The Equator line crosses into Uganda at Kayabwe in Mpigi district, 72 kilometers from Uganda’s capital Kampala. The equator is perpendicular to the earth’s axis of rotation and it also contains the earth’s center of mass also seen on maps marking the equidistant from the North and south Pole. In otherwards, it is the major latitude that divides the world into two equal hemispheres, that is, northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere. It is also the most recognized landmark on the map of Uganda making the country one of the 13 countries in the world with the imaginary line that divides the earth into two half passes. Other countries crossed by the imaginary line include; Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Somalia, Maldives, Kiribati, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Gabon, and Sao Tome and Principe. Otherwise, a stopover at the equator can be combined with your safari to Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park or Bwindi National Park.

Equator experiences

The weight loss

When you stand at the equator, you become lighter losing 3% of your weight. However, once you leave the equator, you definitely gain back your original weight. According to the scientists, it is alleged that the weight loss occurs due to the central frigid air from the northern and the southern hemisphere since it spins faster at the global access hence leading to loss of weight.  

The Equinox

This is the moment at which the sun crosses the celestial equator, when day and night are of approximately equal length and this happens twice a year. In the Northern hemisphere, this moment is known as the Vernal equinox and it normally happens on 21^st of March. On the other hand, in the southern hemisphere, this occurs on 22^nd of September annually and it is commonly known as autumnal equinox. If you happen to visit the Equator on any of the above two dates at midday surprisingly you will not be able to see your shadow. This is simply because the sun is overhead the equator whereby the solar declination is also at zero. 

The water experiments

During this activity, you will have a great opportunity to enjoy the Coriolis effect which forces water to be flowing in different directions between the two hemispheres. At this iconic place, you will of course witness this with the help of the on-site guide. In fact, during the water experiment, you will notice that in the northern hemisphere the water spins clockwise while in the southern hemisphere the water spins anticlockwise. However, water does not rotate while at the imaginary line of zero degrees.         

Stand at both sides of the world

While at the Equator, you are also able to stand with one of your feet in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere. It is such an amazing experience to stand at both sides of the world. Therefore, don’t forget to take photos and videos while standing on both sides of the world any time.

Sunset and Sunrise

The sun rises and falls rather so fast at the equator, with equal days and nights’ length. In addition, the people around the equator experience only warm temperatures and tropical climate throughout the year and therefore it is not that easy to tell the difference between seasons.

How to get at the Equator

While you begin your journey from Kampala city, you will drive for approximately 1hr 30mins at a distance of 72 kilometers to Kayabwe in Mpigi District along Kampala Masaka Road.

Other places in Uganda crossed by the Equator

Apart from Kayabwe you can experience at Equator at; Lwaji Isand which takes approximately 25 minutes to get there via Lake Victoria. You can also experience it at Entebbe’s Aero Beach and Queen Elizabeth National Park at Kikorongo in Kasese district.