Source of the Nile (board game)

Source of the Nile is a board game designed by Ross Maker and published by Avalon Hill in 1978. The game simulates the exploration of Central Africa in the 19th century, with players taking on the roles of European explorers attempting to map the source of the Nile River.

Gameplay involves players moving their explorer pieces across a hex-tiled map, encountering various events and challenges represented by cards. These encounters can include hostile natives, dangerous animals, disease, and navigational hazards. Players must manage their resources, including supplies, porters, and the health of their expedition, to survive and succeed.

The game is known for its high level of randomness and difficulty. The event cards can significantly impact a player's progress, often leading to unexpected setbacks or even the death of their explorer. Source of the Nile emphasizes the challenges and uncertainties faced by historical explorers, rather than a purely strategic or economic approach.

The goal of the game is to explore and map the region, discover geographical features, and ultimately locate the source of the Nile River. Players earn victory points for their discoveries, and the player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Source of the Nile has been criticized for its high level of randomness and its potential for frustrating player experiences. However, it is also praised for its historical theme and its ability to evoke the sense of adventure and danger associated with early African exploration. The game remains a notable example of a thematic board game with a strong emphasis on historical simulation.