Southern Africa (widespread across sub-Saharan Africa)
Mamba
Also known as Snake Tag
A growing-snake tag game where every caught player joins the snake's body.
8-30 playersAges 6-14OutdoorsHigh energyBig spaceNo kit
The rules
How to play
1
Mark a large playing area with clear boundaries, anyone who steps outside is automatically out for that round.
2
One player is the Mamba (snake head).
3
The Mamba runs around trying to tag other players.
4
When tagged, a player joins the snake by holding the Mamba's waist or shoulders, forming a chain.
5
Only the head of the snake may make tags; the body helps by blocking escape routes.
6
Players may not run through the snake's body.
7
The last player uncaught wins and becomes the new Mamba.
Keep it fair
Designate two side-line judges before starting, they call any disputed tags or boundary breaks, and their decision is final for that tag.
Good for building
runningteamworkagilitystrategy
What you need
Nothing at all, just the kids.
More to play
