The Uganda Equator
The Uganda Equator is one of the most iconic landmarks in the country, offering a unique experience that attracts visitors from around the globe.
What is the Equator?
The equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It represents the intersection of the Earth’s surface with the plane perpendicular to its axis of rotation and containing the Earth’s center of mass. While it might sound scientific, the equator is essentially the line that marks equal distance from the North and South Poles.
Experience the Equator
Standing at the Uganda Equator in Kayabwe, Mpigi District—just 72 kilometers from Kampala—you can literally place one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere! It’s an incredible experience to be straddling both sides of the world.
At the equator, the sun rises and sets quickly, resulting in nearly equal lengths of day and night throughout the year. The temperatures are consistently warm, and the tropical climate means it’s often hard to distinguish between seasons. Be sure to bring sunscreen, as the sun can be quite strong!
How to Find the Equator
You can easily spot the equator markers along the Kampala-Masaka road, and you’ll find a welcoming poster celebrating this landmark. Additionally, there are equator markers in Kasese District, within the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Water Drainage Phenomenon
One fascinating aspect of the equator is the way water drains in different directions in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. At the equator, water drains straight down, while in the Northern Hemisphere, it swirls clockwise, and in the Southern Hemisphere, it swirls counterclockwise. This phenomenon is known as the Coriolis effect.
Although the effect is subtle and may not be easily observed in small amounts of water, demonstrations at the equator often showcase this fascinating behavior, adding to the allure of the site.
Visit Us
For more information and to plan your visit to the Uganda Equator, check out our website: www.zgd-safaris.com.
