Bao la Kiswahili

Bao is the classic mancala game of the Swahili coast - played for centuries in Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar and the Comoros. This app brings the full game to your iPhone or iPad, with a clean board interface, and an opponent you can practice against any time.

TWO RULE MODES

Bao la Kujifunza - the "learning" version. The board starts with two seeds in every pit, the rules are streamlined, and there is no opening phase. Perfect if you are new to bao or just want a quick game.

Bao la Kiswahili - the full traditional rule set. Includes the namua opening (each player has 22 seeds in hand), the special nyumba (house) pit with taxation and safari, mandatory captures, multilap relay sowing, kichwa relay after capture, kuendelea continuation, kutakatia blocking, and the classic "more than 15 seeds" rule. Modeled on the Zanzibari rules transcribed by Alex de Voogt.

LEARNING THE GAME

Bao rewards planning many laps ahead. If you are starting out, play a few games of Kujifunza against the Beginner opponent to internalize the way multilap relays cascade and how captures relay back from a kichwa. When that feels comfortable, switch to Kiswahili to learn the namua opening and the rhythm of the nyumba.

PRIVACY

The app does not collect, store, or transmit any personal data. It does not require an internet connection. No accounts, no third-party SDKs, no ads, no analytics.