Travel Costs & Trip Breakdown: Lagos to Obudu & Calabar

For the next instalment of this series, I’ll be giving a breakdown of our Obudu Calabar trip and will be talking about how much it cost us to embark on it. This was a semi-budget trip, so we didn’t necessarily cut down costs to the barest minimum everywhere but I’ll be showing you how you can.

This breakdown is based solely on our experience and is only intended for the purpose of trip planning and to present a fair idea of how much to budget. All prices stated here are either approximate values or exact values at the time of this writing.

Transportation

picnic car to obudu

Based on recommendation from friends, we travelled from Lagos to Obudu through Enugu. For this leg of the journey, we used GIGM and it cost us N6,200 each.

From Enugu, we got a bus to Obudu for N2,200 each and then a motorcycle to our hotel in Obudu for N100 each. In Obudu, we hired a car to get us to the ranch and back for N10,000. The same car took us to Ikom and Calabar for N30,000.

NB: There are public buses that go to the foot of the mountain resort or motorcycles that go up the ranch. These definitely cost less than hiring a private vehicle. Also, getting to Ikom with a regular bus costs about N1,500 and another N1,500 will get you to Calabar.

We returned to Lagos from Calabar with ABC shuttle service. This cost us N7,200 per person.

(I have written a more concise overview further down this post)

Obudu Calabar Road Trip: Accommodation, Feeding & Entertainment

NessvillehotelWe stayed at Utopia hotel in Enugu for 1 night. This cost us N9,500. In Obudu town, we stayed at Vantage hotel for 2 nights for N30,000. In hindsight, I realize this could have been negotiated a little. Anyway, for this particular hotel, we got a room for N7,500/night but decided to move to a different room.

In Calabar, we stayed at Nessville hotel for 2 nights at N32,000 and with my aunt for the last night at N0 (duh!)

NB: There are hotels within the town that cost way less than all the ones we used. You can get a fairly decent hotel for anything between N5,000 and N7,000.

For feeding, we mostly ate in the hotels – which isn’t the best thing to do if you’re trying to save costs. But we spent N19,000  on food altogether for 6 days.

For tours, in Obudu, we spent N300 each to go on the nature trail and canopy walkway, and N500 each to get to the waterfalls. A tour of the waterfalls at Agbokim cost us N1,000 each.

Here’s an overview of everything we spent…Again, this breakdown is based solely on our experience and is only intended for the purpose of trip planning and to present a fair idea of how much to budget. Your actual trip costs may vary from this.

All prices stated here are either approximate values or exact values at the time of this writing.

Obudu Calabar Road Trip Costs Breakdown

Obudu Costs

I hope you find this breakdown very useful. Please leave me a comment to let me know what you think! And don’t forget to share and subscribe or follow me on my social media pages. I am on Instagram: @amarachiekekwe and on Twitter: @amarachiekekweh 🙂

Other articles in this series:

Cross River Chronicles I: The Spectacular Views of Obudu

Cross River Chronicles II: Things Fall Apart

66 comments

  1. Hi, please which transport company did you use from Enugu to Obudu. If its unbranded, where in Enugu did you board the bus.

    1. Hello Tory, it was an unbranded vehicle from the Onitsha South car park. I shared a short review of this service in this post, based solely on our experience at the time.

  2. Pls what is the current breakdown of the trip?
    I learnt that the above breakdown was made 2021.

  3. Thanks 👍, at least now I have an idea to set out my budget for this trip. My wedding is coming up 14/12/2024 and trying to find a good place for my honey moon…. thanks once again. From A.B. Bako

    1. Hello Ben, I’m glad you found this post helpful. Just something to take note of, this article was published a few years ago, so the prices will be very different from today’s prices. The breakdown still makes sense but you’ll need to budget 3-4 times higher than what is listed here.

  4. Thank you for this insightful guide. I find it valuable. I intend visiting obudu ranch this Christmas from port Harcourt. I know most of the prices here must have gone up but this would serve as a good guide to follow. Thank you once again.

    1. Thanks for your comment, Engr. Mathew. Happy to read that you found the post helpful. I hope you have a great trip to Obudu!

  5. Yes, this has been helpful. Can you now prepare a draft estimate for a group of 15 people going to Obudu for a week retreat. For convenience, you can have two for low and high expenditures with the added varieties. The trip can be between mid July to late September, 2021. We would want to stay together most of the time. Thank you

    1. Sure, I can do that as a paid service. If you’re interested in this service, please let me know and I will send you all the necessary details needed via email. I will be happy to help plan the trip for your group.

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

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For my people who love their 9-5 and love to travel👋🏽
For my people who love their 9-5 and love to travel👋🏽
23 hours ago
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Tulip Season - but in Korea 🇰🇷🌷

Spring in Suncheon is colourful and calm. If you're visiting South Korea this spring, consider adding a stop in Suncheon. This garden alone is worth the trip!🌸
Tulip Season - but in Korea 🇰🇷🌷 Spring in Suncheon is colourful and calm. If you're visiting South Korea this spring, consider adding a stop in Suncheon. This garden alone is worth the trip!🌸
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I don't know who needs to hear this but your tour of Lagos doesn't have to include a visit to a slum. Your heart might be in the right place but your experience of this city shouldn't be limited to exploring certain places because you feel like it's the "real Lagos"

If you want to help, consider making a donation instead to the numerous local charities that already do good work to serve people.
I don't know who needs to hear this but your tour of Lagos doesn't have to include a visit to a slum. Your heart might be in the right place but your experience of this city shouldn't be limited to exploring certain places because you feel like it's the "real Lagos" If you want to help, consider making a donation instead to the numerous local charities that already do good work to serve people.
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Not every Lagos trip is loud or party-centric. Some are for quiet beach walks, slowing down on purpose, and long afternoons in a hammock with crashing waves as the soundtrack 🌊
Not every Lagos trip is loud or party-centric. Some are for quiet beach walks, slowing down on purpose, and long afternoons in a hammock with crashing waves as the soundtrack 🌊
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Haters will say my Black American asset is fake 🙄
Haters will say my Black American asset is fake 🙄
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Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊 This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️ Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay - and that warmth continued until I left. And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
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Lagos, Nigeria 🇳🇬🎉

It feels soooo good to be back home! I haven't been back in 3 years and this visit was EXACTLY what I needed to kick-start 2026! 🎉

Detty December is fun and all but oh, how I love Lagos in January! The city is calmer, and there are still some leftovers from the festive period - without the hefty price tag, traffic and crowds! ✨️

This past month in Lagos has been fantastic! I got to reconnect physically with my family and friends, and revisit some of my favourite places 💕 

I saw an amazing play 🎭 (The Bride) @terrakulture, stopped over at @nikeartgallery for my art and culture fix 🎨 and had a wholesome solo retreat at my all time favourite beach resort in Lagos, @jarabeachresortng 🌤

It's been a month of introspection, a few bitter-sweet moments, love, family, some work and food. Good food!

Leaving Lagos with a full heart, a clearer mind, and deep gratitude for home. Until next time 💙
Lagos, Nigeria 🇳🇬🎉 It feels soooo good to be back home! I haven't been back in 3 years and this visit was EXACTLY what I needed to kick-start 2026! 🎉 Detty December is fun and all but oh, how I love Lagos in January! The city is calmer, and there are still some leftovers from the festive period - without the hefty price tag, traffic and crowds! ✨️ This past month in Lagos has been fantastic! I got to reconnect physically with my family and friends, and revisit some of my favourite places 💕 I saw an amazing play 🎭 (The Bride) @terrakulture, stopped over at @nikeartgallery for my art and culture fix 🎨 and had a wholesome solo retreat at my all time favourite beach resort in Lagos, @jarabeachresortng 🌤 It's been a month of introspection, a few bitter-sweet moments, love, family, some work and food. Good food! Leaving Lagos with a full heart, a clearer mind, and deep gratitude for home. Until next time 💙
7 days ago
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If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤 And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
1 week ago
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8/9
[Me after seeing glimpses of a certain streamer's visit to my beautiful country KENYA 🇰🇪] Nina furaha kukutana na wewe 💅🏾

I've tried to avoid watching any related videos of other countries 👀 but that's not how social media works! 😭

Anyway, it's Nyambura to you from now on. Thanks to @motherofpassports for bestowing this name upon me 🇰🇪💙
[Me after seeing glimpses of a certain streamer's visit to my beautiful country KENYA 🇰🇪] Nina furaha kukutana na wewe 💅🏾 I've tried to avoid watching any related videos of other countries 👀 but that's not how social media works! 😭 Anyway, it's Nyambura to you from now on. Thanks to @motherofpassports for bestowing this name upon me 🇰🇪💙
3 weeks ago
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9/9
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