Cross River National Park

Cross River National Park is a protected rainforest area in Cross River State in southeastern Nigeria, established to conserve lowland and montane forest ecosystems. The park is one of Nigeria’s principal reserves for intact tropical forest.

The protected area was formed from pre-existing forest reserves and game reserves to provide stronger conservation for Nigeria’s remnant rainforest and its threatened species, including populations of the Cross River gorilla and other forest mammals.

The park lies in southeastern Nigeria near the border with Cameroon, within Cross River State; access points are reached from towns in the region and cross-border topography links the park to larger central African forest tracts.

• Biodiversity and endangered species: The park is one of the last refuges of the critically endangered Cross River gorilla and also supports chimpanzees, forest elephants and a high diversity of primates and birds.
• Access and permits: Entrance and detailed access arrangements vary between the Oban and Okwangwo divisions; local guides and permits are generally required for deep-forest excursions.

What to See#

• Oban Division: Oban Division is the larger, more southerly sector of the park, set in lowland rainforest with steep ridges and known for biodiversity surveys and visitor trails.
• Okwangwo Division: Okwangwo Division occupies the eastern, cross-border uplands near the Nigeria-Cameroon frontier and contains montane and submontane forest important for rare species conservation.

• Base yourself in Calabar and book excursions through reputable, registered tour operators or the Nigerian National Park Service to arrange permits and guided access into the park's main sectors.
• Plan early-morning starts for wildlife viewing (primates and forest birds are most active then) and allow extra travel time as interior tracks can be slow to traverse.
• Confirm current access and safety information before travel-facilities inside the park are basic, so expect limited services and carry any necessary cash and documentation.