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How to Tour. Learn. and Unwind. in Calabar

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By Ogunfowoke, Adeniyi Ayuba

The first thing that readily comes to mind at the mention of Calabar is tourism. It is unarguably one of Nigeria’s tourism hubs with the most footfalls.

Calabar, also known as the Canaan City, is the capital of Cross River State in Nigeria. It was originally named Akwa Akpa in Efik language. The city is adjacent to Calabar and the Great Kwa rivers and creeks of the Cross River (from its inland delta).

Administratively, the city is divided into Calabar Municipal and Calabar South Local Government Areas. It has an area of 406 square kilometres (157 sq mi) and a population of 371,022 as at 2006. There is an airport in Calabar which means you have the option of flying into the city.

Exploring Calabar is worthwhile because there is so much to do and see in the capital city. Jumia, Nigeria’s leading online travel agency, shares the top tourist destination, hotels to stay,  and interesting and fun places to unwind within the city.

Top Tourist Destinations

Tinapa Resort

Tinapa Resort is the first integrated business and leisure resort established by the government of Cross River. The resort is located just about 10 kilometres from Calabar and serves as the ideal place to buy duty-free good and supplies. Tinapa resort boasts of spectacular architectural designs and features a luxury hotel, cinema, movie production studio known as “Studio Tinapa”, mini amphitheatre, nightclubs, a children’s arcade, pubs and water-themed park.

Obudu Mountain Resort

This can easily pass as Calabar’s most promising and popular tourist destination. Obudu Mountain Resort is located in the highlands and deep tropical forests of Cross River State with a temperate climate at about 45 miles from the border with Cameroon. If you are a tourist looking for a mix of adventure and idyllic tranquillity, then Obudu Cattle Ranch is the place to be. With rich natural vegetation and a picturesque view, Obudu is increasingly becoming popular amongst tourists from all around Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Mary Slessor’s House

Mary Slessor arrived the Nigerian shores in 1876 as a missionary worker for the United Presbyterian Church. She settled in the Akpap Okoyong, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State and built herself a two bedroom mud house with a veranda, a store and a parlour which she called a “Caravan”. The house was renovated by Mr Owens, a missionary carpenter in 1889. The walls of the house were made from iron sheets while windows and doors were carved from wood. Upon Mary Slessor’s death, the house was converted to a Rest Home for missionaries and a primary health care centre.

Calabar carnival

Calabar Carnival usually referred to as Africa’s Biggest Street Party was created as part of the dream of making Cross River State the number one tourist destination in Nigeria. The carnival starts on every 1st of December and lasts till 31st December. One of the main events that everyone anticipates is the street carnival which is usually celebrated on December 28th. The carnival started in 2004.

Agbokim Waterfalls

Agbokim Waterfalls is made up of seven streams cascading over a steep cliff which provides seven faced waterfalls. Agbokim Waterfalls is located at about 17 kilometres from Ikom Local Government Area in Cross River State close to the Nigerian-Cameroonian border. The waterfall lies directly on the Cross River where it descends through the tropical forest.

Where to Stay

As a tourist hub, there is a blend of premium and budget hotels. You do not need to worry about the hotel because you can book one that is well-suited for your lifestyle. For the best deals on hotels, visit travel.jumia.com.

Five Two Zero Hotels Lodge And Spa

Five two zero hotel lodge and spa is a 4-Star luxury hotel located in Calabar, Rivers State. The spacious rooms are designed with an adjoining sitting area which is fitted with plush sofas. Each room has an ornate lampshade, a TV with satellite channels, a wardrobe, a worktable and an en-suite bathroom. Complimentary breakfast is served daily and free WiFi is available. Some of the perks you can enjoy at the hotel are laundry, car hire and airport pickup ( services are provided upon request). Onsite parking is available and the premises are guarded by security personnel. You can book the executive suite of this hotel starting from 150k.

Calabar Harbour Resort & Spa

Calabar Harbour Resort & Spa boasts modern facilities and neatly furnished rooms that will warm the heart of every guest. It is one of the top luxury hotels in Calabar! Calabar Harbour Resort & Spa is located in Asari Eso Layout, Calabar. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and furnished with decorative art paintings and wallpaper. Rooms are also fitted with safety deposit boxes, desks, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and an en-suite bathroom. The suites also have a separate living and dining area. Calabar Harbour Resort & Spa is a 10-minute drive away from the airport.

Terex Guest House

Terex Guest House is situated along Jebs Road in Calabar. The hotel has a bar and lounge.Each room has a TV with a cable subscription, air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom. The bar serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The on-site restaurant serves staples or meals from the menu. You can book this hotel for as low as N1,500.

Marpeto Hotel

Marpeto Hotel (Extension) is situated at Asuquo Nyong Street, Calabar. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, a wardrobe, a work table and chair, a television and a fan. Guests enjoy a variety of meals at the onsite restaurant, while the bar serves chilled alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Unwinding

Your visit is incomplete without having a taste of Calabar’s nightlife! So, you should know that Calabar is not only about its tourist destinations, it also offers a vibrant nightlife for anyone who wants to indulge and have fun. Of course, while relaxing, you can order popular Calabar cuisines like Afang and Edikaikong among others.

Some of the popular nightclubs in Calabar includes:

Jasper 131 club

Jasper 131 is one of Calabar’s most premium entertainment spots. It is usually quiet and empty during the day, but at night, it becomes the life of the town.

Mayfair Lounge

An excellent environment to unwind, Mayfair lounge is a very popular bar in Calabar. Located in the Channel View Hotels, it is a perfect spot to get away from the bustle of Calabar.

Pinnacle Pub

Pinnacle Pub and Nightclub is one of the most recognised night spots in Calabar. Located within The Mirage Hotel, its modern services complement a tradition of service excellence.  The bar is chic yet informal and attracts Calabar’s fashionable crowd. It has good service and a tasty food and drinks selection.

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Nature, Wellness and Culinary Drive 2025 Travel Trends in Africa, according to Mastercard Economics Institute

New Mastercard Economics Institute Travel Trends Report 2025 reveals that purpose in the form of nature-driven travel, wellness escapes and culinary adventures, are among the top drivers of tourism across Africa, SANDRA ANI reports

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Travel Trends 2025 Purpose - driven journeys by Mastercard Economics Institute

The Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) has released its annual Travel Trends 2025 report, revealing the latest consumer spending insights and motivation when it comes to travel.

Cross-border movement is often influenced by the most pressing economic factors of the moment, such as exchange rates and geopolitical tensions. However, these are not the only factors driving consumers’ travel spending decisions, including those in Africa. Personal and purpose-driven factors remain powerful even when economic uncertainty looms.

Building on the resilience of the global travel sector seen last year, the 2025 report highlights how destinations across the African continent are increasingly appealing to tourists and, creating additional opportunities for local markets to develop tourism.

“Africa is emerging as a global leader in purpose-driven travel, where nature, wellness, and culinary experiences are redefining the continent’s tourism landscape. These trends present a powerful opportunity to drive inclusive growth, support local economies, and position Africa as a key player in the future of global tourism,” said Mark Elliot, division president, Africa, Mastercard.

Whether drawn by Namibia’s wellness retreats, South Africa’s wilderness experiences or Morocco’s vibrant culinary scene, travelers are expanding their horizons beyond traditional hotspots.

“Tourism is playing an important role in Africa’s growth story. Travelers are increasingly drawn to the continent’s natural beauty, culinary diversity, and wellness experiences. While economic and geopolitical factors matter, the pursuit of meaningful, purpose-driven travel remains strong. The Mastercard Economics Institute’s report sheds light on how countries are tapping into this trend to attract visitors and boost local economies,” said Khatija Haque, chief economist EEMEA, Mastercard Economics Institute.

By exploring a full range of travel motivations, the report identifies the main themes shaping travel today:

Africa trends:

  • Nature-fueled adventures: South Africa and Zambia dominate cross-border spending around national park areas. Spending around South Africa’s major national parks far outpaced that of other countries, with nearly a quarter of the cross-border spending occurring within these zones. Zambia is also highly ranked as an outdoor adventure destination.
  • Culinary crossroads: Marrakech ranks highly on the foodie list with its median restaurant hosting tourists from many different countries, often to enjoy meals of tagine and b’stilla. Cape Town is also on the list, with its bobotie dish proving popular with visitors.
  • Wellness in the wild: Africa is establishing itself as a global leader in wellness-centered travel as consumers prioritize rejuvenation and self-care. Namibia, South Africa and Botswana are among the top destinations for travelers seeking spa-style and nature-based retreats and immersive eco lodges. Kenya is also ranked among the top 20 destinations for wellness In the Mastercard Wellness Index 2025.

Other global trends:

  • Spa, summit and savor: Personal passions and goals motivate travel choices. Adventure-seekers are heading to the Nordics, where Finland’s national parks account for 7.1% of cross-border spending in the country.
  • Summer destination draws: The Asia-Pacific region commands the list of trending summer destinations. Flight booking data reveals the top global destinations gaining most momentum for June-September travel, relative to last year. Tokyo is the number one trending spot for summer 2025, followed by Osaka and then Paris.
  • Fuelled by fans: Fans travel internationally to see their favorite teams and athletes play. Case in point? During Shohei Ohtani’s World Series debut, spending by Japanese visitors in Los Angeles surged by 91%, six times the broader cross-border boost. 
  • Money matters: Despite geopolitical tensions and fluctuating prices, the factors that motivate consumers to travel are often more complex than just economic. But currency depreciation can make certain destinations, like Japan, more attractive due to their better value for money.
  • Wheeling and dealing closer to home: In general, business travelers favor longer trips within their own regions, driven by hybrid work models and geopolitical uncertainty. However, there are exceptions, with UK businesses spending a growing share of their travel budgets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Mastercard is dedicated to helping the global tourism sector grow through market analysis and high-frequency, data-driven insights that enhance the travel experience. By empowering destinations and businesses to better understand evolving consumer trends, Mastercard is helping to shape a more connected and resilient future for travel across Africa.

You can view the full “Travel Trends 2025: Purpose-driven journeys” and other reports and insights from the Mastercard Economics Institute can be found here.

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BSG and FRSC Announce the 2024 Edition of the “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign

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Don’t Drink & Drive Campaign by FRSC
“Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign

The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), is set to launch the 2024 edition of its “Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign.

The two-day event will take place on December 10th and 11th, 2024, targeted at raising awareness on the dangers of drink-driving and ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians.

The campaign will kick off with a media launch at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, on December 10th, where key stakeholders will address the media, highlighting the campaign’s goals, achievements, and the importance of continued collaboration in promoting road safety across Nigeria. The event will feature prominent executives from the BSG, FRSC, and other stakeholders in road safety advocacy.

On 11th December, the campaign will shift to three major motor parks—Ojodu, Ojota, and Oshodi—where drivers and road users will be engaged through an educational rally. During the rally, drivers will be sensitized on the dangers of drinking and driving, with a strong emphasis on responsible driving behavior. In addition, the FRSC will conduct voluntary breathalyzer tests at these locations, underscoring their commitment to fostering safer motoring environments across the country.

The 2024 edition of the “Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign promises to continue its tradition of educating the public on the risks of drinking and driving while providing the necessary tools for the FRSC to execute its duties effectively.

The BSG and the FRSC remain steadfast in their mission to reduce road accidents and make Nigerian roads safer for everyone.

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Defence Minister in S’Arabia to Discuss Counter-Terrorism

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H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle
Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle is in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to begin talk with the Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), Major Gen. Mohammed Bin Saeed Al-Moghedi.

The talks which began at the IMCTC Headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday November 18, 2024 is expected to yield positive results and ideas on how best to approach counter-terrorism in Nigeria.

During the meeting, Dr. Matawalle is expected to talk with other high ranking experts in counter-terrorism fight and logistics management.

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