A board game cover titled "KARAWANE" with an illustration of a camel rider against a desert backdrop and the words "5 Kamelführer im aufregenden Wettlauf zum Palast des Kaisers." It features the Otto Maier Verlag Ravensburg logo and is by Ravensburger.
| | | | | | | | |

Karawane (2008)

ByMichail

Karawane

Karawane is a board game published in 1990 by Ravensburger. The game is designed for 3-5 players and involves a camel race across the desert. Players bid a limited supply of water chips each round to move their camels across the land. The game is set in the historical context of traders traversing the mountains, deserts, and seas between the great civilization centers of Rome, China, and India.

Why is Karawane Popular?

Karawane is a popular game because it combines strategy, competition, and camel racing in a fun and engaging way. Players enjoy the challenge of bidding for water chips and moving their camels across the desert, while also experiencing the historical setting of ancient trade routes.

Game Components of Karawane

  • Card deck
  • Camel tokens
  • Oasis and desert terrain elements
  • Player boards or tracking mechanisms
  • Sandstorm and mirage cards

    How To Setup Karawane

    To set up Karawane, players first shuffle the card deck and distribute a starting hand to each player. The camel tokens are placed at the starting point of the desert terrain. The oasis is set up as the final destination. Players prepare the sandstorm and mirage cards, which will be drawn during the game to introduce challenges.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Hand Management: Players manage their card hands to move their camels through the desert.
  • Card Play: Players use cards to move their camels, avoid sandstorms, and navigate through mirages.
  • Objective: The winner is the player who successfully brings the most camels to the oasis.

    Player Experience

    Karawane offers a fun and educational experience, especially for children. The game is set against the historical backdrop of the Silk Road, introducing players to the concept of ancient trade routes and the challenges faced by traders. The colorful graphics and engaging storyline make it an enjoyable game for families and young players.

    Pros

  • Educational Value: Introduces players to historical trade routes and cultural exchange.
  • Colorful Graphics: Engaging and visually appealing for young players.
  • Simple Mechanics: Easy to learn and play, suitable for children aged 6 and above.
  • Family-Friendly: A great game for family gatherings and casual play.

    Cons

  • Limited Complexity: May not appeal to experienced gamers looking for deeper strategy.
  • Short Playtime: Games are relatively short, lasting about 10 minutes.

    Personal Thoughts on Karawane

    Karawane is an excellent choice for families with young children or for those looking for a light, educational game. It combines historical context with simple, enjoyable gameplay, making it a great introduction to board games. However, it may not provide the level of complexity and depth that seasoned gamers might prefer.

    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. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl