Things to do in Akwa Ibom State

The Land of Promise

Stretching gracefully in response to the gentle touch of the wind is a vast expanse of towering palm trees that enhance the picturesque landscape of Akwa Ibom, also known as “The land of promise”. These majestic palms sway abundantly, extending their embrace across miles and distances. Akwa Ibom is acknowledged as one of Nigeria’s most enchanting states and is celebrated for its tranquil ambience and evergreen scenery. Nestled alongside the Atlantic Ocean, most of its terrain is a flourishing meadow adorned with thriving shrubs and lush green herbs.

The landscape transforms into a vibrant masterpiece when illuminated by the morning sun as if an artist painted it with vivid green hues. The hanging foliage and trees come to life, evoking a jungle essence that is nothing short of perfect. Whether traversing the roads or arriving via the Victor Attah International Airport to access Akwa Ibom State, every chosen route brings you closer to the intrinsic beauty that defines the state. It’s worth noting that numerous cab-hailing services are available, such as Pamdrive Taxi, drop Services, and Pronto cars, among others, ready to take you on a delightful journey around the state.

Akwa Ibom State, Where Nature Meets Culture Along the Atlantic Coastline

Akwa Ibom is named after the Qua Iboe River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean; this beautiful city is perched along the Atlantic coastline, which spans about 129 kilometres from Oron in the East while cradling the shores of Ikot Abasi to the West. Akwa Ibom State is enclosed by Rivers State and Abia State to the West, Cross Rivers State to the East, and the South by the Atlantic Ocean.  The State’s evergreen vegetation resembles its thriving ecosystem, rich in plant and animal life. Famous for its oil palm production, which contributes extensively to the nation’s palm belt and other agricultural activities, the state enjoys a rich blend of economic growth, especially from its oil exploration activities. More than anything, it is the fantastic destination spot that permeates every nook and cranny of the state. From the mystic green river to the outstretched beaches lounging on its shorelines, Akwa Ibom State provides a safari vibe for your vacation experience.

Known for its healthy seafood delicacies and mouth-watering cuisines, the state has become a reference point for many meals prepared in Nigerian homes today! If you want a vacation experience filled with noteworthy memories, then Akwa Ibom is the place to be. Ready or not? I bet you are prepared to go on this ride as we tourthe most beautiful places in Akwa Ibom State.  

Explore the history embedded in the Bridge of No Return at Ikot Abasi.

Beneath the supporting metal structure of the bridge, a history unfolds that fails to evoke warmth in the heart – a history commonly labelled as a ‘dark chapter.’ The Bridge of No Return earned its sombre name due to its association with a sorrowful past. Renowned as the final passage for the transportation of enslaved people across the Atlantic Ocean to foreign enslavers, this bridge holds memories that leave a bitter taste.

Beyond the shores of this significant site, countless natives embarked on involuntary journeys. They traded for items as seemingly trivial as kettles, cups, umbrellas, dane guns, bottles of firearms, and pottery bows. The trans-Atlantic slave trade, a flourishing enterprise from the 16th to the 19th centuries, forever altered the ancestry of numerous African Americans. Constructed by Europeans in 1795, the Bridge of No Return jetty featured stone compartments capable of holding up to 150 individuals awaiting their tragic fate.

Enslaved and subdued by their captors, resilient individuals were forced into subservience within these holding areas before being loaded onto canoes from the fort destined for European shores. Thousands of enslaved people departed the shores of Nigeria through this fort, never to return to their homeland – hence, the poignant moniker ‘Bridge of No Return.’

Immerse in the sprawling beauty of Ibeno Beach at Eket

This beauty of nature lies along the shorelines of the Ibeno local government area of Eket in Akwa Ibom state. Known as the largest sand beach in West Africa, Ibeno Beach stretches for miles, about 30 kilometres from Ibeno to James Town, along the state’s Atlantic coastline. Annually, tourists flock to the shores of this gorgeous beach to immerse themselves in the sprawling beauty of its landscape. Standing on the shores of Ibeno Beach and watching the waves embrace the shores with affection and race back to the sea is bliss. The misty air that caresses your face is breezy and full of moisture, giving you an outdoor escape into the arms of nature.

Do you want to enjoy the feeling of wet sand beneath your feet? Are you ready to behold beauty like no other? Then plan a trip to Akwa Ibom, and you will be pleasantly surprised!

Luxuriate in the thriving ecosystem of the Biodiversity Preservation Center at Uyo

Situated at Grace of God Villa, Afaha Idoro Road, Uyo, the Biodiversity Preservation Center was established to encourage ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, and wildlife management and help to project ecosystem protection and sustainability, especially the flora and fauna threatened by extinction. Breathe serenity in this natural abode and interact closely with varying species of plants and animals with the help of a tour guide.  Do you love nature? Are you driven by the passion to promote sustainability? Biodiversity Preservation Center is the ideal place for you.

Enjoy a fascinating trip to the Oron Museum.

Established in 1958 to house eight hundred ancestral artefacts (Ekpu Oro) ranging from figurines and other traditional sculptures, Oron Museum is one of the best places to find displayed wood carvings with historical value. Although the Oron people lost many artefacts during the civil war, the Museum still has remains of the carvings after being rebuilt in 1975. The museum also has a craft village where visitors are allowed to explore and enjoy a walk down memory lane. The bunkers used during the Civil War are within its walls, and a tour guide provides relevant information about each displayed craft.

Take a trip with your friends and family to the Oron Museum and explore the history of a people skilled in distinct craftsmanship.

Experience the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre’s 5-Star Comfort.

Cozy up to the warmth of the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre, this 14-story building is a five-star luxury hotel with over 200 rooms, a shopping mall, a theme park for recreation, and a Silverbird Cinema.  This is the perfect relaxation spot for tourists who want to enjoy the state’s beauty without engaging in many outdoor activities. The kids can enjoy the educative facilities at the theme park while the adults cosy up to the warmth of the serene and spacious environment within the centre. The Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Center is an architectural masterpiece crafted to provide comfort and luxury. Located in the heart of Uyo, this centre lives up to its name, and I bet your visit to Akwa Ibom will be incomplete without gracing the walls of this magnificent edifice.

Settle to tasty local delicacies at the Tropicana Entertainment restaurants and enjoy meals such as Oto Ebre, a yummy porridge made from water yam. Afia Efere Ebot, Otong Afere Atike, Anyan Ekpang, and several nourishing meals are made to your delight.

Capture the flowing Essence of the Mystic Green River at Ibesikpo.

The Green River at Akwa Ibom beckons with open arms. About 12km from Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom lies Ikot Akpa Oso village, a rural settlement with passive developmental strides within its terrain, a mystic green river. A close view of this flowing wonder leaves many in awe as the green hue pervading the entire water mass stirs a deep-seated curiosity and critical analysis of the scenario.

Although the locals attribute the greenery to the reflective intrusion of the surrounding vegetation on the water, that seems different from other rivers and streams in Akwa Ibom, given that the entire state enjoys a splurge of thriving vegetation. Yet, no other river has such colour except the one at Ibesikpo. Here comes the intriguing part. When you look at the river, all you see is a stretch of green which clothes the entire surface like a blanket, but when you collect or fetch the water using a transparent bottle, the water assumes a white colour…isn’t that wonderful?  I bet your guess is as good as mine.

Are you still thinking about what to do in Akwa Ibom when visiting?  No, I don’t think so because this article has provided you with the state’s most preferred destination sites. Grab your bags and give yourself the treat you deserve!