Visiting the Uganda Equator
Standing at the center of the world is a rare feeling. Most travelers think there is only one place to see the equator in Uganda. This is not true. Uganda has three main spots where you can cross this imaginary line. The most famous one is in Kayabwe. Another sits in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The third one hides on a small island in Lake Victoria. This page gives you the facts about all three locations. You will learn how to get there and what it costs. We will also talk about the best time to visit and the truth about the water experiment. I have spent years leading trips across these roads. I want to share what I have seen with my own eyes.
Recent data from the Ministry of Tourism shows that more people are visiting Uganda than ever before. In 2024, international arrivals grew by over seven percent. Many of these visitors make a stop at the equator. It is more than just a photo stop. It is a geography lesson and a chance to support local shops. You can stand with one foot in the northern half of the world and the other in the southern half. The air feels different here. The sun behaves differently, too. This guide will help you plan your visit so you do not miss any details.
Finding the Uganda Equator in Kayabwe
The Kayabwe equator site is the one you see in most photos. It sits on the main road between Kampala and Masaka. If you are driving to see gorillas or the big cats, you will pass this spot. It is about 72 kilometers away from the capital city. The drive usually takes about one and a half hours. Traffic in Kampala can be heavy in the morning. I suggest leaving by 7 am to avoid the worst of the jams. The road is paved and in good condition. You will see green swamps and local markets along the way.
As you get close to Kayabwe, you will see large white circles on both sides of the road. These markers show exactly where the 0-degree latitude line sits. There are several craft shops and small cafes around the circles. You do not have to pay a fee just to look at the markers or take photos. Many people spend about thirty minutes here. You can stand inside the circles and pose for the camera. It is a great place to stretch your legs after a long drive. The local people are friendly and used to visitors from all over the world.
The Road to Kayabwe
The journey to the equator starts on the busy streets of Kampala. You head south toward the town of Masaka. You will pass through a town called Maya and then enter the Mpigi District. The scenery changes from city buildings to lush hills and forests. You might see people selling roasted bananas or meat on sticks by the roadside. This is a common sight in Uganda. The road is safe, but it has many curves. Drivers should be careful when passing trucks.
When you arrive in Kayabwe, you will notice the town is small but busy. Most people stop here because of the equator. There are two main sides to the site. One side has more shops and a large parking area. The other side is a bit quieter. You can cross the road on foot, but watch out for passing cars. The traffic moves fast on this highway. Some signs tell you to slow down, but many drivers ignore them. I always tell my guests to stay close to the markers and away from the edge of the road.
What to See at the Kayabwe Marker
The white circles are the main draw. They are tall and have the word Equator painted on them. You can walk through the middle of the circle. This is where the line passes through the ground. People love to take a photo where they balance on a line. It is a simple joy to be in two hemispheres at once.
You can also see the signs that show where North and South start.
Besides the circles, there are many craft shops. They sell handmade baskets, wooden carvings, and colorful clothes. Some of these shops help local children or women in the area. Buying a small gift here makes a big difference for the local families. You can also visit the Aid Child Café. They serve good coffee and snacks. The money they earn goes to help children living with HIV. It is a nice way to give back while you enjoy your trip. The food is fresh, and the service is quick.
The Equator in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The second equator point is in the western part of the country. It sits inside Queen Elizabeth National Park. This location is very different from Kayabwe. There are no gift shops or cafes here. Instead, you are surrounded by wild plains and distant mountains. The marker is located in a place called
Kikorongo. It is near the intersection of the Kasese and Mbarara roads. This spot is about 420 kilometers away from Kampala.
The markers here are also large metal circles. They stand on the side of the road with the Rwenzori Mountains in the background. If the sky is clear, the view is amazing. These mountains are often called the Mountains of the Moon. They stay white with snow even though they are near the equator. Seeing snow and the equator in one view is something you will never forget. Most travelers stop here while they are looking for lions or elephants in the park.
Reaching the Kikorongo Point
To get to this marker, you will likely be on a safari. You will drive through the park gates and see savanna grass on both sides. You might even see a buffalo or a hog near the road. The Kikorongo point is easy to find because the circles are bright and tall. There is a small area to pull your car off the road safely. You do not need a park permit to see this marker because it is on a public highway.
The weather here is usually hotter than in Kayabwe. The sun feels stronger because the land is open and flat. You should wear a hat and use sun cream if you plan to stand outside for a long. Many people spend ten minutes here for a quick photo. It is a quiet spot where you can hear the birds and the wind. It feels more like the real Africa than the busy town of Kayabwe.
New and Old Monuments in Kasese
A few years ago, the old equator markers in Kasese were removed. This was done to make the road wider and better. For a while, there was no marker at all. Now, new circles have been put in place. 
They are stronger and look more modern. Some people miss the old ones, but the new markers are still a great place for photos.
I have noticed that the new site is kept very clean. There is no trash on the ground. It shows that the government cares about these tourism sites. Statistics from the Uganda Wildlife Authority show that this park is one of the most visited in the country. Having a well-kept equator marker helps keep the park popular. It gives people a reason to stop and enjoy the landscape before they continue their drive.
The Secret Equator on Lake Victoria
Most people do not know about the third equator point. It is located on Lwaji Island in Lake Victoria. To see this one, you must take a boat from Entebbe. The trip across the water takes about one hour. It is a peaceful journey on the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. You will see fishermen in small wooden boats and many types of birds.
Lwaji Island is small and rocky. The equator passes right through it. There is a stone marker on the island to show the spot. This is a great trip for people who love nature and quiet places. You can book a boat from the Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe. The cost of the boat depends on how many people are in your group. It is a unique experience that most tourists miss.
Lwaji Island Boat Trips
A boat trip to the island is a great way to spend an afternoon. I recommend going around 4 pm. This way, you can see the equator and then watch the sun set over the lake. The water is usually calm in the late afternoon. You will see birds like kingfishers and pelicans along the way. Some boats are covered to protect you from the sun.
When you reach the island, the captain will point out the marker. You can get out of the boat and walk around if the water level is not too high. It is a very raw and natural place. There are no shops or crowds here. You can feel the breeze and listen to the waves. It is a good choice for travelers who want to avoid the busy spots in Kayabwe.
The Water Experiment Science and Show
The most famous activity at the equator is the water experiment. You will see a man with a funnel, a bowl of water, and some flowers. He will show you how water drains in three different spots. First, he stands in the North. He says the water spins clockwise. Then he moves to the South. He says the water spins the other way. Finally, he stands right on the line. He shows the water going straight down without any spin
Many people believe this is caused by the Coriolis effect. This is a real scientific force caused by the Earth spinning. It affects things like big storms and ocean currents. However, on a small scale, like a bowl of water, the force is very weak. The way the water spins in a bowl is usually decided by how the water was poured. It can also be affected by the shape of the bowl or the way the plug is pulled.
Does the Water Swirl Differently?
The man experimenting is very skilled. He has done this thousands of times. He knows exactly how to pour the water to make it spin the way he wants. If you look closely, you will see he pours the water into the side of the bowl in the North and the South. This gives the water a little push. On the line, he pours it very carefully into the center
Even though it is more of a show than pure science, it is still fun to watch. It helps you understand the idea of the Earth having two halves. The men who do the show are often very funny. They tell jokes and make the lesson interesting for kids and adults. It is worth a small tip if you enjoy the performance. Just remember that what you see is a clever demonstration
Separating Fact from Fiction
It is important to be honest about the experiment. Some guides will tell you it is 100 percent natural magic. I prefer to tell my guests the truth. The Coriolis effect is real, but it does not work that fast in a small sink. Knowing this does not make it less fun. It actually makes it more interesting to see how the show is put together.
Trust is very important in travel. I want my guests to know they are getting the real facts. Standing on the equator is a real geographic event. You are truly at 0 degrees latitude. Your GPS will show it. You might even weigh about three percent less here because gravity is a tiny bit weaker. These are the real facts that make the equator special.
Costs and Practical Planning
A visit to the equator can be very cheap or a bit expensive. It depends on what you want to do. Standing at the markers and taking photos is free. You do not need a ticket for this. If you want to see the water experiment, it usually costs about 10,000 to 20,000 Uganda Shillings. This is about three to five US dollars. It is a fair price for the time the demonstrator spends with you.
If you want a certificate to prove you were there, you can buy one at the shops. These certificates cost about 20,000 Shillings. They are printed with your name and the date. Many people like to frame them and put them on their walls at home. It is a nice souvenir of your time in Uganda. Make sure to check that your name is spelled correctly before they print it
Eating and Shopping in Kayabwe
Kayabwe has many places to eat. The Aid Child Café is the most popular for Western travelers. They serve clean food and have good toilets. You can get a burger, a sandwich, or local tea. The prices are a
bit higher than in other small towns, but the quality is high. There are also smaller local spots where you can try Rolex. This is a popular Ugandan snack made of fried eggs rolled in a chapati.
Shopping is another big activity. The craft shops have a wide range of items. You can find everything from small keychains to large paintings. I always suggest looking at several shops before you buy. The prices can vary. It is okay to bargain a little bit, but remember that this is how the local people make their living. Be fair and respectful when you talk about prices
Why You Should Stop Here
Stopping at the equator is a classic part of any Uganda safari. It breaks up the long drive and gives you a chance to learn something new. Whether you visit the busy site in Kayabwe or the quiet island on Lake Victoria, you are participating in a global tradition. You are marking a point in your journey where you cross from one world into another.
I believe every traveler should see the equator at least once. It reminds us that we live on a spinning planet. It shows us how nature and science work together. Plus, it is a fun place to meet other travelers from different countries. You might start a conversation with someone while waiting for your photo. These small moments are often the ones you remember most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the water experiment at the Uganda Equator real?
The experiment shows the idea of the Coriolis effect. However, the spin you see in the bowl is usually created by the person pouring the water. In a small basin, natural forces are too weak to cause a fast spin. It is a fun and educational demonstration, but not a natural miracle.
How much does it cost to visit the Kayabwe Equator?
There is no entry fee to see the equator markers or take photos. You only pay for extras like the water experiment, which costs about 5 dollars. You can also buy a certificate for about 5 to 6 dollars. Food and crafts have their own prices.
Which is the best equator marker to visit in Uganda?
Kayabwe is the best for photos, shopping, and food. It is easy to reach from Kampala. The Kasese marker is best for nature lovers who want a quiet spot with mountain views. Lwaji Island is best for those who want a unique boat trip.
Can I see the equator and go on a safari in one day?
Yes, you can visit the Kayabwe equator as a stop on your way to Lake Mburo National Park. This park is only two hours further down the road. You can see the equator in the morning and be on a game drive by the afternoon.
What should I wear when visiting the equator?
Wear light and comfortable clothes. The sun is very strong at the equator, so a hat and sunglasses are helpful. If you are visiting during the wet season, bring a light rain jacket or an umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes are also a good idea.
Where can I get an equator certificate in Uganda?
You can get a certificate at the gift shops in Kayabwe. They are located right next to the white circles. You tell them your name, and they prepare a printed certificate for you. It usually takes about five to ten minutes to finish
Is it safe to stop at the equator markers?
Yes, it is very safe. The areas around the markers are built for tourists. There are many people around, and the shop owners are helpful. Just be careful when crossing the road in Kayabwe, as cars move very fast on the highway.
How far is the equator from Entebbe Airport?
The drive from Entebbe to the Kayabwe equator takes about two to two and a half hours. You have to drive through the edge of Kampala or use the new express road. It is a common first stop for people starting their safari after landing.
If you would like to experience the center of the world firsthand, please send us an enquiry to book your Uganda Equator day trip or full safari package today.
