Uganda Equator Monument
The Uganda Equator is one of Uganda’s iconic landmarks and attractions that most visitors to Uganda stop by while on their safari. Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where the Equator line passes through. This makes Uganda one of the best places in the world to see the Equator and spend time learning more on the Equator line and the various areas it crosses through.
The Equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere. This imaginary line is located at 0 degrees latitude halfway between the North and South poles. The Uganda Equator is therefore an iconic land mark that is worth a stop while visiting Uganda.
What to expect when you visit the Uganda Equator Monument
One might wonder or ask, what exactly should I expect when I visit the Uganda Equator? Well for starters, you can expect to spend time at the Uganda Equator line and have an opportunity to stand both in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. You can also expect to have wonderful photography moments while at the monument, you have an opportunity to take as many photos as you like.
The Equator Monument in Uganda
You can also expect to try out the water experiment which is an interesting yet controversial experience that showcases the Coriolis Effect. The effect demonstrates that on the Northern Hemisphere the water drains clockwise while on the Southern Hemisphere the waters drains counter clockwise. As you participate in the experiment your site guide will show that at the Equator line, the water drains directly down showing the lack of a swirling effect. This experiment has sparked a lot of controversy and questioning of its accuracy from scientists and tourists across the world.
A guide at the Equator demonstrating to clients the water experiment
If you are someone that likes to pick up souvenirs or gifts, then a stop at the Uganda Equator can be a great opportunity to walk through the craft shops at the Equator and maybe purchase some items. The colorful craft shops sell a number of items that include safari hats, handmade baskets, beaded jewelry, décor items that are locally made, locally carved sculptures and “Kitenge” clothes among others.
A craft shop at the Equator
The Uganda Equator Monument is also a great stop over for lunch or photos while heading to national parks like Bwindi National Park for gorilla trekking and Lake Mburo National Park for a wildlife safari. The stopover at the Equator is a great way to break down the journey as you head out to the national parks. There are a number of restaurants where you can have lunch and also grab a coffee before continuing with your journey.
Uganda Equator Location
The Equator in Uganda is located in various districts and locations across the country so the route that you use while traveling will determine which Equator monument you will visit.
The most popular Uganda Equator monument is the one located in Kayabwe, a town centre situated just before Masaka town along the Kampala – Masaka highway. This monument is popular for visitors on a Uganda safari as it is along the way to national parks situated in the western and south-western region of Uganda.
There is also another Uganda Equator monument located at Kikorongo in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This monument was recently renovated by the tourism bodies in Uganda and has quickly gained popularity as well. The new Equator monument in Queen Elizabeth National Park is larger in size and more modern and is attracting visitors on safari and visitors driving through the park who stop by, take photos and then continue with their journeys. For visitors spending a night in the park, you can stop over the Equator monument on day of arrival or the next day after your introductory game drive.
The other Uganda Equator monument is located in Kitagwenda district along the Mbarara – Kamwenge road. This monument is less visited, so usually visitors who stop by will probably be leaving Lake Mburo National Park to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking. The stop over happens along the way as Kitagwenda district is situated along the Mbarara – Kamwenge road.
Stop over at the Equator Monument in Kitagwenda district
Best time to visit the Uganda Equator Monument
The Uganda Equator monument can be visited throughout the year (January – December) however for visitors who are interested in combining a game viewing safari with a visit to the Equator monument, its best to visit during the dry months as they offer the best game viewing. The dry months are June, July, August, December, and January. February and September is also a good time to visit.
Where else in the world can I see the Equator?
The Equator crosses a total of 13 countries in the world. Apart from Uganda, other countries that lie on the Equator include Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Maldives, Kiribati, Brazil, Sao Tome and Principe, Ecuador, Gabon, Kenya, Colombia, Indonesia and Republic of the Congo.
