Page 47 - Jan-March 2025

EXPLORE UGANDA
EQUATOR
ganda’s iconic Equator monuments mark DID YOU KNOW:
Uthe imaginary line that divides the Earth into It’s no accident that mountain gorillas live in the
the northern and southern hemispheres. Equatorial rainforests of Uganda, Rwanda and the
There’s something rather quaint about their DRC.
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
residents stop there every time we pass (it’s nice watching how water flows in opposite directions
when poured into buckets on either side of the line!
to reminisce and recall the friends and family I’ve This is known as the Coriolis effect (and it will have
travelled with over the years). you scratching your head long after you have left
Standing at the Equator monument is more than the Equator!)
just a photo opportunity; it’s a chance to witness There are plenty of unusual ways to experience the
geography firsthand. It appeals to curious minds of Equator in Uganda!
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 pole. 2. Climb Margherita Peak in the Rwenzori
Earth is widest at its Equator, creating the Mountains and have a snowball fight on the
“equatorial bulge.” Sea levels are slightly higher in equator!
equatorial regions than they are near the north and
south poles. 3. One of Uganda’s best-known Equator spots is
in Queen Elizabeth National Park, on the main
DID YOU KNOW: road from Mbarara to Kasese. Construction
The equatorial bulge makes Earth’s gravitational works are underway to create a new monument,
pull slightly weaker at the Equator. This plus the parking area and facilities for tourists.
momentum of spinning Earth combine to make
equatorial regions ideal places for satellite or 4. Are you heading west to Lake Mburo, Lake
spacecraft launches, which require an enormous Mutanda, Bwindi or Mgahinga? Perhaps you
amount of energy. It takes less energy (rocket fuel) are driving to Rwanda. The equator monument
to launch in lower gravity. along the road to Masaka is a popular spot for
Twice a year, during the spring and autumn coffee, lunch craft shopping – and your Equator
photo!
equinoxes, the sun passes directly over the
Equator. Equatorial regions are often hot with 5. A quieter but just as iconic Equator landmark is
seasonal variation. As a result, many equatorial next to the road between Ibanda and Kamwenge
cultures recognize two seasons - wet and dry. in western Uganda.
The long, warm, rainy season creates tropical Text credit: Charlotte Beauvoisin (Diary of a
rainforests. Muzungu blog)

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