them endemic to the area. There are 23 species of primates in Nigeria,
18 of which are found here. Two of them very important hominoids: the
Cross River gorilla, (gorilla gorilla deihli) and the chimpanzee
(pantroglodytes).
The Cross River gorilla is significant, as the only colony of gorilla
in sub-saharan Africa. In Nigeria, gorilla tracking is best done here;
it is an all year round activity. The Nigerian government, in
collaboration with Cameroonian counterpart, is assiduously working
towards ensuring its protection and survival of this critically
endangered gorilla species. Two new species of butterfly have also
been discovered in the park – tetrahanis okwangwo and Thermoniphas
barahingam. Chevrotain, giant pangolin, the golden potto or calabar
angwantibo and preuss' guenon are also some of the mammalian species
endemic to the park. Also important is the once considered extinct but
now resurfaced bird, the bare-headed foul rock fowl picarthates oreas
these "ecostars" are 'a must – see', that warrant a visit to the park!
Cross River National Park is thus important as a home to 199 mammal,
63 frog and toad, 20 reptile, 380 bird 48 fish and 950 butterfly
species. Complimenting this is the park's community of 105 support
zone villages- the people who traditionally live on the forest.
However, animal sighting in high rainforest parks such as the Cross
River National Park is rare due to low visibility of the rainforest
vegetation. Visitors are therefore advised to spend more time in the
field.
VISITOR FACILITIES Butatong Base camp in Okwangwo Division is
furnished with an arboretum, picnic garden lodges and network of
nature trails. A visitor can patiently take a walk into the
rainforest, spend time appreciating the arboretum, relax in the garden
or enjoy the tranquil environment of our eco-lodges.
Akamkpa: A modesty furnished 4- bedroom Guest House complete with
electricity and water supplies as well as TV facilities. Also
available is a 20-bedspace hostel for students and other low budget
travelers.
KANYANG TOURIST VILLAGE The ultimate viability of ecotourism in this
park and indeed Cross River state lies in the development of the
kanyang tourist village. This will enhance the exploitation of the
unlimited ecotourism resources of the Mbe Gorilla mountains, the Afik
mountain wildlife sanctuary, the pandrilus primates conservation
project, buanchor and the Obudu mountain resort with its captivating
all-year- round temperate climate, cable car, water park and
panoramic rolling hills. The great compliment to the Calabar Free
Trade Zone and the famous Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort. It is
therefore an untapped goldmine awaiting interested private investors.
TINAPA Tinapa is Africa's premier Business and Leisure Resort. It is
the first of its kind in Nigeria, and indeed Africa and modeled after
similar centres in Hong kong, Singapore, Dubai, Bombay, Taiwan and
Bangkok. It is a useful place to visit while on tour to Cross River
National Ppark.
VISITATION PERIOD The best time to visit the park is November to May.
Due to its highly forested nature and criss-crossing streams,
recreational pursuits are done mostly on foot with patient endurance.
Armed rangers and park interpreters are available to guide visitors
while on tour of the park.
CULTURAL FEATURES Cross-River state has rich and diverse cultural
heritage given its linguistical plurality, which is a great compliment
to the existence of the Cross river National Park. Activities like the
annual boat regatta, New yam festival, the famous Christmas carnival
and menus such as the popular "edikangikong " cuisine add colour to
the natural endowments of the state.
ACCESSIBILITY AND /ROAD LINKS: Visitors from the north can access the
park either through makurdi- ikom highway or yola-katsina Ala-ikom
highway. From Ikom, visitors can proceed either to Butatong or
Akpamkpa depending on their interests.
Visitors from the south-west and south east can also reach the park by
either Aba-Calabar highway, or Port Harcourt- Ikot Abasi Uyo-Calabar
highway. At Odukpani junction, visitors are to turn left and make a
20-minute drive to the park Head Office at Akamkpa town where able
staff will receive and guide them accordingly. Butatong and Erokut are
the main entrances to the park.
Cross River National park is the only National park within the
vicinity of a seaport. Sailports and passengers wishing to visit the
park may berth at the calabar international free trade zone seaport.
Once through with the seaport familiarities, visitors may either go
straight to Akpamkpa or visit the park's contact office at the federal
secretariat complex, M/M Highway, Calabar, for further enquiries.
AIR LINK The closest airport is the Margaret Ekpo
International Airport calabar. Visitors can hire a vehicle from either
the airport or the park's management for onward transit to the park.
Those wishing to visit the Okwangwo sector by air may do so using the
Bebi airstrip.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Your Comment is very important to us. Pls drop your comment after reading our post. it will help us to improve. Thank you