# Source of the Nile

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1978
- **BGG Rating**: 6.5
- **BGG Rank**: #6164
- **Players**: 1-6 (Best with: 1)
- **Duration**: 180 min
- **Weight**: 2.94 / 5
- **Designers**: Dave Wesely, Ross Maker
- **Artists**: Dale Sheaffer
- **Publishers**: The Avalon Hill Game Co, Discovery Games
- **Categories**: Exploration, Post-Napoleonic
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Events, Hexagon Grid, Map Addition, Paper-and-Pencil, Ratio / Combat Results Table, Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game, Variable Set-up

## Verdict
Source of the Nile is for those who enjoy a good dose of adventure and strategy, with a historical exploration twist. If you love the thrill of uncovering the unknown and aren't afraid of a bit of luck (and bad luck!) along the way, you'll be hooked. The experience is immersive, almost as if you were there, facing the challenges of nature and local cultures. It's a game that rewards resilience and adaptability, with a genuine sense of accomplishment with each published discovery.Immersive exploration and discoveryConstant strategic challengesInteresting educational componentHigh replayabilityEngaging themeCan be punishingLuck can influenceLong game durationRECOMMENDED

## Description
Embark on an epic journey through the heart of Africa in Source of the Nile, a game that puts you in the shoes of 19th-century explorers. The idea here is to be an educational and challenging experience, where you primarily compete with wild nature rather than other players, though luck certainly plays a role. But make no mistake, with careful planning and smart decisions, you can overcome the odds! The game board depicts Africa of that era, with known areas filled in and the vast interior blank, waiting to be unveiled. A hexagonal grid helps organize movement and delineate explored territory. Each turn, your explorer moves into an unknown hexagon, and that's where the magic happens: terrain, native tribes, and other discoveries are revealed semi-randomly, but with a touch of realism, considering what has already been found nearby. You interact with these discoveries, perhaps negotiating with tribes for guides or recording everything on the map with wax crayons (yes, the board is erasable!). But beware: if your explorer dies before returning to Europe to publish their discoveries, everything they found and didn't publish is erased, becoming mere 'rumors' for subsequent adventurers. Publishing your discoveries ensures they are permanent, and you can even hold back some information for future advantages. Points are scored for published discoveries, and you can retire an explorer at any time to start a new expedition. Before each trip, you need to raise money, either by drawing chance cards at the start or by using published discoveries to speed up the process. Get ready for an adventure where every choice matters!

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime for Source of the Nile?
A game can take about 3 hours, so be prepared for a longer, immersive gaming session. It's ideal for afternoons or evenings dedicated to exploration!

### How many players can participate?
The game accommodates 1 to 6 explorers. Yes, you can play solo if you want to venture alone, or compete with a group!

### What is the complexity level of the game?
With a BGG weight of 2.94/5, it's considered medium complexity. It's not an entry-level game, but it's also not overly daunting. It requires a bit of dedication to grasp all the nuances.

### Are the components of good quality?
The highlight is the erasable board and the use of wax crayons to record discoveries, which is quite unique and thematic for the era. It's a charming touch!

### Is there a lot of luck involved in the game?
Yes, dice rolling and random events introduce an element of luck, but strategy and careful planning are crucial to overcome it. Good decisions are rewarded!

### Who is Source of the Nile recommended for?
It's perfect for fans of exploration, history, and adventure games, especially those who enjoy a more immersive experience and don't mind longer playtimes. If you like historical simulations with a touch of role-playing, you'll love it!