Page 43 - April-June 2024 Edition

EXPLORE - EQUATOR
Uganda’s iconic Equator monuments mark the DID YOU KNOW:
imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Equatorial climates are rich in biodiversity.
northern and southern hemispheres. Uganda’s savanna is the natural habitat of
lions, elephants and cheetahs.
There’s something rather quaint about their The sun rises and sets fastest on the Equator
appearance, but view them while they can since and the transition from day to night takes just a
plans are afoot to replace the old monuments few minutes.
and create new ones at more locations across
the country. DID YOU KNOW:
One of the peculiarities of being at the Equator
Who doesn’t want a picture with one foot in the is watching how water flows in opposite direc-
northern hemisphere and the other in the tions when poured into buckets on either side
southern hemisphere? It’s always fun - and a of the line! This is known as the Coriolis effect
great way to break up a long journey - to pose (and it will have you scratching your head long
as you straddle the dividing line between two after you have left the Equator!)
halves of the world.
There are plenty of unusual ways to experience
Our Equator photos are always cherished mem- the Equator in Uganda!
ories of a Ugandan adventure. For international
visitors, it’s a must-stop activity. Many residents 1. Cross the equator by boat when you take a
stop there every time we pass (it’s nice to boat from Entebbe to Ngamba Island Chimpan-
reminisce and recall the friends and family I’ve zee Sanctuary.
travelled with over the years).
2. Climb Margherita Peak in the Rwenzori
Standing at the Equator monument is more than Mountains and have a snowball fight on the
just a photo opportunity; it’s a chance to witness equator!
geography firsthand. It appeals to curious minds
of all ages. 3. One of Uganda’s best-known Equator spots
is in Queen Elizabeth National Park, on the
FACTS ABOUT THE EQUATOR main road from Mbarara to Kasese. Construc-
The equator is at 0 degrees latitude, exactly tion works are underway to create a new monu-
halfway between the north pole and the south ment, parking area and facilities for tourists.
pole.
Earth is widest at its Equator, creating the 4. Are you heading west to Lake Mburo, Lake
“equatorial bulge.” Sea levels are slightly high- Mutanda, Bwindi or Mgahinga? Perhaps you
er in equatorial regions than they are near the are driving to Rwanda. The equator
north and south poles. monument along the road to Masaka is a pop-
ular spot for coffee, lunch craft shopping – and
DID YOU KNOW: your Equator photo!
The equatorial bulge makes Earth’s gravita-
tional pull slightly weaker at the Equator. This 5. A quieter but just as iconic Equator landmark
plus the momentum of spinning Earth combine is next to the road between Ibanda and Kam-
to make equatorial regions ideal places for wenge in western Uganda.
satellite or spacecraft launches, which require
an enormous amount of energy. It takes less By Charlotte Beauvoisin
energy (rocket fuel) to launch in lower gravity. Diary of a Muzungu blog
Twice a year, during the spring and autumn
equinoxes, the sun passes directly over the
Equator. Equatorial regions are often hot with
little seasonal variation. As a result, many
equatorial cultures recognize two seasons -
wet and dry. The long, warm, rainy season
creates tropical rainforests.
DID YOU KNOW:
It’s no accident that mountain gorillas live in the
Equatorial rainforests of Uganda, Rwanda and
the DRC.
Humid weather means that equatorial regions
are not the hottest in the world, even though
they are among the closest to the sun. Uganda Equator Entebbe Island
Photo by: Ssebuuma Iyan Photography

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