On your way to or from Lake Mburo National Park, you will come across the interesting Equator Monument. This monument marks an imaginary line that divides the Earth into two halves.
Uganda is one of the countries where this line passes, and in Kayabwe, 75 km south of Kampala along the Kampala-Masaka road, you can visit this famous spot.
There are other equator markers in Kasese district, 420 km southwest of Kampala, but the experience at Kayabwe is the most popular.
It attracts many visitors from all over the world. Since Uganda has strict security at the airport, it is important to carry all your travel documents and follow the country’s rules to avoid any problems like deportation.
The monument marks the line that is equally distant from the North and South poles. Many visitors traveling to Masaka or Kampala stop here to take photos and keep memories of this unique place.
To make the visit more fun, staff nearby show you how to place a magnetic needle that seems to balance on a perfectly flat surface.
You can also stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere. This gives a special feeling of standing in two parts of the world at the same time.
At the equator, it can be hard to tell the seasons apart because the sun rises and sets quickly. The area has a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year.
Visitors enjoy watching local people demonstrate how water spins in different directions depending on the hemisphere. This small show follows the natural laws of the Earth and is quite fascinating.
You should not miss listening to the local stories about the equator. Nearby craft stalls sell souvenirs, so you can buy gifts for family and friends.
There are also shirts with the words “I crossed the Uganda Equator” printed in bright colors to show you visited this special place.
Close to the monument, you can visit the Gallery Antique and the Aid Child Gallery, where you can see and enjoy local art.
The lively Equator Monument in Kayabwe is a place you should not miss when on your Uganda safari.
