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Cross River National Park adventures

Cross River National Park Adventures

Cross River National Park is a rich tropical rainforest reserve in southeastern Nigeria, offering exceptional biodiversity and opportunities for jungle trekking, wildlife watching, and cultural exploration.

221,600
Acres Protected
40
Miles of Trails
approx. 3,000
Annual Visitors
1991
Year Established

About Cross River National Park

Cross River National Park
 

Cross River National Park covers one of the last remaining tracts of pristine tropical rainforest in Nigeria and is considered one of the most important conservation areas in West Africa. The park is divided into two main sectors, the Oban Hills and Okwangwo, each featuring dense forests, rugged terrain, and diverse wildlife habitats. Home to endangered species such as the Cross River gorilla, drill monkeys, and forest elephants, it plays a vital role in protecting West Africa’s unique biodiversity. The park spans a landscape of rolling hills, river valleys, and waterfalls, with elevations that create microclimates sustaining different plant and animal communities. Visitors come to explore jungle hikes, which often include guided tours through thick rainforest to spot rare primates and birds, as well as picturesque riverbanks for fishing and canoeing. The park is also important for local indigenous communities that have inhabited the land for centuries, providing opportunities to learn about their traditional ways of life. Conservation challenges include illegal logging, poaching, and habitat fragmentation, but ongoing efforts through park management and international cooperation work to enhance protection. Cross River National Park offers a remote wilderness experience for ecotourists, researchers, and nature enthusiasts eager to discover West Africa’s natural heritage.

Highlights

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Habitat of the critically endangered Cross River gorilla

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Oban Hills mountainous rainforest region with extensive biodiversity

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Okwangwo sector’s rich primate populations including drills and chimpanzees

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Scenic Afi River and waterfall sites ideal for nature photography

Notable Natural Features

Cross River Gorilla Habitat

This park supports one of the world’s last populations of the rare and critically endangered Cross River gorilla, offering a unique chance for primate conservation observation.

Oban Hills

A mountainous section characterized by dense rainforest, waterfalls, and high biodiversity including multiple endemic species.

Okwangwo Forest

The western part of the park possessing thick tropical forests and known for sightings of drills, chimpanzees, and various rare birds.