Calabar

The present site of the Magistrate Court was before colonialism, more or less a town hall which was used also as an Ekpe lodge and the “Itiat Ekpe” there represents it. The Itiat Ekpe dates back to the days of Ekpenyong Offiong Okoho who was Eyamba (III) who was the first from the Efiom Ekpo lineage to attain this exorable position in Ekpe Efik Iboku. Before the establishment of colonial administration, the King’s court arbitrated on all matters sometimes in conjunction with Ekpe Fraternity. With the establishment of Bright of Benin and Bight of Biafra, Administration and the appointment of Sir John Beecroft her first British Consul the Court of Equity was established by him in 1849. The court handled mainly disputes arising from business transactions as well as social interaction matters between the British subjects and the host communities. Kings and chiefs of Old Calabar felt they were gradually losing their authority, income and control to the fast expanding colonial influence. The resulting conflict of interest gave rise to several protests by the host communities. To resolve the conflicts, the British Administration adopted the ‘indirect rule’ system to appease the kings and chiefs, tactfully, slowly and surely wrestling power from the host communities.

It was set up by two overlanders from the USA (Peter Jenkins and Liza Gadsby). They 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 rescued monkeys, e.g. those they capture from people trying to smuggle and export them and they also then return them to the wild at the Drill Ranch in Afi Mountains which is not too far from Calabar. You need a decent vehicle and map to get you to the ranch. The Afi Mountain Ranch (near Katabang) has cabins for guest accommodation and a forest canopy walkway (25 m high!) for people to experience the environment more closely. You are able to visit both after prior arrangement with the team. Go, meet Mickey the chimp and experience having him sit in your lap and fiddle with your hair.

Built in 1846, one of the oldest churches in Nigeria. It was established by the Presbyterian church missionaries. Near Duke Town Secondary School past the church is a cemetery where the tomb of Mary Slessor, a missionary from Dundee, Scotland who was very influential in this part of Nigeria is located. Here there are stunning views over the town and river. But watch out for your safety in this neighborhood.

This school was dedicated in the memory of Rev. H. Mastron Waddell, the leader of the Mission team that first came to Old Calabar in 1846. The first building erected in this school was this unique two-storey prefabricated structure, built in 1894. This building is now being proposed to house a visitor’s centre and Hall of Fame for past students of this prestigious institution (undergoing refurbishment).

One of the most fascinating tourist destinations in Calabar. The resort is home to buildings dating back to the colonial era, and modern facilities like the slave museum, speed boat ride (may go to Twins Island), go cart at the car park area, the carousel horse ride, film/movie theatre (the only one in Calabar, but not very great), and night clubs. The resort affords visitors a rare view of the beautiful Calabar River in a relaxed atmosphere at the tortuga island bar and pier bar. The resort has on sight tour guides to make your stay memorable.

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. Since it is not heavily frequented by tourists you can easily get a guided tour from one of the staff. Interested persons could spend 3 hours there and barely touch the surface of the material. There are a lot of artifacts relating to the production of palm oil in the back which are fascinating too.

Located in a former slave-trading warehouse. Includes numerous artifacts as well as information about the abolition movement.

Tinapa Resort was to be Nigeria's big tourist destination similar to Universal studios complete with a monorail and venue for international standard wholesale emporiums, integrated shopping complexes and business tourism/entertainment facilities. But it is dilapidated.