Makoua
A northern Congolese town on the equator, with a monument marking the line.
Updated 3 September 2026
Makoua sits almost exactly on the equator in northern Congo, and a monument beside the road marks the line, which makes it one of a small number of places where the crossing is signposted at all. The town is a stop on the road north towards Ouesso through forest and savanna, with a market and a river. Standing with one foot in each hemisphere is the reason most people stop.
The landscape
- The equator monument - the marker beside the road on the line.
- The crossing - the point where the road passes from one hemisphere to the other.
- The town - the market and settlement around the stop.
- The forest road - the route north towards Ouesso through forest and savanna.
When to go
June to September is the drier season. Rain falls in most months this close to the equator. The road is difficult after heavy rain.
Good to know
There is a monument and very little else; twenty minutes covers it. Facilities in the town are basic. The road north is long and rough in stretches.
Nearby
Owando is south, and Ouesso is north.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q1667693, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Makoua
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- Daypack with rain cover - 20-30 litres holds water, snacks, layers and a first-aid kit. Find on Amazon
- Offline maps + a power bank - Download the trail before you lose signal; carry backup charge. Find on Amazon
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