestly and appropriately, especially in more traditional or rural areas. Wearing respectful and conservative clothing shows consideration for local cultural norms.
Safety
Tipping in Calabar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a customary practice in Calabar, Nigeria. However, in some upscale hotels and restaurants, a service charge may be included in the bill, and additional tipping is not expected.
Cash is the most common form of payment in Calabar, Nigeria. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in some establishments, especially in more urban areas. It's always advisable to carry cash for transactions, as card acceptance may not be widespread.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Calabar with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. Ideal for outdoor activities and festivals such as the Calabar Carnival.
Expect heavy rainfall, high humidity, and lush green landscapes. Good for experiencing nature and river-based activities, but some events may be affected by the rain.
Calabar at Night
Hiking in Calabar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular tourist destination featuring scenic views, hiking trails, and a cable car. It offers various outdoor activities amidst the lush landscape of Cross River.
Located near Calabar, this mountain offers hiking opportunities with trails that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding area, perfect for both novice and experienced hikers.
A protected area that's great for hiking and wildlife viewing. It features trails through dense rainforest and offers a chance to see rare species of primates and birds.
While primarily a cultural site, the surrounding nature trails provide lovely hikes that showcase the local flora and fauna, ideal for a mix of culture and nature.
An expansive national park with multiple hiking trails that explore its rich biodiversity and beautiful landscapes, including rivers and mountain views.
Aiports
How to reach Calabar by plane.
Located in Lagos, it is the busiest and largest international airport in Nigeria.
Located in Abuja, it serves as a major international gateway to Nigeria.
Located in Port Harcourt, it is a key airport for international flights in the southern region of Nigeria.
Situated in Enugu, it provides domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Efik people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Calabar, known for their rich cultural heritage, traditional hospitality, and the famous Efik cuisine.
The Ibibio are another major ethnic group in the region, closely related to the Efik and sharing similar cultural practices and languages.
The Annang are also present in Calabar, and they are known for their distinctive dialect and traditions which are similar yet unique to neighboring groups.
The Ogoni people, while primarily found in Rivers State, also have a presence in Calabar, contributing to the diverse cultural tapestry of the area.
Another significant group in the region, the Ijaw people are known for their fishing communities and maritime cultural practices.
In addition to the dominant ethnic groups, Calabar is home to various other smaller groups, contributing to the city's multicultural identity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Calabar, played casually in neighborhoods and formally in clubs, with a strong local following and numerous amateur leagues.
Basketball is widely played in schools and communities, with increasing participation in both recreational and organized competitive leagues.
Athletics, including track and field events, is popular, with local competitions often held in schools and community sports events.
Cricket has a growing presence in Calabar, often played in schools and among clubs, owing to the influence of both local and expatriate communities.
Table tennis is a preferred indoor sport, with many local clubs and schools promoting it through organized competitions.
Volleyball enjoys popularity in Calabar, especially in schools and during community events, often as beach or indoor volleyball.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Calabar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat is prevalent in Calabar's cuisine, several restaurants and eateries offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives, such as delicious vegetable soups, bean-based dishes, and flavorful fruit platters. Visit Zenith Water Margin for vegetarian-friendly options.
For those with gluten sensitivities, it's advisable to opt for traditional rice-based dishes like Banga Soup with white rice or Ekpang Nkukwo, which are naturally gluten-free. Additionally, cafes like Crunchies Fried Chicken provide gluten-free menu items.