The Uganda equator at Kayabwe
Kayabwe is a roadside stop on the Kampala to Masaka road, about 72 km south of Kampala. Two concrete rings mark the equator there. It is a well-known place to stand on the line in Uganda, and many drivers use it as a break on the way to Lake Mburo.
The park itself lies south of the equator. No equator line runs through it, so Kayabwe is a separate stop, not a park sight. If you plan a full trip, see our Lake Mburo tours from Kampala and then decide where to break the drive.
What to expect at Kayabwe
A short, easy stop. Plan 30 to 60 minutes.
The rings
The white ring monument stands by the road with a garden, and small shops line the roadside nearby. Visitors usually pose for photos at the marking.
The shops
Shops line the roadside near the monument. What they sell and when they open varies, so do not plan the stop around a particular hour.
Entry and parking
Ask on the spot whether there is a charge for the monument, the water demonstration or parking. Do not assume any of them is free or fixed.
Traffic
This is a main road, so traffic can be heavy. Pull in carefully and watch for vehicles when you cross to the monument.
Our pick: a day trip with an equator stop
This day trip from Entebbe includes a photo stop at the equator and a game drive in the park.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Lake Mburo tours and day trips from Kampala
Safaris and transfers that include the drive past Kayabwe, with live prices and availability.
The water demonstration, explained
At the monument someone usually pours water through a small basin on each side of the line. The water is said to swirl one way in the north, the other way in the south and straight down on the line. It is a fun show, and it is worth watching.
It is not a proof of the Earth's rotation, though. In a small basin, the way the water drains depends mainly on how it was poured and on the shape of the basin. The rotation of the Earth is far too weak at that scale to decide the direction. The effect is real for large systems such as weather patterns, not for a bucket.
So enjoy the demonstration for what it is: a piece of roadside entertainment. Treat the claims that you weigh less or feel different on the line the same way.
Kayabwe equator on the way to Lake Mburo
How the stop fits a journey.
| If you | Do this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Drive from Kampala to the park in one day | Stop at Kayabwe for under an hour | The drive is long, and the stop breaks it without much delay |
| Take a transfer with a driver | Ask the driver to stop at Kayabwe | Drivers know the place and can park for you |
| Do a round-trip day from Kampala | Skip the stop on one leg | The return trip alone is about 7 hours of driving |
| Travel to Masaka first | Stop at Kayabwe on the way | Kayabwe is before Masaka on the road |
For most travellers one stop at Kayabwe, on the way south, is enough. After the equator the road continues to Masaka; read the Masaka stopover guide for the next break.
Practical tips for the equator stop
Make the break easy.
Bring small cash
Carry small notes in Ugandan shillings for any charge, a drink or a purchase at the roadside shops.
Mind sun and water
The stop is outdoors by the road. Bring water and a hat, and keep the time short on a hot day.
Combine with Masaka
Kayabwe works well with a longer break in the next town. See the Masaka page for food, fuel and cash.
Check the season
Rain can slow the road south. For the months to avoid or choose, see Mbarara weather and the best time to visit Lake Mburo.
Plan the rest of your trip
More on the road to the park.
Uganda equator: frequently asked questions
Where is the equator in Uganda?
The main marking is at Kayabwe on the Kampala to Masaka road, about 72 km south of Kampala. Two concrete rings stand there.
Does the equator cross Lake Mburo National Park?
No. The park is south of the equator. Kayabwe is a separate stop on the road.
Does water really swirl differently on each side?
Not for the reason shown. In a small basin the direction depends on how the water was poured and on the basin shape. The Earth's rotation does not decide it at that size.
How much time should I plan at Kayabwe?
Thirty to sixty minutes is enough for photos, a look at the shops and the demonstration.
Is there a charge at Kayabwe?
Ask on the spot whether there is a charge for the monument, the water demonstration or parking. Do not assume any of them is free or fixed.