Black Mamba Phantasialand Review, Phantasialand Bolliger & Mabillard Inverted Coaster | Nemesis 2.0?

Black Mamba at Phantasialand is one of the best themed thrill coasters in the world. This Bolliger and Mabillard inverted coaster features 4 inversions as it winds its way through the park's Deep in Africa section. The immersive theming results in countless near-misses and some of the best visuals of any coaster. This coaster has understandably earned a lot of comparisons to Nemesis at Alton Towers, but is that fair? Find out in this review!
Video Credits
Black Mamba POV (Marcel van der Velde)- • Phantasialand Black Ma...
Nemesis (Alton Towers)- • Nemesis Like You've Ne...
Background Music
Black Mamba Dispatch Sound (Phantasialand)

[@admiral_ikea5243]

Phantasialand has such awesome coasters for a Park that has so little space to work with. The park probably has one of the strongest top 3 in the world.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree.

[@rct800]

Tbh I thought the junior immelmann was actually really forceful, weird how this was one of your least favourite elements. Fantastic rollercoaster, even if Taron and Fly sort of overshadow it nowadays!

[@jonny-b4954]

Had same element roughly on Dueling Dragons Fire side and it was brilliant

[@CanobieCoaster]

The one on Dragon Challenge was excellent. This one was just meh on my 2017 and 2021 rides.

[@Merp08]

Personally I like black mamba more than taron. But that is an really unpopular opinion

[@ThemeParkEnthusiastNL]

Black Mamba Might Just Be World's Most Underrated B&M invert.

[@AnotherSwissYoutubeUser]

This ride is absolutely amazing and it shocked me how good it was. Definitely very under appreciated. This ride made me realize why enthusiast love B&M Inverts. Smooth, fast, intense, good pacing and awesome theming. What a great ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree.

[@javierruizamado]

I love this B&M inverted roller coaster. I prefer the front row, as you enjoy the theming more than the back row. There are quite a few moments where it feels like you're going to crash into walls, floors and other elements of the setting. I found it very intense, but at the same time very smooth and fun.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's a fair point why row 1 is better.

[@sr.chi7741]

I actually found black mamba to be pretty forceful in my only front row ride. Maybe if I come back one day I can ride it in the back and it will be better

[@restingphantom]

I love the front seat of this attraction. You just don't know where you're going to go next and all the near misses are just perfect

[@CanobieCoaster]

The visuals are stunning.

[@charleskummerer]

I have a soft spot for all inverted B&Ms, so I can only imagine how much I'd love rides like this and Nemesis. Hope I can visit Europe one day!

[@alexbaker7722]

If you love Inverts and visit Europe you have to do Oziris. It is the best Invert out there. And thats hard for me to say as I grew up on Nemesis.

[@CanobieCoaster]

This and Nemesis are two of the best.

[@AirtimeProductions]

Wow, those near misses really are crazy! Never noticed how close they were until I watched your review

[@CanobieCoaster]

They landscaped this ride masterfully.

[@StamfordBridge]

I loved this coaster much more than I expected to. Yes, for me it is a top three invert. As you say at one point, all the visual decoration and near misses really augment the sense of speed - which is why I actually preferred the front to the back. The back may actually have better forces, but my brain was tricked into a more intense-feeling ride in the front. And once again, how you can remember and describe every element on a crazy coaster like this is beyond me.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I have a Google Doc with notes from my visit, which makes it easy to recount experiences.

[@clubstep8244]

Since i grew up near Phantasialand i know the Park from a time when there was no Taron and F.L.Y. Back then, the Black Mamba was a very fear imposing ride. The Name alone, Elementary School Level english was enough to understand that "Black Mamba" is nothing to joke about. And the fact that your feet were hanging and that it was so much more insane than any other ride there... good times back then. I never actually rode it until Taron opened and took away my fear of Rollercoasters, that a Vekoma MK1200 introduced me to.

[@CanobieCoaster]

FLY is my favorite now.

[@davidsobilo9622]

You've been everywhere in the world bro. It's amazing

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm fortunate.

[@jojo_hendriks]

Easily my favorite invert. Front row right seat has lethal whip in the first corkscrew and indeed Wild near misses, but the Gs this ride pulls in the back row are crushing. My second favorite ride at the park, and my favorite ride at the park if we just consider the layout without the theming. After 3 back to back night rides in the back row, I could hardly stand straight because when this ride warmed up the Gs absolutely destroy you, lovely.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love those visuals.

[@marcussheen]

Totally agree with your review. Really interesting layout, and love how the last inversion is actually a little over half way through the ride. When I rode it last, it was unbearably rough in terms of the B&M rattle - it's the first time I've ever experienced the B&M rattle, so I'm glad that they sorted this since.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It was smooth for me both in 2017 and 2021.

[@marcussheen]

@@CanobieCoaster I can't actually remember when I rode, but previous rides were all fine, so I'm glad it was just a case that a train needed servicing or something. I'd always heard a lot about the B&M rattle but never experienced it before then

[@chargedonpc9989]

I love the theming in this ride. I feel like this ride would be really fun to just stand and watch.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is.

[@nohaybanda3061]

its very refreshing to see all of your reviews on rare(er) coasters that aren’t talked about everyday in the community!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you like them!

[@CoasterHipster]

Solid review. Well done filming Black Mamba from many different angles. The comprehensive footage certainly supports your comments!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thank you!

[@JamesonThomas24]

This coaster is one of my top bucket list experiences ever . This review made me all the more hyped for it

[@matthewrobertson95]

Same here!

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is a great ride enhanced by theming out the wazoo.

[@JoshB333]

I prefer this to Nemesis because of the first drop in the back 💪🏻

[@CanobieCoaster]

This does have the better drop.

[@gemmachaos]

How does a park the size of a broom cupboard have so many GIGANTIC coasters anyway? Two double-launches and two triple-lifthills. This B&M is the runt of the litter.

[@CanobieCoaster]

They have devilishly twisted layouts.

[@gemmachaos]

The whole park is just a masterclass in masterplanning. But it isn't half difficult to find your way around there.

[@juliancoasterking]

This was the coaster that made me an enthusiast.🙌🏼 And I still love it, but I prefere Monster at Walygator and Katun at Mirabilandia, because they are more snappy and whippy. But Black Mamba is still a fatastic invert for sure and I'm glad to have this amazing ride at my homepark🙌🏼

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Katun as well. I haven't ridden Monster, but I prefer Black Mamba to Cedar Point's Raptor.

[@samurai5589]

@@CanobieCoaster btw monster is a little bit better than raptor its a raptor clone but they removed the mcb so it's second half is way faster and the corkscrews are way more intense because of the speed

[@robertannable9584]

absolutely gorgeous. I could sit on a bench and watch this beast run for days

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's beautiful.

[@maxhagenauer24]

This looks in my opinion to be the best coaster in Phantasialand. This thing is like a Batman clone with terrain. It's crazy how such a compact invert can be hidden in the terrain like this. I love whippy inversions and positive Gs but Black Mamba also mixes I crazy near misses with the low to the ground monovers. Definitely a fantastic Invert.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It doesn't quite have the power of a Batman clone, but I prefer it due to the theming.

[@Joypyf]

I have always thought this coaster looks like one of the most picturesque out there 🖤

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is.

[@mitchellries256]

It's a shame the Africa section has no room for expansion. That area has potential for other attractions such as a jungle cruise themed water attraction or a safari style dark ride (at least that's what I would do next).

[@CanobieCoaster]

I definitely wish they could do more with the area as well.

[@clubstep8244]

They added a "climb-through" attraction where you get really close to the Mambas track and its really fun, great addition

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Land locked parks always seem to figure out creative solutions to a problem. The now defunct AstroWorld was not far behind on # of coasters in a park. Tightly fitting 11-12 coasters in its 75 acre park. Smaller than Disneyland. I would soooo love riding this coaster. Very impressive theming + brilliant solution to noise abatement.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree! It was an elegant solution too.

[@MrDrkNoir]

It is now on my coaster bucket list

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's fun.

[@Merp08]

When I was in phantasialand. I got in the first ride on the first row of black mamba. I’m still proud of that

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@corybourrier9722]

I’d absolutely love to visit this park 😎 💪 sending good vibes from Winnipeg buddy

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's amazing.

[@corybourrier9722]

@@CanobieCoasterAny plans on returning in the somewhat near future? Maybe I’ll try and join ya hahaha 😂 💪

[@vespinonl]

Probably the best themed invert out there but a bit too much for me when riding anywhere but the front row. My last ride almost made me sick, not because of roughness but because you’re all over the place without being able to see where you’re going. The tight trenches really are cool, but only when able to ride in the front. The last two times I visited the park, the park was mostly empty but they still didn’t allow waiting for the front row, although the train was about to be dispatched. We had to ride towards the back which I’m not a big fan of on inverts. Maybe I’m getting old or just like the experience in the front I don’t know. I had a dip in my love for inverts, but Oziris and reriding Black Mamba refueled the love. Can’t wait to ride Monster and Banshee.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Were your visits during covid? The park wasn't allowing anyone to wait for rows on any ride. In the past, they allowed it.

[@benwinegarner4797]

Bucket list park and coaster for me. I'm a sucker for really good on ride theming. I'll take a less forceful coaster with excellent theming any time.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It was running very fast yesterday in the heat.

[@alexbaker7722]

Love me a bit of Black Mamba. Inverts always deliver for me and this is one of the best. I think it perfectly rounds out one of the best top 3s in the world.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It does have a great top 3.

[@singlerailindustries1763]

I Rode It And I'll Tell Ya.. It's Intense!! And The Corkscrews Have Some Good Whip. Black Mamba Is An Amazing invented Coaster 👍😁 Great Video! 😁

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@cyberseal5513]

I just want to point out that the dark brakerun is actually a rather large maintenance building (the lights where on after one of my ride later in the day) .

[@CanobieCoaster]

I saw the transfer track briefly in one of the POVs.

[@xd136]

ive ridden this coaster countless times. but last summer that downward helix really tried to rip my feat of! it was amazing

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you love it!

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

It looks really cool near the road

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's weird seeing how close it is from the walkway to the park.

[@quintocreations5091]

Heck yeah it's top tier. All the BnM inverts just like every other B & M creation, pretty much the same. Like I'd say, afterburn or Top Gun or whatever they call it at Carowinds now it's easily the most underrated of the inverts. But as I always say about most BnM coasters, is 90% of them have no major differences and a pepsi challenge would be a loss. And that's exactly what makes this one a top-tier. Is that it have something that you can personality and makes it stand out from the rest. But even then that coaster gives B&M a tad too much credit as Phantasiland is really responsible for what makes it stand out. Otherwise we could take a few coasters at Disney parks, and say that no other roller coaster company could even come close to touching vekoma.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The unique layout and theming really make this one stand out.

[@kermisportaal6922]

last time i wend to Phantasialand, i have riden black mamba 11 tims in 1 hour!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@olafvanrijnsbergen1177]

Everything is hard to find in Phantasialand.. Spent 15 minutes looking for the Entrance to Talocan, and I finally found Black Mamba's.. And for Colorado you got to walk around Chinatown to get in some hidden section of the wild west. Who decided that was a good idea?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree the park is hard to navigate. The Colorado Adventure entrance is particularly weird.

[@DBru28]

I wonder why our experiences with Black Mamba differ so greatly. I rode it multiple times in the summer of 2018 and it easily became my favorite invert. The junior immelman was super forceful for me, especially the airtime-filled whip coming out of it in the back. You also didn’t mention any of the great pops of airtime on those dips between the helices, which I thought was strange considering I know how much you also appreciate airtime on inverts. I will say, in your clips, the ride does look to be running slower than when I was there. I wonder if it’s a wheel thing.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I've heard Taron ran slow for me as well in both my fall 2017 and summer 2021 visits. Black Mamba rode similarly for me. 2017 was a rainy day in the 60s. 2021 was in the 70s I think.

[@Soonjai]

I feel like it is a bit overrated, but then again Black Mamba is probably the thrill coaster I have ridden by far the most in my life. To me the layout is on the weaker side and the ride is mostly talked about because of the incredible theming. On a hot summer day it really feels as if you are in Africa, especially when you are in the queue. It´s a great coaster for sure, but to me it´s more a 7.5 or 8, but like I said, I might have ridden too much in my life. If that makes sense. Personally, I enjoy the ugly duckling Raptor clone over at Walygator much more.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I haven't ridden Monster, but I prefer Black Mamba to Raptor.

[@upsidedown_]

I forgot it had a front queue :( I went on it backrow 2 weeks agp and I prefer the front a lot, the legchoppers aren't that extreme on the back, in the front it feels like your feet will get cut off😂 the back did provide a tiny pop of air on one of the final dives after a turn

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think the front queue was closed this year due to covid. It was the same with Taron and FLY.

[@upsidedown_]

@@CanobieCoaster FLY and Taron where open when I went :p

[@ChannelMan434]

When I was there, black mamba was running a little rough as compared to other B&M inverts I’ve ridden, and especially compared to F.L.Y. and Taron in the same park. It was intense, but too short and in need of track maintenance when I was there

[@CanobieCoaster]

It ran smoothly for me in 2017 and 2021.

[@ChannelMan434]

@@CanobieCoaster maybe I just caught it on a bad day or the wrong seat, my rides were in fall 2021

[@arturobianco848]

It's still me favorite b&M invert but then i'm a theming freak. As a standalone coaster it would have been Katun from the ones i've ridden. I saw a couple of potential candidates in the states but thats for the future.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That makes sense.

[@juliusk.4883]

I love that ride, but: Due to Corona (for whatever reason this might help) the line for the front cannot be used and some additional lights in the station are on which is both a shame since it decreases flexibility and prevents you from experiencing how dark the station acctually is. Like real dark.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Taron and FLY also had the front queue disabled in 2021 unfortunately.

[@fistedcolossus3196]

The best themed coaster in the world IMO

[@CanobieCoaster]

As great as Black Mamba is, there are arguably two better themed coasters at the same park.

[@fistedcolossus3196]

@@CanobieCoaster granted but the attention to detail around Mamba (particularly the queue and station) gives it the edge for me

[@teddym2808]

Immelmann are among my least favourite too, equal with cobra rolls. Zero G/Barrell Rolls of any kind and dive loops are my favourites. I like vertical loops too.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love zero-G rolls best of the B&M invert inversions.

[@derisleybrittain]

Superb footage 💖😀💖💖🍺🍺🍺🍺😁😁😁🤩🤩🤩☀️☀️☀️☀️

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@christofbulheller4823]

What do you think is the best invert in Germany: Hals über Kopf or black Mamba? Both got a 8,5. For me personaly Hals über Kopf has slightly the Edge because of the few airtime Moments.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hals uber Kopf has the better layout, but I prefer Black Mamba because of the theming.

[@cheffren7011]

This is a very good ride. I still prefer Taron over it (haven't ridden FLY yet). It's my favorite B&M I've ever ridden(only invert I've done). I thought it was forceful. I need to take a break after every ride because I start to feel sick. I don't know why but I have less trouble with Kärnan than with Black mamba. Maybe it is because of the last couple of helixes that just make me dizzy.

[@CanobieCoaster]

My fiancee gets dizzy on zero-G rolls and snappy corkscrews so maybe that's it.

[@dennisstember5062]

The last turn before the breakrun actually pulls the highest G-force on the ride. I think it´s about +4.5. Combined with the pitch black breakrun it always makes me dizzy. Definetly the most forceful ride in Phantasialand.

[@jtwoolley]

tbh i love dis ride

[@CanobieCoaster]

Me too.

[@HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od]

Honestly Black Mamba > Taron Although I haven't been here yet

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Taron myself.

[@liamcollinson5695]

So black mamba is kind of like the distant cousin of nemesis. I kind of hope that the China area gets another coaster

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@badmoonrising7795]

Well? What’s the best? Nemesis or black mamba?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I easily prefer Nemesis.

[@Paolo8772]

Of the B&M coasters that use sand to dampen the sound (as experienced by riding guests); where does the sand go after it falls to the bottom of every compartment its regulated to? How does it get back up again so as to be able to provide the same sound every time the train navigates its course? I've only ridden two coasters that sound like there's sand in the spine: Swarm and Leviathan, yet I never heard that sound whilst riding Gatekeeper, (which as you already know is like Swarm; a B&M Wing coaster that is longer, taller and faster than Swarm) nor did I ever hear that sound while riding Behemoth, or any other B&M coasters of any other model for that matter. If anyone can explain why; It'd be you. I'm sure Fury 325 sounds like there's sand in its spine too because even If I've still never ridden it yet: every time I watch a POV I can hear it, as so too I heard that sound watching POVs of Leviathan before having ridden it. So even if there is no way to know for sure how a coaster feels before riding it: it will ALWAYS sound the same as it does in EVERY POV with sound (even if I don't understand the source of every sound). As for Black Mamba: extremely well themed, which is to be expected at Phantasialand. While I wouldn't consider it to be one of B&M's top 10 inverts, I'd still consider it to be one of the better half of all B&M inverts. But I cannot say that Black Mamba is as good as Taron, which in turn I cannot say is as good as F.L.I. But I'd have to visit to know for myself. Next time I'm close to Cologne I'll be sure to visit. Thanks for posting this review!

[@CanobieCoaster]

You're welcome! I'm not sure how the sand filling process works. I find a lot of the sound from POVs is wind.

[@Paolo8772]

@@CanobieCoaster Wind is the measure of speed (and sometimes wind) but I've only heard it on two coasters' I've ridden and in POVs for Fury 325. All of them.

[@nrdythugg4102]

I was underwhelmed of it, to be honest. Its a nice b&m invert with great landscaping, but thats it. I guess I might even like it a little more, If you could see a bit more of the surroundings in the other rows. A more conventional setting might improve it for me. You just cant see anything if you are not in the front row.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I liked the force in the back myself.

[@skyguyismyguyr12turn]

The only B&M Inverts I expect to be better are Afterburn, Montu, Nemesis, Pyrenees, and Katun.

[@limonscore]

I actually would rank it above Nemesis, but these two are very close and depending on your personal preferences and your daily condition

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like OzIris best.

[@skyguyismyguyr12turn]

@@CanobieCoaster I know

[@mpatrovits1]

Oziris is very good, nemesis is way over rated 😂

[@teddym2808]

Have you ridden Katun? I think that one is underrated and this one overrated. But the theming for this invert coaster makes the experience, not the coaster itself.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I have. I really like Katun.

[@coasterland1920]

Black Mamba-aespa Mamamamamamamba

[@southpuddle]

It would be world-class if it wasn’t unfortunate enough to be built in the mid-2000s, which IMO, was B&M’s worst era.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is interesting to think how elite it could have been if it were built a decade earlier.

[@wing_construction]

nemesis (alton towers UK) and nemesis inferno (Thorpe park UK) are both better

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Nemesis, but not Inferno.

[@vzs01]

"Overthemed" must be a term invented by someone who has a six flags or cedar fair park as their home park

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lol

[@gb9727]

Nemesis on steroids

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Nemesis as a ride, but this may beat it for theming.