Akwa Ibom State · Nigeria
Essien Udim travel guide
Essien Udim is a city in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, home to about 193,000 people.
- Nearest airport
- QUO54 km · Akwa Ibom International Airport
- Currency
- NGNnaira
- Time zone
- Africa/Lagos
- Language
- English
About
About Essien Udim
Essien Udim is one of the Annang-speaking local government areas of Akwa Ibom State. It was created in 1989 from the former Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area and comprises several clans including Afaha, Adiasim, Odoro Ikot, Ekpeyong Atai, Ikpe Annang, Okon, Ukana and Ukana East. Agriculture is an important part of the local economy. Crops grown in the area include cassava, yam, cocoyam, maize, vegetables, plantain and other food crops. Palm products, raffia crafts, basketry, wood carving and palm-wine tapping are also associated with local economic life.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Where to stay
Which part of Essien Udim to stay in
Accommodation within Essien Udim is limited compared with nearby Ikot Ekpene and Uyo. Visitors should arrange accommodation before travelling. Staying in nearby Ikot Ekpene may provide a wider choice of hotels. There are no reliably documented public camping facilities in Essien Udim. Visitors wishing to camp should obtain permission from the relevant landowner or community before setting up a campsite. Rural parts of Essien Udim have limited tourism infrastructure. Visitors exploring streams, agricultural areas or remote communities should arrange local guidance and carry sufficient food and drinking water.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
When to go
The best time to visit Essien Udim
Essien Udim has no month that is both mild and dry by the measure used here. February is the warmest month, with average highs of 34 °C; September is the wettest, with about 353 mm of rain.
Comfortable means average daytime high between 18 °C and 29 °C and under 80 mm of rain in the month. Averages for 1991–2020 over the surrounding area, a grid square about 50 km across, so a coast or a nearby mountain can make the town itself warmer or cooler. Data: CRU TS v4.10, Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia (Open Database License).
Getting there
Getting to Essien Udim: airports and arrival
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Akwa Ibom International Airport (QUO), about 54 km from the city centre in a straight line; Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (QOW, 62 km) and Margaret Ekpo International Airport (CBQ, 76 km) are also within reach.
Getting in
Essien Udim is accessible by road from Ikot Ekpene and other parts of Akwa Ibom State. The A342 highway passes through the eastern and northern parts of the local government area. Road travel is the most practical way to reach Essien Udim and its communities. Shared taxis, buses and motorcycles are used for local transportation. Services are more frequent along major roads and between larger settlements.
Getting around
Road transport is the main way to travel between communities. Motorcycles and local taxis can be useful for reaching smaller communities and attractions away from major roads. Visitors travelling into rural areas should arrange local guidance where necessary.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
QUO · Akwa Ibom International Airport
QOW · Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport
CBQ · Margaret Ekpo International Airport
Local knowledge
Eating, drinking and staying safe in Essien Udim
Eat
Local eateries and food sellers serve Nigerian dishes and food prepared using locally available agricultural products. Visitors should ask local people about restaurants and food stalls, as small businesses and opening hours can change.
Drink
Bottled water and soft drinks are available from shops and local vendors. Palm wine is traditionally produced in parts of the area. Visitors should purchase drinks from reputable local sellers.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Questions
Essien Udim: questions travellers ask
When is the best time to visit Essien Udim?
Essien Udim has no month that is both mild and dry by the measure used here. February is the warmest month, with average highs of 34 °C; September is the wettest, with about 353 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Essien Udim?
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Akwa Ibom International Airport (QUO), about 54 km from the city centre in a straight line; Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (QOW, 62 km) and Margaret Ekpo International Airport (CBQ, 76 km) are also within reach.
What currency is used in Essien Udim?
naira (NGN).
Nearby
Destinations near Essien Udim
Sources: city facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia; airports from OurAirports; climate from CRU TS v4.10 (University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit), 1991–2020 monthly means, 0.5° grid; places to stay, guest scores and amenities from each operator's own public pages. How this guide is made.