Item: Urubugu
Rating: 83
Author: Dinsun

Our Expert Score

83/100

Urubugu is a wonderfully executed digital version of the traditional Mancala-style game common in East Africa. It’s a game of pure strategy, with no luck involved, and this app captures that intensity perfectly. The AI is surprisingly challenging, providing a great training ground for those who want to master the mathematical 'seeding' of the pits.

The UI is clean and honors the cultural roots of the game. It’s fascinating to see how a centuries-old game translates so well to a touch screen—the act of 'sowing' the seeds feels natural and intuitive. For fans of strategy games like Chess or Go, Urubugu offers a different kind of tactical depth that is both refreshing and deeply rewarding to master.

Dinsun reviewed on: Tue Feb 24 2026

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1436590352

$0.99 4+★3 2 reviews

Author : Phylica

Pubish Date : Mon Oct 22 2018

Last Update Date : Mon May 16 2022

Support Languages : English and French

Genres :

Version 1.0.1Mon May 16 2022

- Slight corrections.
- Implemented Internet Access Policy and AppCenter.
Urubugu is a millenium-old game from Africa, which is still very popular in Burundi and in Rwanda. It belongs to mancala games big family, which are seeding games where seeds are to be placed in pits according to rules that appear quite simple, but turn out to be extremely rich and subtle.
If you want to equal the skills of the elders, you will have to learn to anticipate, to think quickly, and to adapt to the constant changes on the board...
This is a game for two players, but you can also play alone against the computer !
It is ad-free, and also available on Mac !
Requires iOS 9.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Urubugu is a millenium-old game from Africa, which is still very popular in Burundi and in Rwanda. It belongs to mancala games big family, which are seeding games where seeds are to be placed in pits according to rules that appear quite simple, but turn out to be extremely rich and subtle.
If you want to equal the skills of the elders, you will have to learn to anticipate, to think quickly, and to adapt to the constant changes on the board...
This is a game for two players, but you can also play alone against the computer !
It is ad-free, and also available on Mac !

Ratings & Reviews

3 out of 5 with 2 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Urubugu is a strategic board game based on the Mancala family of games played in Burundi and Rwanda. The game involves moving seeds between pits on a board to capture the opponent's pieces. It is a game of skill and calculation, requiring players to think several moves ahead. Play against the AI or challenge a friend in local multiplayer.