Information
Landmark: Calabar Wildlife ParkCity: Calabar
Country: Nigeria
Continent: Africa
Calabar Wildlife Park, Calabar, Nigeria, Africa
Overview
In Calabar-the bustling capital of Cross River State, Nigeria-the Calabar Wildlife Park stands as a vital sanctuary, where the rustle of leaves hides rare and endangered species.It’s vital in safeguarding and preserving the region’s native wildlife, from the cry of owls at dusk to the rustle of deer in the underbrush.The park, nestled within the vast Cross River National Park, shelters endangered wildlife like the drill monkey and draws eco-tourists from across Nigeria.The Drill Rehabilitation Centre, founded in 1991 at Calabar Wildlife Park, works to protect the rare Drill monkey-its dark, solemn eyes a reminder of one of the planet’s most endangered primates.Native to Nigeria, this species has thrived at the center, which has successfully bred over 250 monkeys-making it one of the world’s top Drill breeding programs, where newborns cling to their mothers with tiny, gripping hands.Visitors can watch Drill monkeys roam through a leafy, open habitat, hear how the center works to protect them, and come away with a clear sense of why saving wildlife matters.Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, just outside Calabar, spans about 100 square kilometers and shelters a rich mix of plants and animals, from towering hardwood trees to brightly feathered birds.It’s one of the last refuges for the Cross River gorilla, a critically endangered species that moves silently through the dense, misty forest.The sanctuary shelters forest elephants along with a wide range of other wildlife, and visitors can join guided tours to wander through its lush, humming trails.Cross River National Park ranks among Nigeria’s biggest protected areas, stretching across more than 4,000 square kilometers of forest and river valleys.Many rare creatures live here, from the elusive Cross River gorilla to forest elephants and bright, quick-winged birds flitting through the canopy.You can join a guided hike or safari through the park, breathing in the scent of pine while moving between its varied ecosystems and watching animals roam where they belong.Kanyang Tourist Village sits about an hour from Calabar, welcoming visitors with its warm breeze and wooden gates as the starting point to Cross River National Park.The village has plenty to offer-a cozy lodge where guests can stay, a small restaurant that smells of fresh bread, and a wildlife museum filled with displays that teach and inspire.It’s the perfect spot to stay while you’re out exploring the national park, with trails starting just beyond the front gate.If you’re planning a trip to the Calabar Wildlife Park and its nearby sanctuaries, aim for the dry season-November through March-when the trails stay firm underfoot and the air feels crisp.During this time, the weather turns mild and inviting, perfect for heading out on a safari or joining a guided tour under a bright, open sky.The park might ask for a small entry fee to help fund its conservation work, and you could pay extra if you want a guided tour-like walking with a ranger who points out the scent of wild sage in the breeze.Before you plan your trip, check the latest fees and visiting hours-one quick call can save you a wasted drive.It’s smart to book your tours ahead-you’ll catch more sights and skip the long lines.Calabar Wildlife Park draws nature lovers and tourists alike, yet it’s more than a scenic escape-it’s a key center for wildlife conservation in Nigeria, where you can spot rare species like the drill monkey and discover the work behind protecting them.
