Kalimambo (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kalimambo is a board game designed by Tobias Schweiger and released in in 2011. It is a game that involves animal exploration and is suitable for players aged 8 and above. The game was published by 999 Games and Zoch Verlag and falls under the categories of animals and exploration.

Game Components of Kalimambo

Game Board: A track around the edge with artistic images of animals.

Cards: 12 black cards for Kali, numbered 0 to 11, and 8 sets of 12 colored cards for the players.

Pawns: 7 wooden pawns for the players, 1 rhino pawn for Mambo, and 1 Kali pawn.

Dung Heaps: 6 tokens representing elephant dung.

Score Pad: For tracking points.

Instructions: Original instructions included.

How To Setup Kalimambo

To set up Kalimambo, start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Shuffle Kali’s cards and place them face down beside the board. Each player selects an amateur explorer and the associated set of 12 colored cards. The 6 Dung Heaps are placed on any of the spaces on the game board, ensuring they are not next to each other. The person who most recently stepped in a dung pile (or any player) places Mambo on any space on the board, determining the direction of the race.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Action Selection: Players choose one card from their deck and reveal them simultaneously.

Highest Card Moves First: The player with the highest card moves their token to the front of the line in a leapfrog manner.

Ties: If multiple players play the same card value, only the player whose token is nearest the back of the line (nearest Mambo) moves.

Mambo’s Move: After all players have moved, Mambo moves to the space immediately behind the last explorer, and the last player gains negative points equal to the number of spaces Mambo moved.

Kali’s Role: Kali moves based on the topmost card from its deck. If Kali incurs points (from dung or Mambo), these points are given to the player(s) who revealed the lowest card.

Objective: The game spans 12 turns. The winner is the player with the fewest points, achieved by avoiding Mambo and the dung heaps.

Player Experience

Kalimambo offers a chaotic yet charming experience, filled with anticipation and surprise. Players must strategically choose their cards to avoid being caught by Mambo and stepping in dung. The game is simple enough for children aged 8+ but still engaging for adults, making it a great family game. The simultaneous action selection mechanic adds a layer of excitement and unpredictability.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8+.

Quick Gameplay: Lasts about 20-30 minutes.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but requires strategic thinking.

Interactive: Simultaneous action selection keeps players engaged.

Humorous Theme: The game’s setting and mechanics add a comedic touch.

Cons

Luck Involved: The game has a significant element of luck due to the random movement of Kali and Mambo.

Potential for Negative Points: Players can accumulate points quickly if they are not careful.

Limited Strategic Depth: While there is some strategy, the game is largely based on luck and quick decision-making.

Personal Thoughts on Kalimambo

Kalimambo is ideal for families or casual game groups looking for a light-hearted, entertaining experience. It is not suited for those seeking complex, deeply strategic games. The game’s ability to accommodate 3-7 players makes it versatile for various gathering sizes. Overall, Kalimambo is a fun, chaotic game that is perfect for unwinding and enjoying some laughter with friends and family.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.