Calabar

Calabar is the capital of Cross River State in southeastern Nigeria and a historic port city long associated with the Efik people. Known originally as Akwa Akpa, it sits near the Calabar River, the Great Kwa River and the Cross River estuary, and is widely regarded as one of the country's cleanest and most relaxed urban centres.

The city was a major Atlantic trade and palm oil centre and served as the seat of European administration in the Niger Delta until 1906. This legacy survives in landmarks such as the Old Residency, Duke Town Church and Mary Slessor's House, alongside several Nigerian firsts including the Hope Waddell Training Institution and St Margaret's Hospital.

Calabar is divided administratively into Calabar Municipal and Calabar South, with the Marina and Marian Road area forming the commercial core. Key attractions include the Slave History Museum, the National Museum, the Calabar Museum and the Tinapa Resort, while the Drill Rehabilitation Centre offers a close look at endangered drill monkeys.

As a business hub, Calabar hosts the Calabar Free Trade Zone, a seaport and the University of Calabar, and is a gateway to Cross River National Park, Kwa Falls and the Obudu Plateau. The December Calabar Carnival draws large crowds each year and anchors a lively calendar of events.

For visitors, the city combines a walkable waterfront, Efik cuisine such as Edikang Ikong and Afang soup, and easy access to rainforest and highland excursions. This mix of heritage, commerce and nature makes Calabar relevant for both leisure travellers and business visitors.