The mesmerising Agbokim waterfalls are located in the Etung local government area of Cross River state, about 17 kilometres from the small town of Ikom and 315 km from Calabar. Agbokim waterfalls descend into the middle of a rainforest near the Nigeria-Cameroon border. It was discovered by a hunter who moved there with his family and from there, a community grew. The Agbokim Waterfall is formed by seven streams that tumble over a steep cliff giving off a cascade of water that continues into a pool. For this reason, it is referred to as the Seven-faced Wonder. This natural waterfall is located in the middle of a tropical rainforest and is blessed with wonderful views and serenity; the perfect place for tourism. The seven streams that form these waterfalls receive major contributions from the Cross River/River Cross from where the State gets her name. The flow of water from the Cross River to the streams can make the waterfalls light or heavy. From May to October, the waterfalls flow heavily.
Touring Agbokim requires hiking shoes, swimsuits, quick-dry clothing power bank, rain gear and a first aid kit. The road is bumpy and oftentimes, visitors encounter drizzles around the area. Another beautiful thing about Agbokin is that around 2-5 pm, light strikes the mist created by the cascading waterfalls and produces a rainbow around the waterfalls. The intensity of the rainbow’s spectrum depends on the intensity of the sun in contrast to the villagers believing the rainbow only appears to select visitors. The rainbow around the waterfalls is always magnificent to behold.
The Agbokim waterfalls have continued to grow since the hunter Ntankum discovered it in the 90’s. The modern Agbokim community prioritise afforestation as they believe the river’s source is from dead plants and animals, so they discourage deforestation aiding the increase of water volume. They also boil the water to get salt. These were all practised by Ntankum and his sons who founded the complex stream system to provide water for irrigation. Ntankum and his people were all from the Ejagam tribe and migrated from Inagu, a mountainous area to this place where they settled and started to develop.
Agbokim is a site of foreign attraction serving as a recreational centre for both entertainment and recreational purposes. It is very accessible through a tarred road and as well another motorable road 6km from the waterfalls. There is a cave below the waterfall and it serves as an abode for bats and other animals. According to local folklore, the waterfall is overseen by a mythical spirit. It is advised that one does not wander there alone without a local guide.
However, this does not discourage people, as there are always tourists at the waterfalls. Cross River, indeed, lives up to its moniker as The People’s Paradise, and its people are very hospitable.
Photo credits:
Tokitonegrito
Uduak Obong Patricia
Naijabiography
References:
atlasobscura.com
rockpostnews.com
