Am Fuß des Kilimandscharo (1995) Board Game

Am Fuß des Kilimandscharo, or At the Foot of Kilimanjaro, is a children’s board game designed by Reiner Knizia and published by Hans im Glück in in 1995. The game is set at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, where players take on the roles of adventurers racing to reach the summit first.

Game Components of Am Fuß des Kilimandscharo

Game board featuring the path to the foothills of Kilimanjaro

Movement cards of four types: Boat, Car, Mule, and Foot, each with values ranging from 1 to 7

Random event cards: Bananas (Double Movement), Lions (Back to last village), and Change Positions (Change Position with another Player)

Player tokens and counters

How To Setup Am Fuß des Kilimandscharo

To set up the game, each player starts at the Expedition-Base-Camp on the board. Each player receives three open cards and three hand cards. The random event cards are placed on designated spaces on the board. The objective is clear from the start: be the first to reach the camp at the foothills of Kilimanjaro.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players manage their movement cards to optimize their progress.

Take That: Players can influence each other’s positions through certain card actions.

Game Objective: The goal is to be the first player to reach the camp at the foothills of Kilimanjaro.

Movement: Players place a hand card on top of one of their open cards or an open card of another player, then move their expedition based on the highest card value. Multiple cards of the same color can be summed for greater movement.

Random Events: Players encounter events like Bananas, Lions, and Change Positions, which can either help or hinder their progress.

Player Experience

**Am Fuß des Kilimandscharo** offers a simple yet engaging gameplay experience, particularly suited for children and families. The game’s design is colorful and appealing, and the short playtime ensures that games are quick and enjoyable. The use of movement cards and random events adds a layer of strategy and unpredictability.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to younger players.

Short Playtime: Games are quick, lasting about 45 minutes.

Colorful Design: The game has a visually appealing setup.

Strategic Depth: Despite simplicity, there is room for strategic thinking.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May not appeal to players seeking more complex games.

Luck Factor: Random events can significantly impact gameplay, which might not be to every player’s taste.

Aging Game: Released in 1995, it may be harder to find copies in good condition.

Personal Thoughts on Am Fuß des Kilimandscharo

**Am Fuß des Kilimandscharo** is ideal for families and younger players looking for a fun, straightforward racing game. It teaches basic strategy and hand management while keeping the game light and enjoyable. For those seeking a more complex gaming experience, this might not be the best fit, but it remains a charming and entertaining option for its intended audience.

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