Page 42 - April-June 2025

EXPLORE UGANDA
EQUATOR

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

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