How to Apply for a Tourist Visa to Botswana from Nigeria 

Botswana is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets, known for its outstanding safaris in the Okavango Delta, luxury lodges, and rich wildlife. For Nigerians planning to visit, the first step is to obtain a Botswana tourist visa. This article covers all you need to know, from visa requirements to travel costs, helping make your trip smooth and well-organized. 

Why Nigerians Should Visit Botswana 

1. Okavango Delta: A UNESCO World Heritage site that offers mokoro (canoe) safaris.
2. Chobe National Park: Famous for elephants, lions, and boat safaris.
3. Kalahari Desert: Unique desert scenery and San Bushmen culture.
4. Luxury Tourism: It has some of the best safari lodges in Africa.
5. Visa-Friendly Process: A straightforward tourist visa application for Nigerians. 

Botswana Tourist Visa for Nigerians 

Nigerians need a tourist visa to enter Botswana. 

Where to Apply 

• Embassy of Botswana in Abuja, Nigeria.
• Processing time: 5 to 10 working days. 

Visa Fees (2025 updated) 

1. Single-entry visa: $30 (₦45,000).
2. Multiple-entry visa (up to 3 months): $50 (₦75,000).
3. Longer multiple-entry visa (up to 12 months): $100 (₦150,000).   

Required Documents 

1. Valid Nigerian passport (valid for at least 6 months).
2. Completed visa application form.
3. Two recent passport photos.
4. Return flight booking.
5. Hotel or lodge reservation in Botswana.
6. Bank statement (proof of funds for the last 3 months).
7. Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
8. Cover letter explaining your reason for visiting. 

Flight Options from Nigeria to Botswana 

There are no direct flights. Nigerians usually connect via South Africa. 

Common Routes 

1. Lagos to Johannesburg (South African Airways, RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines).
2. Johannesburg to Gaborone (Air Botswana). 

Flight Costs 

1. Nigeria to Johannesburg: $600 to $900 (₦900,000 to ₦1,350,000).
2. Johannesburg to Gaborone: $120 to $200 (₦180,000 to ₦300,000).
3. Total (Round Trip): ₦1,100,000 to ₦1,650,000. 

Flight Time: Approximately 10 to 15 hours with layovers. 

Accommodation Options in Botswana 

Botswana is known for luxury safari lodges, but there are options for all budgets. 

1. Budget Hotels/Guesthouses: $30 to $80 (₦45,000 to ₦120,000).
2. Mid-Range Hotels: $100 to $200 (₦150,000 to ₦300,000).
3. Luxury Safari Lodges: $400 to $1,000 (₦600,000 to ₦1,500,000) per night, often including meals and game drives. 

Popular stays include: 

1. Chobe Safari Lodge (Kasane).
2. Cresta President Hotel (Gaborone).
3. Camp Okavango (Okavango Delta). 

Transportation in Botswana 

1. Flights: Domestic flights by Air Botswana to Maun, Kasane, and Francistown. ($100 to $300 ≈ ₦150,000 to ₦450,000).
2. Buses: Connect major towns, costing $10 to $25 (₦15,000 to ₦37,500).
3. Car Hire: $40 to $80 per day (₦60,000 to ₦120,000). This is recommended for safaris. 

Top Tourist Attractions in Botswana 

1. Okavango Delta: Explore by mokoro (canoe), game drives, and walking safaris.
2. Chobe National Park: The highest elephant population in Africa.
3. Moremi Game Reserve: Ideal for wildlife photography.
4. Makgadikgadi Pans: The largest salt pans in the world.
5. Gaborone: The capital city offering urban experiences. 

Food & Dining Costs 

Botswana has a mix of traditional and modern cuisine. 

Popular Dishes: 

1. Seswaa: Shredded beef stew served with pap (maize meal).
2. Vetkoek: Fried bread filled with meat.
3. Morogo: A dish made with wild spinach. 

Meal Prices: 

1. Street food and snacks range from ₦4,000 to ₦7,000.
2. Restaurants charge between ₦12,000 and ₦25,000.
3. Lodge meals (part of safari packages) are included in the lodging cost. 

Safety Tips for Nigerians in Botswana 

1. Health: A Yellow Fever vaccination is needed. Bring malaria prevention tablets if visiting safari areas.
2. Security: Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa, but always practice standard travel caution.
3. Money: The local currency is Botswana Pula (BWP), but USD is commonly accepted at lodges.
4. Transport: Drive carefully since wild animals often cross roads in rural areas.  

Sample 7-Day Budget 

1. Visa: ₦45,000 to ₦150,000.
2. Flights: ₦1,100,000 to ₦1,650,000.
3. Accommodation: ₦315,000 to ₦840,000 (budget to mid-range).
4. Transportation: ₦150,000 to ₦300,000.
5. Food: ₦90,000 to ₦180,000.
6. Safari and Tours: ₦225,000 to ₦600,000. 

Total Estimate for 7 Days: ₦1,900,000 to ₦3,700,000. 

For Nigerians, obtaining a Botswana tourist visa is simple and cost-effective compared to many other destinations. Once you arrive, the country offers some of Africa’s best safari experiences, from elephants in Chobe to canoe rides in the Okavango Delta.  

If you seek adventure, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, Botswana is the ideal destination.