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Equator Monument Kayabwe

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Historical site
—°3
Equator Monument Kayabwe (Uganda)

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The Equator Monument in Kayabwe is one of Uganda's most iconic landmarks, marking the exact crossing of the 0-degree latitude line. Two large circular structures on either side of the main road serve as visual markers, allowing visitors to stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. Local guides often perform the "coriolis effect" water experiment to demonstrate the different directions of water rotation across the line, providing an engaging educational experience. The site has grown into a bustling tourist hub, featuring various restaurants and souvenir shops that showcase traditional Ugandan crafts, textiles, and coffee. Situated on the primary highway connecting Kampala to the famous national parks of the southwest, it remains an essential photo stop and a unique geographical point of interest that provides a tangible connection to the Earth's planetary structure.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232323222121212222222122
Rain mm7178145173158494782111143154109

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Equator Monument in Kayabwe is a free-standing historical marker along the road, freely accessible at any time. Visitors can stand on the line between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and take photos. There is no entry fee, but donations are welcome.
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Typical hours
The monument is accessible 24/7 as it is outdoors on a main road. Visitors should come during daylight for best visibility and safety. No lighting is provided, so a nighttime visit is not advised.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time as it is a public monument. The line on the ground and the surrounding landscape offer interesting photo subjects. Be aware of traffic as the monument is right by the road.
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Time needed
A visit takes only about 10 to 15 minutes to see the line and take a photo. Plan a brief stop on the journey between Kampala and southwestern Uganda.
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Combine with
The monument is on the main road to Mbarara, good for combining with a visit to Mburo National Park or the town of Masaka. The Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria are also not far.
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Getting there
The monument is right on the Trans-African Highway, about 70 kilometers south of Kampala. It is accessible by car or bus; a private driver or taxi from Kampala is most convenient.
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Insider tip
Stop at one of the nearby stalls to buy a handmade wooden ruler marked 'Equator' as a souvenir. Don't forget to shoot a video of you jumping from one hemisphere to the other.

Geography

Coordinates
-0.00550, 32.03050

Facts

  • Erected in 1931
  • Height 3 meters
  • Diameter 5 meters
  • 70 km south of Kampala
  • Latitude 0 degrees
  • 100,000 annual visitors

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Katonga BridgeKatonga Bridge14 km · SExplore →
LukayaLukaya23 km · SWExplore →
Bukakata PortBukakata Port28 km · WExplore →
KalangalaKalangala36 km · NWExplore →
MityanaMityana38 km · EExplore →
MpigiMpigi40 km · NEExplore →
Ssese IslandsSsese Islands41 km · NWExplore →
Vanilla FarmsVanilla Farms43 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Equator Monument Kayabwe (3)

Uganda Equator📍 landmark

A large circular monument stands on the highway at Kayabwe, marking the exact geographical line where the northern and southern hemispheres meet.

Buwama brick making point🌿 nature

This viewpoint in Buwama provides a glimpse into the region's traditional brick-making processes.

Buwama Crocodile Farm turning🎡 recreation

This turning leads to the Buwama Crocodile Farm, a facility near Kayabwe dedicated to rearing these large reptiles.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the Equator monument?
It is located directly on the main road from Kampala to Masaka in Kayabwe.
Do I have to pay for entry?
No, the monument is freely accessible to the public.
What can I do there besides taking photos?
There are restaurants, souvenir shops, and gravity experiments.
Is it worth a longer stop?
A stop of 30-45 minutes is usually good for photos and a break.
Is the place safe for tourists?
Yes, it is a very busy tourist spot.
Equator Monument Kayabwe: where is it located?
Equator Monument Kayabwe is located in Uganda.
Equator Monument Kayabwe: what is there to see?
Highlights include Uganda Equator, Buwama brick making point, Buwama Crocodile Farm turning.
Equator Monument Kayabwe: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Equator Monument Kayabwe: why is it worth visiting?
The Equator Monument in Kayabwe is one of Uganda's most iconic landmarks, marking the exact crossing of the 0-degree latitude line.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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