Things To Do
in Ugep
Ugep is a large town in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State in southern Nigeria, known for its vibrant culture and the annual Leboku New Yam Festival. The community is predominantly of the Yakurr ethnic group and combines rich agricultural landscapes with riverine scenery. Ugep offers a mix of bustling markets, colorful traditional ceremonies, and access to nearby rainforest and wildlife areas.
Visitors find a friendly, community-oriented town where English, Nigerian Pidgin and local languages are commonly spoken.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Mary Slessor Airport and meet your local guide for a warm welcome. Take a short drive to your lodging in Ugep town while admiring the lush palm groves along the road. Settle in and enjoy a light snack of freshly roasted plantains and palm wine.
Stroll through the town center and familiarize yourself with Ugep’s bustling streets and friendly faces. Stop by a roadside stall to sample ukodo (yam pepper soup) for a hearty introduction to local flavors. Chat with elders seated under the shade of ancient trees and learn about the Yakurr people’s traditions.
Enjoy a sunset walk down to the Cross River, watching fishermen return in their dugout canoes. Savor a dinner of smoked fish, garri, and assorted local vegetables at an open-air pavilion. End the night with storytelling around a fire, hearing folktales passed down through generations.
Head to the Ugep central market at dawn when vendors display heaps of fresh produce, spices, and handcrafted baskets. Bargain with traders over yams, peppers, and native herbs used in traditional medicine. Watch women skillfully weave colorful raffia mats right on the market floor.
Join a cooking demonstration inside the market quarters to learn how to prepare ukwa (breadfruit) stew. Relish every bite as you participate in grinding spices and stirring the pot. After lunch, wander along stalls selling indigo-dyed fabrics and beaded jewelry.
Return to town for a visit to a live dance performance where drummers on ekwe drums set the rhythm. Sip on chilled zobo (hibiscus tea) as you watch dancers dressed in raffia skirts tell stories through movement. Walk back under a starlit sky, absorbing the vibrant energy that lingers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Mid-range restaurant meal (two courses) | $8-20 |
| 🛵Motorbike taxi (short ride) | $0.50-2 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.30-1 |
| 🛏️Guesthouse or budget hotel (per night) | $15-45 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural experiences and vibrant festivals (notably the Leboku New Yam Festival).
- Friendly local communities and authentic market experiences.
- Access to nearby forests, riverine scenery and opportunities for nature-based activities.
- Limited tourist infrastructure compared with major cities—fewer hotels and formal guides.
- Road conditions and heavy rains can make travel to and around Ugep challenging in wet season.
- "How far?" - How are you? (Nigerian Pidgin greeting)
- "Abeg" - Please / I beg you (Nigerian Pidgin)
- "Thanks" - Thank you (widely used in Pidgin and English)
- "Wetin be dis?" - What is this?
- "Good morning" - Good morning (English commonly used)
Places to Visit in Ugep
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant stalls, colorful produce and energetic trading make for dynamic street and portrait photography—best in morning light.
If visiting during the New Yam Festival, you'll find bright costumes, masks, dances and processions—prime opportunities for cultural photography (ask permission first).
Rippling water, fishermen and boats at dawn or dusk provide atmospheric landscape and lifestyle shots.
Photograph traditional architecture, intricate woodwork and everyday life in quieter alleys—respect privacy and ask before photographing people.
Forest clearings, canopy light and birdlife in nearby reserves or community forests are good for nature photography; bring a telephoto lens for wildlife.
Food in Ugep
Ugep Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich, aromatic soup made from palm fruit extract, often cooked with fresh fish, beef or smoked fish; commonly served with starches like yam or plantain. Widely available at local eateries.
Must-Try!
Leafy vegetable soups prepared with a mix of greens, assorted proteins and palm oil—nutritious and flavorful, found at family-run restaurants and during festive meals.
Staples served with soups or stews; roasted plantain (bole) and yam are popular street snacks and market breakfasts.
Smoked or grilled fish sourced locally from nearby rivers, often used in soups or served with starches at small restaurants and market stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town's main market is where farmers sell fresh yams, vegetables, palm oil and fish; it's the best place to sample local snacks and meet vendors. Try roasted plantain, grilled fish and peppery soups sold at market-side stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet elders and shopkeepers when entering a home or business; addressing older people with respect and allowing elders to be served first is valued.
Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly during religious or private ceremonies; some sacred objects or rituals may be off-limits.
Dress modestly in rural areas—avoid overly revealing clothing. Public displays of affection are uncommon and may draw attention.
Bargaining is normal in markets; small tokens or sweets are a polite way to thank hosts or children, but avoid giving money directly to minors.
Safety
Tipping in Ugep
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but small tips for guides, drivers or attentive service staff are appreciated. Rounding up fares or leaving a small cash tip at restaurants is common practice.
Cash (Nigerian naira) is the primary payment method in Ugep—carry small bills for market purchases. Mobile money and USSD banking are widely used; card acceptance is limited outside larger towns, so plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect heavy, frequent rains and high humidity—roads can become muddy and some rural tracks may be difficult. Carry waterproof gear, wear good shoes, and plan outdoor activities for drier parts of the day.
Drier and slightly cooler, especially during early mornings; evenings can be more comfortable. Harmattan (December–February) can bring dusty winds and reduced visibility on some days.
Ugep at Night
Hiking in Ugep
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A forested area in Cross River State with trails, birdlife and primates; visiting may require a day trip and coordination with local guides or conservation authorities.
Smaller, locally maintained trails around Ugep and neighboring villages are ideal for short hikes, nature walks and agricultural landscape views—hire a local guide for the best experience.
While longer to reach, sections of Cross River National Park offer extensive hiking and wildlife viewing for visitors willing to combine Ugep with a longer excursion into the state's protected areas.
Airports
How to reach Ugep by plane.
The closest major airport serving Cross River State with domestic connections; from Calabar you can reach Ugep by road via shared taxis or bus services.
A larger regional airport serving Rivers State; useful as an alternative if travel routes require it, though farther by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Ugep, with strong cultural traditions, language and community structures centered around farming and festivals.
Smaller numbers of people from neighboring ethnicities (Efik, Igbo and others) live and trade in Ugep, contributing to linguistic variety and market activity.
Christianity is predominant, with various denominations and active church communities; traditional beliefs persist alongside Christian practice in cultural rites.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally—local teams and informal matches in the town are common and attract community support.
Traditional physical games and occasional wrestling displays feature during festivals and community celebrations.
Informal canoe races and boat activities on local rivers are occasionally organized, especially around community events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ugep.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited; ask for vegetable-based soups (without fish or meat stock) and plain yams or plantains. Explain dietary needs clearly—using 'no meat, no fish'—and stick to well-cooked vegetables.
Vegan meals are possible (starchy staples and vegetable soups) but cross-contamination with fish/meat is common. Gluten-free diets are generally manageable since staples are cassava, yam and plantain rather than wheat—confirm preparation methods when possible.
Drink bottled water and avoid ice from unknown sources; eat hot-cooked meals and peel fruits you buy from markets if not washed with safe water.