Ikom

Cross River town near rainforest national park, drill monkeys, gorillas, and ancient Akwanshi basalt monoliths.

Ikom is a small town in Cross River State, southeastern Nigeria, best known as the gateway to the Cross River National Park — one of the most biodiverse forest areas in West Africa. Regular bush taxis connect Ikom to Calabar, about 90 km to the south.

The area around Ikom is home to the remarkable Akwanshi monoliths — ancient carved basalt stones depicting ancestral figures, found scattered across nearby villages. These carvings are thought to be several hundred years old and are protected by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments. They are unique to this corner of Nigeria and little known to outside visitors. The Cross River National Park, with its gorillas, chimpanzees, and drill monkeys, is the other reason to come this way.

Guide

Getting There

By road

Bush taxis (shared minibuses) run regularly between Ikom and Calabar, about 90 km to the south — the journey takes around two hours depending on road conditions. From Calabar there are road connections to Enugu and Abuja. The road through Ikom also connects to Cameroon at the Mfum border crossing, making Ikom a potential stop on overland journeys through the region.

Practicalities

Ikom is a small town with limited tourist infrastructure. Fuel up before heading to the national park. Mobile network coverage is available in town. Bring cash; ATM availability is not reliable.

Guide

Things to Do

Ikom's two main draws are the Akwanshi monoliths scattered across the surrounding villages and the Cross River National Park a short drive away. Neither is heavily visited, and both reward the effort it takes to get here.