Page 40 - July-Sept 2024 Edition

EXPLORE UGANDA EXPLORE UGANDA
TRAVELEQUATOR
ganda’s iconic Equator monuments mark Humid weather means that equatorial regions are
Uthe imaginary line that divides the Earth into not the hottest in the world, even though they are
the northern and southern hemispheres. among the closest to the sun.
There’s something rather quaint about their DID YOU KNOW:
appearance, but view them while they can since Equatorial climates are rich in biodiversity.
plans are afoot to replace the old monuments and Uganda’s savanna is the natural habitat of lions,
create new ones at more locations across the elephants and cheetahs.
country. The sun rises and sets fastest on the Equator
Who doesn’t want a picture with one foot in the and the transition from day to night takes just a few
northern hemisphere and the other in the southern minutes.
hemisphere? It’s always fun - and a great way to DID YOU KNOW:
break up a long journey - to pose as you straddle One of the peculiarities of being at the Equator is
the dividing line between two halves of the world. watching how water flows in opposite directions
Our Equator photos are always cherished when poured into buckets on either side of the line!
This is known as the Coriolis effect (and it will have
memories of a Ugandan adventure. For you scratching your head long after you have left
international visitors, it’s a must-stop activity. Many the Equator!)
residents stop there every time we pass (it’s nice There are plenty of unusual ways to experience the
to reminisce and recall the friends and family I’ve Equator in Uganda!
travelled with over the years).
Standing at the Equator monument is more than 1. Cross the equator by boat when you take a boat
from Entebbe to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee
just a photo opportunity; it’s a chance to witness Sanctuary.
geography firsthand. It appeals to curious minds of
all ages. 2. Climb Margherita Peak in the Rwenzori
Mountains and have a snowball fight on the
FACTS ABOUT THE EQUATOR equator!
The equator is at 0 degrees latitude, exactly
halfway between the north pole and the south pole. 3. One of Uganda’s best-known Equator spots is
Earth is widest at its Equator, creating the in Queen Elizabeth National Park, on the main
road from Mbarara to Kasese. Construction
“equatorial bulge.” Sea levels are slightly higher in works are underway to create a new monument,
equatorial regions than they are near the north and parking area and facilities for tourists.
south poles.
DID YOU KNOW: 4. Are you heading west to Lake Mburo, Lake
Mutanda, Bwindi or Mgahinga? Perhaps you
The equatorial bulge makes Earth’s gravitational are driving to Rwanda. The equator monument
pull slightly weaker at the Equator. This plus the along the road to Masaka is a popular spot for
momentum of spinning Earth combine to make coffee, lunch craft shopping – and your Equator
equatorial regions ideal places for satellite or photo!
spacecraft launches, which require an enormous
amount of energy. It takes less energy (rocket fuel) 5. A quieter but just as iconic Equator landmark is
to launch in lower gravity. next to the road between Ibanda and Kamwenge
Twice a year, during the spring and autumn in western Uganda.
equinoxes, the sun passes directly over the Text credit: Charlotte Beauvoisin (Diary of a
Equator. Equatorial regions are often hot with little Muzungu blog)
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.

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