Africa’s biggest street party, the Calabar Carnival has put this city on the tourism map. Colourful parades, performances, cultural displays, and exotic food attract the over 50,000 spectators that attend this annual event in December. Still, there is more to experience in Calabar than the much talked about carnival.
Tinapa Resort is a great place to start. Built as a progressive step towards eco-friendly tourism, guests have a variety of activities to do along the entertainment strip. From a bustling water park to a cinema experience, there is something for everyone in the family. The Tinapa Lakeside Hotel is a few minutes away. This is an ideal spot to enjoy some snacks, local cuisine, and continental delights.
Join up with a tour company and see the city on the Double Decker bus. Tours of the most iconic and historic sites in Calabar are available upon request. Marina Resort with the Slave Trade and National Museums showcase the role of the Portuguese in trading within this Port City.
A visit to Calabar’s highest point in Duke Town provides a picture perfect background. This town is located in Old Calabar. It is famous for housing the tomb of Mary Slessor, a Scottish missionary woman who halted the killing of twins in this region. The Palace of the Obong of Calabar is also here.
Explore the natural vegetation and waterfalls in Calabar. Kwa Falls is an excellent location to do this with its cascade that stems from the second river in the state of Cross River. Get lost in the beauty and lushness of the tropical mangrove forest and if you are fit, hike up the 234 steps of this fall. Picnic lovers can set up a spread here and create memories with a good view.
Dine like a local at a restaurant with native delicacies such as Edikaikong, and Afang on the menu. Calabar is known for its finger licking delicious soups, so make sure you try one of them. The variety of pepper soups will delight your taste buds if you step out of your eating comfort zone. To top up your Calabar culinary journey, experience the comfort dish of Ekpang Nkwukwo, a cocoyam based meal.
With amusement parks, a vibrant culture, tantalizing cuisine, a captivating history, and some of the warmest people you will ever meet, Calabar is a city that never disappoints.
