Kwa Falls: A Spectacular Waterfall And Amazing Sight

By Bassey Asuquo

 Kwa Falls is a spectacular waterfall located in a narrow, steep gorge on the headwaters of the Kwa River which flows through Cross River State, draining the east side of the city of Calabar.  

 The river originates in the Oban Hills, in the Cross River National Park, and flows southwards to the Cross River estuary. Its lower reaches are tidal, with broad mud flats. and drain the eastern coast of the city of Calabar.

  Kwa Falls is located in Anegeje village in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, about 25 kilometers from  Calabar on a good rural road.The sparkling natural waters eternally fall through the mounds of igneous rocks of tropical reminiscence. Kwa River where Kwa Fall cascades down resistant basement rocks, is located in the Oban division of the Cross River National Park. It has a total of 234 steps from the plane down to the rest of the places. Kwa Falls is characterized by its well arranged staircase waters.

All these are against a typical tropical mangrove forest of Mahogany, Ebony and Spruce trees adding to the undulating landscape that surrounds the fall.

A deep plunge pool forms at the bottom of the waterfall, which, before deforestation, was hidden under the thick canopy of the tropical rainforest. The awe-inspiring plunge of the Kwa Falls descends through a wide vertical gash on a cliff cutting-across the Great Kwa River channel (also called Kwa Ibo River or KwaRiver), which flows gracefully through Cross River State, south-eastern Nigeria, draining the east side of the beautiful city of Calabar.
Research findings show that the river emanate in the Oban Hills, in the Cross River National Park, and flows southwards to the Cross River estuary. All the year round, tourists and visitors at Calabar keeps trooping down to the Kwa Falls for its amazing sight. 

 Mr. Jones Jack, a tourist, has these to say, “The Kwa Falls is located in Anegeje village in Akamkpa, Cross River State and an extension of the Kwa River.
 Its sparkling waters cascades down basement rocks situated at the Oban side of the Cross River National Park. 
There are 234 steps made to the Kwa Falls, and the waterfall flows into a canopy of the tropical rainforest and mangrove forest that is rich in Mahogany, Ebony, and Spruce trees in a fascinating landscape”.

 Another tourist, Macdonald Benneth, bares his mind thus, “Kwafalls is beautiful! 234 steps later, we were at the body of water. It is quite refreshing to take a dip after the long walk. The sight is peaceful with lush greenery. It seems the place is neglected by Cross River government. The steps need a bit of touch to enable the place more attractive to visitors. You could go there to have picnic with your friends. An entrance fee of about N500 is charged for the upkeep of the local art museum on the site”.

 Mr. Edwin Bisong, an indigene of Anegheje where Kwa Falls situates, has these to say, “This waterfall is located just inside Cross River National Park, about 25 kilometers north of Calabar on the Ikot Offiong – Ekang road, and is located in a lush, green gorge of the Kwa river. 

  When you arrive at the site you will see a part of the waterfall plunging into the gorge. For the best views you’ll have to go down into the gorge. A steep stairway leads you down to the river bedding, after which you turn right and climb over rocks towards a view on the beautiful waterfall. Judging from the shape of the river bedding this might prove to be difficult in the heart of the rainy season, as the river will probably fill up the gorge from side to side. But after this period, one will get to a good spot to enjoy the views”. 

 According to research, Kwa falls was discovered as a notable beautiful falls a spectacular waterfall characterized by a narrow steep gorge from top to bottom. The sparkling waters plunge down to form a pool ideal for a variety of water sports. There, everyone is welcome for a dip.

Tourists to the place should take along with them the following items; swimming gear camping gear, sun screen and mosquito repellant. You can go in for a dip, go for sight-seeing and take cool pictures. One thing more! The nearby Kwa River Sand Beach is recommended for an afternoon’s peaceful relaxation.