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Calabar is the capital city of Cross River State in Nigeria. It is a charming and quite peaceful place, and despite the great poverty, the people of Calabar are friendly and smile often.

[edit] Understand

Electricity is a great problem - expect 3-4 power outages per day.

[edit] Get in

Calabar is about 1-1/2 hours from Lagos by plane. Calabar is about 25 minutes from Port Harcourt and has an International Airport - Margret Ekpo International Airport.

Calabar is 1 hour flight from Lagos and a 4 hour drive from Port Harcourt. With the development of the city by the present administration, the city flight schedules have increased and you can now get a flight in or out of Calabar every day. Also the major airlines in the country have their presence felt in Calabar and have flights to and from major cities in the country; they include: Virgin Nigeria, Arik Air and Aero Contractors. Their flight schedules can easily be found at their respective websites. Dont forget visas!!!!

There is also a regular boat service from various parts of Cameroon's coastline which will transport vehicles and people. You can actually get Cameroonian visas on the boat which can save you a lot of time. However, we used Calabar as a base before transferring into Cameroon by road slightly further north.

[edit] Get around

The local authorities have made a great effort to make the streets safe by enlarging them, removing potholes, and adding stripes between lanes. Local taxis are not advisable as the cars are very old and quite often the drivers are not particularly experienced. One can get about though - as long as one is careful Calabar is quite safe.

Getting around in calabar, Cross River State Remlords Tours & Car Hire Services http://www.remlordstours.com provide transportation and tour guide services to visitors to Calabar and Cross River State. Make online reservation http://www.remlordstours.com/contactus.html

[edit][add listing] See

There is a lot of Colonial Architecture in the older parts of Calabar that are around Henshaw Town, Duke Town and the waterfront areas.

The Duke Town church is one of the oldest in Nigeria. It was established by the Presbyterian church missionaries. If you go to Eyamba Street just past the church there is a cemetery with stunning views over the town and river. Inside the cemetrey is the tomb of Mary Slessor, a missionary from Dundee in Scotland UK. She was very influential in this part of Nigeria.

The hill overlooking the waterfront houses the Calabar Museum which I foudn to be excellent. It is housed in the Old Government House, the former residence of the colonial governor. The building was designed and built in Glasgow and shipped over in pieces. The museum concentrates on the history of Calabar, the region and slavery. It has a larger quantity of original documents relating to Nigeria than I have seen anywhere in Nigeria, the UK or USA. Since it is not heavily frequented by tourists you can easily get a guided tour from one of the staff and I foudn that to be invaluable. To give you some idea, I spent 3 hours there without a break and had barely touched the surface of the material there. There are a lot of artefacts relating to the production of Palm Oil out the back which are fascinating too. Please please visit!!!!!!!

The Drill Monkey Rehab Centre is on Ndidem Nsang Iso Road and hidden behind the Jahas Guest House. It was set up by two overlanders from the USA who were biologists back home but who were persuaded by the Nigerian Government to stay in Nigeria and look after the endangered Drill Monkeys which were traditionally hunted and eaten in the Afi Mountain range that borders Cameroon. The couple now have staff in Calabar where they care for recently rescued monkeys e.g. those they capture from people trying to smuggle and export them and they also then return them to the wild in a Drill Ranch in Afi Mountains which is not too far from Calabar. I visited both and would recommend them both although you need a decent vehicle and map to get you to the ranch. The Afi Mountain Ranch (near Katabang) when I was there (~2 years ago) was working on building more accommodation up there and a forest canopy walkway like that in Kakum Park in Ghana for people to experience the environment more closely - I highly recommend this after going to Kakum and I hope the one in Nigeria is being built as it would be a great asset! You are able to visit both after prior arrangement with the team Tel: 087/234 310 Email: drill@infoweb.abs.net. I met Jack the chimp in Calabar and I will never forget the experience of having sit in my lap and fiddle with my hair :)

The Cross River State Annual Christmas Festival held every year attracts thousands within and beyond Nigeria. The Festival which include music performance from both local and international artists, the annual Calabar carnival, Boat regatta, Fashion shows, Christmas Village, traditional dances and the annual Ekpe Festival is a yearly events that bring in thousands of tourists at the time of the year. The official website of the Cross River Fesival http://www.crossriverfestival.com has more information on the upcoming 2007 Christmas Festival in Cross river State.

You can also visit tinapa http://www.tinapa.com The complex will provide international standard wholesale emporiums, integrated shopping complexes and product distribution elements supported by business tourism and entertainment facilities. Due for commisioning on the 2nd of April 2007, the first phase of the project a shopping complex comprising: four wholesale emporiums 60 retail outlets a food court with take-away outlets and a communal sitting area an administrative centre parking for approximately 3,000 cars and coaches an “entertainment strip” leading out of the shopping complex which will include: a casino of international standard five restaurants a cinema complex with cinemas ranging from 104 to 340 seats each a games arcade and ten-pin bowling alley a children's play area a fisherman's village comprising three themed bars, a themed nightclub and an arts and crafts village 300-room budget hotel support services and amenities such as a sick bay, management offices, etc. a warehouse cluster with five warehouses Leisureland / Waterworld facility Wave pool Standing wave surfing Lazy river ride Water slides Picnic area Children's pool and children's play area Tennis courts Volleyball courts Change room facilities Lifeguard tower Kiosks Management offices

[edit] Internet Cafes

Link On Pc:- Located at No 15 New Edgerly Road, Calabar, Cross River State. Nigeria Email:- link_on_pc@yahoo.com Manager: Blessing Aloysius Phone: +2348052405210 [[ LINK ON PC is Located in the Heart of Calabar, The Peoples Paradise, Cross River State. We Offer Unparallel Services such as Scanning, Printing, Chatting and Browsing and Photocopying as Well As All Night Browsing Services Everyday There are Enough Machines for Walking Visitors and Our Helpful Guides are available to Help People Who can't Browse well get on the Internet We Simply Do Our Best and Ensure That Every Internet User Does His job in The Best and Cheapest Way

There is also the Cross River State IT Village http://www.crossriveritvillage.com/ located at Women Development Center Parliamentary road, Calabar. Equipped with state of the art IT facilities, Wifi, Wireless Internet, IT capacity building and Coffee shop and restaurant.

Thanks and Enjoy Your Stay With Us

[edit][add listing] Buy

The old town is remarkable for its great variety of small shops where you can get just about anything (but expect to bargain). There are two great markets, Watt market and Marian market. Watt market is large, bustling, vibrant and full of beautiful materials etc. One can buy anything from live chickens to the most stunning wax materials, jeans at knock down prices and anything from car parts to the latest 'trainers'. Marian market is much smaller but is where the vegetables arrive once weekly from the north of Nigeria and the atmosphere on market day is fantastic, preachers are singing, women are joining in, traders are very vocal and one just bargains for everything.

Seriously, materials in Calabar are second to none. Beautiful waxes from Ghana, stunning materials from all over Africa can be found in Calabar - all at prices that will amaze. There are many very professional tailors who can make wonderful clothing from linens etc.

For those of us that we haven't taste fresh live fish. You get it as you want direct from the sea.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Go to Bogobiri Corner and enjoy suya from the many vendors.

Freddies Restaurant is the local eaterie. Run by Ellie and a very professional staff, Freddies is a successful and well run restaurant. Main menu is lebanese foods but Ellie will try to please everyone. Good salads, fish and best of all huge prawns are the best. Local beers, wines and all drinks are available and all at good prices.

Chinese restaurant at the Mirage Hotel is well run and although fairly limited menu, food is good - not cheap though.

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Le Chateau Hotel.
• The Metropolitan. Murtala Mohammed Highway P.M.B 1071, Tel: 087-220911. Closed for refurbishment (May 2006).
• The Channel View, 14 MCC Road, Tel: 087 - 230594 Fax: 087 - 231006.
• Le Chateau Hotel, Plot 56 MCC road, Tel: 087 - 238823 - 4, 776305, http://www.ths-lechateau.com. Satellite TV, air-con, restaurant. make online reservation at http://www.ths-lechateau.com/Reservation.html. Visit Calabar during the Christmas Carnival on the 26th December and watch one of the most colourful carnivals in Africa.

• Mega Hilton Hotel, 13 Duke Town Close, State Housing Estate, Tel: 087 - 237400, 087 - 237994, 087 - 237400 (fax)

• Jacaranda Suites, Plots C2-C6, Etubom G.D Henshaw Residential Layout Otop Off Atimbo Road, Cross river State, Tel: 234-87-239666, Fax 234-87-239667, [1]. Jacaranda Suites combines unique ambience and furnishing with luxury hospitality services to present its guest with a first-class lodging experience of leisure and comfort. world-class Services tailored to provide comfort and a memorable stay in the beautiful green Calabar city.

• Aqua Vista Farms, 1 Messembe Close, Anantigha.

LISATEX 5 Expo Archibong Road, Calabar

CALABAR GRAND HOTEL 2 Ekong Bassey Lane, Off Atimbo Road, Calabar.

CHALSMA HOTELS 2 Effiong Mfonduok Street, Off RCC Junction, By Muritala Mohammed High Way, Calabar.

CYTARO HOTEL 20 Bishop Moynagh Avenue State Housing Estate, P.OBox 1060, Calabar. E-mail: ytaro33@yahoo.com

MCC LOUNGES 69 MCC Road Calabar

MIRAGE HOTELS Plot 230 Unit D, Block B, MCC Road, Calabar. E-mail: miragecalabar@hotmail.com -the mirage is clean with basic amenities. Staff are firendly and well trained, particularly the porters

REGENCY MIRAGE 2 Obame Ikoya Road, Off Marian Road Estension, Calabar

THE ANCHORAGE GUEST HOUSE 8 Ediyang Street, State Housing Estate, Calabar.

ETE KAMBA GUEST HOUSE 7 Duke Town Close, State Housing Estate, Calabar.

EQUITY 54 MCC Road, Calabar

G GUEST HOUSE 12 Otop Abasi Street Calabar g-gh@skannet.com

HOME LIFE GARDENS 15 Barracks Road, Calabar

JEVICS HOTELS 121 Ndidem Iso Road, Calabar.

MARIAMS HOTEL 125 Old Ikang Road, Off No. 65 Ndidem Iso Road, Calabar. E-mail: cytaro33@yahoo.com

MOSANG GUEST HOUSE 10 Ikot Abasi Oboli, Street, Off ICC Junction, Calabar.

NELBEE GUEST HOUSE 5 Dan Archibong Street, Calabar

PELADIUM HOTEL 106 Mariam Road, Calabar

PARADISE CITY HOTEL 68 Atekong Drive, State Housing Estate, Calabar.

PARK WAY MIRAGE 4 Obame Ikoya Road, Off Marian Road Estension, Calabar.

PYRAMID HOTELS AND CONFERENCE CENTER Plot 160 Muritala Mohammed Highway, Calabar E-mail: pyramidhotels@yahooo.com

UNICAN HOTELS AND CONFERENCE CENTER. Plot D 85 Akin Layout, Eastern Highway. PMB 1115, Calabar.

ZOO GARDEN HOTEL Mary Slessor Avenue, Opposite Target Street, P.O.Box 266. Calabar.

[edit] Get out

The Christmas Events brings everyone out of their homes in Calabar, these events run for about 30 days of fun, celebaration and festivals including a carnival, Calabar Carnival more information at the http://www.crossriverfestival.com

A and A FARMS Ikot nakanda, akpabuyo P.O.box 2493 calabar Nigeria Tel: 08069513512 Email:info@aandafarms.net web: www.aandafarms.net Poultry, fishery, Piggery, Feedmill

Chateu Pyramids Equity Guest House NAF Quest House

Metropolitan Hotel 1, Murtala Mohammed Highway P.M.B 1071, Calabar Tel: 087-220911

Channel View Hotels

1. 14 MCC Road, Calabar.

Tel: 087 - 230594 Fax: 087 - 231006

Le CHATEAU Plot 56 MCC road. Calabar, Cross River State 14 Deluxe Suites 7 Standard Double Suites, 6 Execuitive Suites Beautiful Restaurant serving continental and local dishes. Tel: 087 - 238823 - 4, 776305

Mega Hilton Hotel 13 Duke Town Close, State Housing Estate, Calabar. Tel: 087 - 237400, 087 - 237994, 087 - 237400 (fax)

AQUA VISTA FARMS 1 Messembe Close, Anantigha, Calabar South LGA. P. O. Box 1090 Calabar Ste at the edge of a mangrove swamp, Aqua Vista Farms is owned and run by Lee and Oscar. They prepare magnificent fresh fish dishes. Definitely worth a visit.

LISATEX 5 Expo Archibong Road, Calabar

CALABAR GRAND HOTEL 2 Ekong Bassey Lane, Off Atimbo Road, Calabar.

CHALSMA HOTELS 2 Effiong Mfonduok Street, Off RCC Junction, By Muritala Mohammed High Way, Calabar.

CHANNEL VIEW HOTEL 14 MCC Road, Calabar

CYTARO HOTEL 20 Bishop Moynagh Avenue State Housing Estate, P.OBox 1060, Calabar. E-mail: ytaro33@yahoo.com

MCC LOUNGES 69 MCC Road Calabar

MEGA HILTON HOTEL 13 Duke Town Close, State Housing Estate, Calabar.

METROPOLITAN HOTELS Muritala Mohammed Calabar, Highway PMB 1071 E-mail: metropolitan@skannet.com

MIRAGE HOTELS Plot 230 Unit D, Block B, MCC Road, Calabar. E-mail: miragecalabar@hotmail.com

REGENCY MIRAGE 2 Obame Ikoya Road, Off Marian Road Estension, Calabar

THE ANCHORAGE GUEST HOUSE 8 Ediyang Street, State Housing Estate, Calabar.

ETE KAMBA GUEST HOUSE 7 Duke Town Close, State Housing Estate, Calabar.

EQUITY 54 MCC Road, Calabar

G GUEST HOUSE 12 Otop Abasi Street Calabar g-gh@skannet.com

HOME LIFE GARDENS 15 Barracks Road, Calabar

JEVICS HOTELS 121 Ndidem Iso Road, Calabar.

MARIAMS HOTEL 125 Old Ikang Road, Off No. 65 Ndidem Iso Road, Calabar. E-mail: cytaro33@yahoo.com

MOSANG GUEST HOUSE 10 Ikot Abasi Oboli, Street, Off ICC Junction, Calabar.

NELBEE GUEST HOUSE 5 Dan Archibong Street, Calabar

PELADIUM HOTEL 106 Mariam Road, Calabar

PARADISE CITY HOTEL 68 Atekong Drive, State Housing Estate, Calabar. - I would not advise you to stay here. Although it is clean enough nothing functions. However, they did let us camp in the car park and rent one room so our group to bathe which worked well enough. They also did a very good clothes washing service after a bit of haggling which was invaluable after several days on the road. There is also a very good internet cafe about 100m down the same road was VERY quick internet access.

PARK WAY MIRAGE 4 Obame Ikoya Road, Off Marian Road Estension, Calabar.

PYRAMID HOTELS AND CONFERENCE CENTER Plot 160 Muritala Mohammed Highway, Calabar E-mail: pyramidhotels@yahoo.com

UNICAL HOTELS AND CONFERENCE CENTER. Plot D 85 Akin Layout, Eastern Highway. PMB 1115, Calabar.

ZOO GARDEN HOTEL Mary Slessor Avenue, Opposite Target Street, P.O.Box 266. Calabar.

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