Camel Up Board Game

Bet, Race, and Win in This Thrilling Camel Race

Camel Up Board Game is a thrilling and fast-paced racing game where up to eight players place bets on five racing camels, trying to predict which ones will finish first and second in a wild race around a pyramid. The earlier you place your bet, the more you can win if your guess is correct, of course.

But Camel Up Game isn’t as predictable as it seems! Camels don’t run in a straight line. Sometimes, they land on top of another camel, getting carried forward toward the finish line in a crazy twist of fate. The race’s outcome depends on how the dice roll from the pyramid dice shaker, which releases one die at a time, adding an element of surprise and excitement.

Whether you’re playing the Camel Up Card Game version or the classic Camel Boardgame, this is the perfect game camel up for anyone who enjoys betting and the unpredictability of a race. If your group likes to gamble and embrace the randomness of who’s going to end up on top, Camel Up is the perfect choice for game night. It even won Game of the Year in 2014!

Number of Players
2-8 Players

Playtime
30 Minutes

How To Play
Video

Ages
8+

Complexity
Moderate

Price
$31.99

How To Play - Camel Up Board Game

Camel Up is a hilarious and unpredictable camel racing game where players bet on which camels will lead the race and who will cross the finish line first and last.

Camel Up Rules & Gameplay

1. Set up the game

Place the board on the table, load the five colored dice into the pyramid shaker, and give each player their betting cards, spectator tile, and starting coins. Place all five camels at the starting line.

2. Choose your action on each turn

On your turn choose exactly one of four actions: bet on the current leg leader, bet on the overall race winner or loser, place your spectator tile on the track, or take a pyramid ticket to move a camel.

3. Bet on the current leg

Take the top betting tile of any camel you think will lead at the end of this leg. The earlier you bet on the right camel, the higher your payout. Wrong bets lose you one coin.

4. Place your spectator tile and move camels

Place your spectator tile to nudge camels forward or backward when they land on it. Take a pyramid ticket to release one die and move that camel. Stacked camels always move together as one group.

5. End of leg scoring

A leg ends when all five dice have been rolled. Players score their leg betting tiles based on the current race leader. Tiles are returned, dice go back into the pyramid, and a new leg begins.

6. End of race and final scoring

The game ends when any camel crosses the finish line. Final leg scoring happens, then race betting cards are revealed. Correct overall winner predictions earn up to 8 coins. The player with the most Egyptian Pounds wins.

Pros & Cons - Camel Up Board Game

What’s Great

  • Hilarious and unpredictable, no two games ever play out the same
  • Easy to learn, rules explained in about 10 minutes
  • Supports up to 8 players, perfect for large groups
  • Camel stacking mechanic creates wild and unexpected race changes
  • Great for families, casual players, and non-gamers
  • Won Game of the Year (Spiel des Jahres) in 2014
  • Fast-paced with turns that take only seconds

What’s Not

  • Heavy on luck, strategy alone cannot guarantee a win
  • Less exciting with only 3 players, better with 5 or more
  • Players who dislike randomness may find outcomes frustrating
  • Not suitable for those looking for deep strategic gameplay

Camel Up Board Game Details

Publisher Eggertspiele / PD Publishing
Year Released 2014 (Second Edition 2018)
Players 3 to 8 Players
Play Time 30 to 45 Minutes
Recommended Age 8 and up
Complexity Moderate
Category Family Game, Betting, Racing
Awards Spiel des Jahres 2014 (Game of the Year)
Price $31.99 (Amazon)

Should You Buy - Camel Up Board Game?

Perfect For

  • Families with kids aged 8 and up
  • Large groups of 5 to 8 players
  • Players who enjoy betting and racing games
  • Game nights where you want laughs and surprises
  • Anyone who enjoys light strategy mixed with luck
  • Fans of party games with simple rules and big moments

Maybe Skip If

  • Your group strongly dislikes luck-based outcomes
  • You are playing with only 3 players
  • You prefer deep strategy games with full control
  • You are looking for a cooperative game with no competition

FAQs - Camel Up Board Game

What is Camel Up Board Game?

Camel Up is a camel racing betting game where players predict which camels will lead each leg of the race and which will win or lose overall. Camels stack on top of each other as they move, creating wild and unpredictable race changes. The player with the most Egyptian Pounds at the end wins.

How many players can play Camel Up?

Camel Up supports 3 to 8 players and is best enjoyed with 5 to 7 players where the betting and racing chaos is at its most exciting and unpredictable.

How long does a game of Camel Up take?

A typical game of Camel Up lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, making it a great mid-length option for game nights that want something fun without a long time commitment.

Is Camel Up good for beginners and families?

Yes, Camel Up is one of the most beginner-friendly games available. Turns offer only four simple choices and the luck element keeps new players competitive against experienced ones from their very first game. It is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Why is Camel Up so popular?

Camel Up became a Game of the Year winner because it combines the excitement of a horse race with the fun of betting, all wrapped in a fast and easy to learn package. The camel stacking mechanic means the race order can flip completely in a single turn, keeping everyone laughing and on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

Ready to Play Camel Up?

Camel Up is one of the most entertaining and accessible family games ever made. With its wild camel stacking mechanic, fast turns, and support for up to 8 players, it is the perfect game for any gathering. Grab your copy today and get ready to bet on the humps!

Related Board Games

Decrypto Board Game

Decrypto Board Game

In Decrypto Game, players form two teams and compete to decode secret messages while trying to crack the opposing team’s codes.

Wavelength Board Game

Wavelength Board Game

Wavelength Board Game is an exciting and social guessing game where two teams try to read each other’s minds.

Wits & wagers Board Game

Wits & wagers Board Game

Wits & Wagers Game is a classic, light-hearted trivia game where you can bet on anyone’s answer, making it perfect for all kinds of players.