The Cross River Gorilla is Africa’s most endangered primate with current total population of less than 300 surviving in the wild at the Nigeria-Cameroon border region. The Cross River National Park and adjacent Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and Mbe Mountain forest are harboring the few remaining Gorilla population in Nigeria. Efforts have been made to conserve them in their natural habitat over the years and now being partially opened for limited visits by tourists. While there is no guarantee that the elusive Gorillas will be sighted, the expedition affords an opportunity to view natural-sized Drill groups in captivity at the ‘Drill Ranch’ at Afi mountain and sight game in one of the few remaining rainforest habitats in West Africa. This is a true rainforest adventure tracking elusive Gorillas by hiking through rugged hills and thick rainforest vegetation. A chanced encounter with the Gorillas is an experience of a life time. The best time for the expedition is November to May and in small groups of not more than 6-8 people. Accommodations include forest camping and deluxe hotels and some meals consist of packed dinners.
Cross River Gorilla Tracking Expedition
Code: ERQSR2
Day 01: LAGOS / CALABAR (L/D)
Arrival in Lagos. Transfer to domestic terminal to catch flight to Calabar. Arrival in Calabar and transfer to the Amber Tinapa Hotel (4*). Embark on a tour of Calabar – Museum, Marina, Cercopan Monkeys Conservation Project etc. Lunch is at Aqua Vista resort. In the evening, meet with officials of the Cross River National Park to learn about ongoing efforts to protect Gorillas in the state. Dinner and evening at leisure.
Overnight Amber Tinapa Hotel (4*)
DAY 02: CALABAR / AFI MOUNTAIN (B/L/D)
Depart Calabar after an early breakfast for the ‘Drill Ranch’ – Drill Rehabilitation and Breeding Center at Afi Mountain. ‘Drill Ranch’ is a project of Pandrillus an NGO established in 1991 by Peter Jekins & Liza Gadsby to promote the survival of endangered primates- the Drill monkeys. The ranch provides a safe haven for orphaned Drills and has rehabilitated over 270 Drills in 6 social groups. On arrival, check-in at Eco-cabins at the ranch. Embark on a visit to the nearby Kache Bano Walk–a-Way, a world class rainforest canopy experience, the refreshing waterfalls and pools on the Bano stream and the tree nursery of native fruit trees. Evening at leisure.
Overnight Drill Ranch
DAY 03: AFI MOUNTAIN (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast, you will depart ‘Drill Ranch’ in a four wheel vehicle up Afi Mountain to a point where your hiking will start. The next two days will be spent Gorilla tracking. The expedition will be led by well-trained professional guides from the Cross River National Park and porters will carry food and camping supplies for the trip. Hiking up the densely forested rugged and steep mountain terrain is physically demanding and duration of a hike can be up to 7-8 hours at a stretch depending on movement of Gorilla groups who are nomadic by nature moving constantly in search of food. Upon sighting a Gorilla group, extreme caution is taken to approach them since they are still wild and extremely shy and not accustom to human presence. A short time is spent in observing their interactions in order not to scare them.
Overnight Gorilla Forest Camp
Day 04: AFI MOUNTAIN (B/L/D)
Full day and night at Afi Mountain Gorilla tracking.
Overnight Gorilla Forest Camp
Day 05: AFI MOUNTAIN (B/L/D)
Full day at Afi Mountain Gorilla tracking.
Return to ‘Drill Ranch’ early evening for an overnight stay.
Day 06: AFI MOUNTAIN / MBE MOUNTAIN (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast, depart Afi Mountain by road for Mbe Mountain. Check-in at the Kayang Tourist Village on arrival. Venture back into the jungle and follow guides through the forested hills of the Mbe Mountain in search of Gorilla groups. You will also have opportunities in sighting other primates and forest game.
Overnight Gorilla Forest Camp
Day 07: MBE MOUNTAIN (B/L/D)
Full day at Mbe Mountain Gorilla tracking.
Return to Kayang Tourist Village early evening for an overnight stay.
Day 08: MBE MOUNTAIN / OBUDU MOUNTAIN (B/L/D)
After breakfast, depart Mbe Mountain by road for Obudu Mountain. On arrival, check in at the Obudu Mountain Resort (5*). Embark on a tour of the resort including Becheve Nature reserve. Rest of evening at leisure.
Overnight Obudu Mountain Resort (5*).
Day 09: OBUDU MOUNTAIN (B/L/D)
Full day at the Obudu Mountain Resort. Embark on a 6 hour hike to the Water fall or choose from a variety of leisure activities – bird watching, nature trail, cable car ride, tennis, swimming, golf etc.
Overnight Obudu Mountain Resort (5*)
Day 10: OBUDU MOUNTAIN / CALABAR / LAGOS (B/L/D)
Depart Obudu after an early breakfast for Calabar by road to catch your departure flight for Lagos. Early evening arrival in Lagos and transfer to the international terminal for departure flight home. End of tour.
INCLUSIVE:
- Return air transfer Lagos or Abuja / Calabar
- Land Transfers in 4-wheel vehicle.
- Accommodation with full board:
- 1 night, Amber Tinapa Hotel (4*), Calabar
- 2 nights, Drill Ranch, Afi Mountain
- 1 night, Kayang Tourist Village, Mbe Mountain
- 2 nights, Obudu Mountain Resort (5*), Obudu
- 3 nights, Forest Camping
- Tour as specify in itinerary
- Professional tour guide services
- Hotel taxes & gratuities
NOTE:
- The expedition is through thick rainforest vegetation and physically demanding.
- Participants must be adults above the age of 18 and must be in good health condition.
- International health certificate is compulsory.
- Hiking gear is recommended – water-proof windbreaker/jacket, sun hats, sunglasses, torch light, binoculars, telephoto lens camera, etc.
- Although first-aid kits and Mosquito nets are provided, it is important to pack insect repellant and personal medication where necessary.
- Clothing should be light with long pants (jeans) and long sleeved shirts recommended. Bright colored clothing should be avoided.
- Comfortable sandal shoes and sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.
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