Discover the Agbokim Waterfalls, one of the natural wonders in Cross River, Nigeria, and all the fun activities you can do.
If the union of a stream of bubbly water and gravity leaves you in awe, be prepared to have your mind blown away by the Agbokim Waterfalls, which feature seven streams cascading from a cliff in a lavish display of nature’s beauty and grace.
Agbokim Waterfalls, Cross River, Nigeria
The Agbokim Waterfalls
Agbokim Waterfalls is a slice of paradise located in the Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, very close to the Nigeria-Cameroon border. The waterfalls are tucked in the heart of a tropical rainforest dotted with steep hills and valleys. The picturesque view of the falls and its surroundings has attracted tourists from far and near and is considered one of the wonders of the country.
How to get there
The Agbokim Waterfalls is located about 315 kilometers (195 miles) from Calabar and 17 kilometers (10 miles) from the small town of Ikom. It wasn’t a known tourist destination until efforts by the Cross River State Government in the past decade to improve tourism, resulted in an increase in tourist traffic. Visitors have to hike to get to the waterfalls though, but the challenge is worth it.
The History of Agbokim Waterfalls
The history of the Agbokim Waterfalls began in the early ‘90s, when a hunter, Ntankum, from Inaku (a mountainous area), discovered the waterfall. He brought his family and other older families from Inaku to settle by the falls. Over the years, Ntankum and his fellow settlers mapped out the intricate river system. They also discovered the water could be boiled to make salt.
To date, members of the Agbokim community collaborate to develop the region by opposing deforestation and afforestation.
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5 Things to Do at Agbokim Waterfalls
What could you possibly do with a visit to the Agbokim Waterfalls? Here are five things you can do in the area.
Rainbow over Agbokim Waterfalls
Go sightseeing
Lovers of nature, adventures, and thrill chasers, if you have not visited Agbokim Waterfalls, this is the sign to add it to your bucket list. Apart from the beauty of the Agbokim Waterfalls, the environment is habitat to animals like antelopes and monkeys as well as birds.
If you visit the Agbokim Waterfalls during the rainy season, there is a high possibility that you will be blessed with the heavenly sight of the rainbow across the waterfalls. Also, proximity to neighboring Cameroon gives you the opportunity to have a memorable cross-country experience with the help of local tourist guides.
Have a fun picnic
The Agbokim Waterfalls make for a picturesque picnic spot. You can have a lot of fun swimming in the misty pool, so make sure to bring your swimwear along. Other activities to indulge in include, playing games, hiking and nature photography.
Propose to the love of your life
If people can have simple or elaborate wedding ceremonies at a waterfall, then an engagement is not far-fetched. You don’t need to do anything dramatic; just bring your partner along with you to the Agbokim waterfalls and let the enchantment of the place do the rest.
Take it to another level by eliciting the services of an event planner, or maybe a photographer and videographer. Just make sure you don’t ruin the surprise.
Feed your Creativity
If you are stuck in a creative rut, a change in scenery might be all you need to break the dam. The thunderous roar of the seven streams as they plunge into the pool below, and the alluring landscape will surely help to stimulate your creative juices. On a sunny day, you can see a clear azure sky contrast with the lush green vegetation, and the air feels crisp and fresh.
So if you need to take a break from city life with its constant traffic, noise, and pollution, the Agbokim waterfalls offer sanctuary.
Break a Guinness World Record
We are in the season of breaking records, and you stand a chance of becoming one if you visit the Agbokim Waterfalls. How is this possible? No worries, here’s the answer.
The current holder of the Guinness World Record for the highest waterfall dive is Di Huanran, a waterfall diver who is over 60 years old. For almost 40 years, he has dived down some of China’s biggest waterfalls.
Here’s your chance to get in some practice if breaking a world record as a waterfall diver is your calling.
REFERENCES
Atlas Obscura: Agbokim Waterfall
Nigeria Galleria: Agbokim Waterfalls, Cross River State
The Guardian: Experiencing The Wonder of Nature at Agbokim Fall
