Trip to Cross River (Nigeria) ► Nature and tribes

Trip to Cross River (Nigeria) from 12 to 20 December 2025 / From 2,340€

A trip specially designed to tour Cross River State of Nigeria. Tourists do not often come to this remote part of Nigeria, but it is worth it because of its lush nature and authentic tribal life. From the Cross River region, we will drive to the Niger River area and meet the Igbo people living there, some of the most conservative in Southeast Nigeria.

Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa, and human pressure directly affects its natural spaces. Fortunately, efforts in conservation have given positive results. One of the most outstanding successes have been the protection of Africa’s rarest gorilla, the Cross River Gorilla species, found in Afi Mountains, within Cross River National Park. Together with this majestic big primate, we find the rare Drill, found only in Nigeria and Cameroon. During this trip to Cross River (Nigeria), we will explore Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and walk around its beautiful primary forest.

Throughout this trip to Nigeria, we will learn about the culture of the Igbo people. We will travel through the Igbo territory visiting different villages, witnessing different masquerades and learning about Igbo customs and traditions. Furthermore, we will focus on the Ikom people, natives of this land, who used to hunt these unique apes for a living and are now involved in their protection.

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Discover the highlights of this trip to Cross River (Nigeria)

► We will visit the Afi Mountains Wildlife Sanctuary

On this trip to Cross River (Nigeria), we will penetrate into the wildest area of Nigeria. The forested mountains of Afi are not far from the Cameroon border. Our objective is Drill Ranch, a unique eco-project to protect the most endangered primate species in Africa: the drill and the Cross River Gorillas.

Drills are one of Africa’s most endangered primates, and at Drill Ranch is the only place in the world to see natural-sized captive drill groups in natural habitat. The founders of the drill groups were recovered as orphans after their nursing mothers were illegally shot for bushmeat. There are 5 drill groups, each in their own electric fenced enclosure, powered by our solar energy system. The enclosures can be reached down different winding paths through the forest; the largest enclosure perimeter is nearly a kilometre around.

Also, the Drill Ranch provides a lifelong home for orphan chimpanzees, and the busy chimpanzee group can be seen in their forest enclosure. The ranch is within Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, and during two days we will organise bikes inside the forest with a local guide to enjoy the nature.

During this trip to Cross River (Nigeria), we will visit a Boki traditional village to learn about the local human culture of Afi Mountain. The Boki are related to the Ekoi, famous for their masks covered in human or animal skin.

► We will learn about the culture of the Igbo people

We will travel through Igbo territory

During this trip to Cross River (Nigeria), we will visit Enugu, the historic economic center of Biafra, thanks to the coal mining industry. We will visit the National Museum, where we will be able to see some interesting Igbo artifacts.

Ngwo neighborhood, situated on the hilltops of Enugu. It is considered the beginning of modern Enugu after the discovery of coal, and Ngwo's cultural heritage is represented by the Ono mask celebration.

During this trip to Cross River (Nigeria), we will explore the northern part of Igbo land. We will drive north towards the village of Nuskka. Part of the village square displays historical monuments important to the Igbo people, such as the Omaba House and several shrines, such as the Odegwoo 'pyramid'. We will meet the elders and learn about the ancient iron smelting tradition of the Igbo blacksmiths.

We will head towards the Niger River, to the heart of the Igbo Nation. Around the village of Ari, we will find the last houses and shrines decorated with the ancient Uli painting technique. We will meet the local chiefs and older women, who will tell us about the symbolism of the Uli patterns. In addition, they will give us a demonstration of Uli body painting. After this special moment, we will head towards the city of Onitsha. This is an ancient historical city, famous for its mask shows.

We will witness various Igbo masquerades during this trip to Cross River (Nigeria)

In Abakaliki we will enjoy a traditional Igbo Ndi mask show. We will also enjoy a mask show in the Ngwo neighbourhood, situated on the hills of Enugu. Also, during this trip to Cross River (Nigeria), we will try to organize an Ijele masquerade in Onitsha. In fact, the Ijele mask is considered the largest in all of Africa.

Meeting with the Igbo Jewish community

During this trip to Cross River (Nigeria), we will visit the Owerri synagogue to meet the members of the so-called ‘Igbo Jews’.

► We will admire the Ikom monoliths

During this trip to Cross River (Nigeria), we will enter the Ekoi or Ikom tribal lands, bordering Cameroon. We will meet the local chief and request permission to visit what makes Ikom so special.

We will explore Ikom village and surrounding villages to admire the unique Ikom Monoliths, thought to be up to 1500 years old. The majority of the stones are skilfully carved in hard, medium-textured basaltic rock, with a few carved in sandstone and shelly limestone. Varying in height from 0.91–1.83m and sculpted into a phallus-shape, the stones share common decorative features. They depict stylized human features comprising two eyes, an open mouth, a head crowned with rings, a pointed beard, an elaborately marked navel, two hands with five fingers, a nose and a variety of facial markings.

In addition, we will witness the Ekoi mask show near the chief's palace.

► Meeting with the Ugep ethnic group

We will visit the Kingdom of Ugep and meet His Royal Highness and the elders who lead the community. Their dress and ceremonial headgear are unique to this village. We will visit the village with the local authorities.