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Uganda

Hoima

Western Uganda, on the Albertine Rift · Year-round; timing depends on destination, activity and weather.

A town in western Uganda on the edge of the Albertine Rift, and gateway to Lake Albert, the historic Kibiro salt gardens, and Bugoma Forest, one of Uganda's last significant chimpanzee strongholds outside the main national parks. Hoima is also the traditional seat of the Bunyoro Kingdom.

Why visit Hoima

A town in western Uganda on the edge of the Albertine Rift, and gateway to Lake Albert, the historic Kibiro salt gardens, and Bugoma Forest, one of Uganda’s last significant chimpanzee strongholds outside the main national parks. Hoima is also the traditional seat of the Bunyoro Kingdom. Offmap Safaris can build this destination into a private Uganda safari around the traveller’s interests and pace.

Things to do

Kibiro Salt Gardens, Boat Cruises, Chimpanzee Tracking, Bunyoro Kingdom Heritage.

Travel planning

Access, permits, accommodation and activity availability can vary. Confirm current arrangements before travel and follow applicable conservation, safety and community guidance.

Best for

This destination can be combined with other Uganda tourist sites to create a multi-stop safari.

Experience this place

What you can do here

Explore the experiences available around this destination and open each one for its own detailed guide.

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Boat Cruises01Boat Cruises5 Countries · 46 Sites · 17 Safaris02Bunyoro Kingdom Heritage1 Country · 2 Sites · 0 Safaris03Chimpanzee Tracking3 Countries · 13 Sites · 3 Safaris04Kibiro Salt Gardens1 Country · 1 Site · 0 Safaris

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Need to know?

Questions about Hoima

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What is the historical significance of Hoima?

Hoima is the traditional seat of the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, once one of the most powerful kingdoms in the African Great Lakes region, and home to the Karuziika royal palace of the Omukama.

Why is Hoima called Uganda's Oil City?

Substantial petroleum reserves of 2.5 to 3.5 billion barrels were discovered in the nearby Lake Albert basin between 2000 and 2009, bringing planned infrastructure like a national refinery and earning Hoima the nickname “Oil City.”

Can I visit the Bunyoro royal palace in Hoima?

Yes, the Karuziika palace in Hoima is the residence of the Omukama, the traditional king of the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, and remains an important cultural landmark to visit.

How long does it take to reach Hoima from Kampala?

Hoima is about 200 km northwest of Kampala, roughly four hours by road, making it a manageable stop on routes toward Lake Albert or Murchison Falls National Park.

Is Hoima a good stop on the way to Murchison Falls?

Yes, Hoima is a convenient stop on overland routes between Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park’s southern approaches, and also lies near Lake Albert.