Cross River State
Obudu Plateau
Cross River State. Grassland ridges at 1,500 metres, cool nights and waterfalls fed by the mountain.
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The place
Why we go
Obudu is the cool end of the country. The road climbs out of the forest in a series of bends and comes out on open grassland that looks more like the highlands than the tropics. People come for the air as much as the views. It is our gentlest trip and the one we suggest for parents, grandparents and first-timers.
- Getting there
- Fly Lagos to Calabar, then about 5 hours by road, the last hour up hairpin bends
- Best months
- October to March for clear views; July to September for full waterfalls
- Height
- About 1,500 metres above sea level; January nights drop to 12 degrees
- What you do
- Ridge walks, a canopy walk, waterfall swims, birding, pony rides for children
- Where you stay
- Plateau Mist Lodge, stone cottages with fireplaces
- Trips here
- Obudu plateau weekend, Obudu family Christmas, or build your own
Highlights
What you will see and do
Waterfalls
A short walk below the lodge; loudest from July to September.
Mountain birds
Bannerman’s turaco country, with a patient guide and a good pair of binoculars.
Ridge walks
From one hour to a full day, always with a local guide.
Cool nights
Fireplaces, blankets and hot water bottles on request.
The rhythm
A day here, start to finish
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Morning
Mist burns off by nine. A ridge walk with Ebere, our lead guide in the south and east.
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Midday
Lunch at the lodge, then the canopy walk through the forest below the plateau.
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Afternoon
Down to the waterfall for a cold swim, or a slow afternoon by the fire with tea.
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Evening
Supper indoors, because it is properly cold. Stars if the sky is clear.
Gallery
From our last trips
Tap a photo to see it larger.
Before you go
Questions about this place
Is it really cold
For Nigeria, yes. Days are around 22 degrees and nights can reach 12 in January. Pack a fleece and long trousers.
Can grandparents manage it
Yes. The lodge has ground-floor cottages, the canopy walk is optional and we plan short walks with plenty of rests.
Does the cable car run
Sometimes. It depends on maintenance and power on the day, so we never build a trip around it.
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