Been in two places at the same time? Sounds like a scene from a movie or an over imaginative mind. This is the case at the places in Uganda where the equator crosses separating the Northern from the Southern Hemisphere, the middle of the world. This is found at few locations all over the world and in Uganda, these include; Kasese and Kampala-Masaka road at Kayabwe in Mpigi district.
About Uganda
A landlocked country of 42 million people in the East of Africa gifted by nature with over 1000 species of birds, exotic ones inclusive, fauna and flora found in the 10 National parks distributed all over the country. Special things other than the equator to look out for include; the source of the River Nile, mountain gorillas and Lake Victoria to mention a few.
The beauty of the Equator
The equator has a specific type of tropical weather that comes with it thus having the warmer weather and rains throughout the year making it favourable for touring, treks and sight-seeing as it is not easy to tell seasons apart. This is because with this weather, there are exotic plant species, shrubs and forests sought after by tourists whose growth is supported.
At the equator there is equal length of both days and nights thus a reliable predictability suitable for touring as there is an impression that this gives more time to enjoy the day’s activities
At the various spots where the imaginary line crosses, colourful hand-made crafts unique to Uganda are sold thus offering decoration options for houses for locals and memorabilia for visitors. These usually include; drums, clothes, cow hide sandals, statues depicting Uganda’s way of life, mats, African print kitchen accessories and jewellery to mention a few.
Are you a weight watcher? This is a good opportunity for you to be lighter as it is said that one is 3% or 4% lighter while at the equator!
Activities at the Equator
• Purchase of unique hand-made memorabilia
• Making of memories by taking pictures while at the Equator
• The experience of being both at the Northern and Southern Hemisphere at the same time
• Taking a break especially on the Kampala-Masaka road. Here one can make a stopover to drink, eat and stretch their legs
• See lions and other wildlife at the Queen Elizabeth National park
• An experiment of whether water flows clockwise, anti-clockwise or straight a drain at the equator on the Kampala- Masaka route.
