Cross River National Park, of which Ikom is the closest town gateway, protects one of the most biodiverse areas of forest in West Africa. The park contains two separate divisions — Okwangwo in the north and Oban in the south — covering a total of around 4,000 square kilometres of lowland and montane rainforest. It is the last refuge of the Cross River gorilla, the world's most endangered great ape, with a total wild population of fewer than 300 individuals.
Practical access to the park from Ikom is via the Okwangwo Division, the northern section. The park has a visitor centre and basic facilities at Kanyang, reached by road from Ikom. Guided walks for bird watching and primate spotting are available; the park is home to chimpanzees, drill monkeys, forest elephants, and an extraordinary density of bird species. Contact the park management in advance to arrange guides and permits.