Tourism X Africa

Calabar Carnival Guide: Africa's Biggest Street Party, Obudu and Drill Ranch

Updated · Entry rules change; confirm with official government sources before booking.

Short answer: plan for December, book flights and hotels early, and add Obudu and Drill Ranch for nature beyond the carnival.

Our 7-day tour

Highlights are the Calabar Carnival, Obudu Cattle Ranch, museums and galleries, historical sites, Tinapa Resort and Drill Ranch. Price is from $1,750 per person; the full itinerary is tailored to your dates on request.

Pair it with

See Detty December in Ghana for a two-country December.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Calabar Carnival?

It runs through December in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Confirm the programme for the year you travel.

What else is there to do in Calabar?

Museums and galleries, historical sites, Tinapa Resort, Drill Ranch for primate conservation, and the Obudu Cattle Ranch.

Can I combine Calabar with other cities?

Yes. Many visitors pair Calabar with Lagos, or continue to Ghana for Detty December.

Need a hand? Request a free trip plan.

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Disclosure: Tourism X Africa is connected with UComeAfrik and Confidence Travel Guide. We list other options so you can compare, and we link to sources so you can check for yourself.

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