Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Tampa

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a major theme park located in Tampa, Florida, known for combining thrilling roller coasters and rides with fascinating animal exhibits. This 335-acre park opened on June 1, 1959, and is themed around Africa, with distinct areas reflecting the diverse ecosystems of the continent. Owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the park consistently attracts millions of visitors each year and offers something for everyone, whether you’re a thrill-seeker, an animal lover, or looking for family-friendly fun.

Roller Coasters and Thrill Rides

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is known for its high-speed roller coasters and adrenaline-pumping attractions. The park features 9 roller coasters, each offering a unique experience.

Iron Gwazi

Type: Hybrid coaster (wooden and steel)

Speed: 76 mph

Height: 206 feet

Description: Iron Gwazi is North America’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster. It offers intense twists, turns, and airtime moments, making it one of the park’s standout rides.

SheiKra

Type: Dive coaster

Drop: 90-degree vertical drop from 200 feet

Description: SheiKra was one of the world’s first dive coasters. The ride features a massive vertical drop, a high-speed dive, and a series of inversions, giving thrill-seekers a heart-stopping experience.

Montu

Type: Inverted coaster

Inversions: 7

Description: Montu is an intense inverted roller coaster that takes riders through high-speed loops, corkscrews, and sharp turns. It offers a smooth yet exhilarating experience with a lot of twists and airtime.

Kumba

Type: Steel coaster

Inversions: 6

Description: Kumba is a classic steel coaster that combines high-speed loops, intense drops, and sharp turns, making it one of the park’s most beloved coasters.

Cheetah Hunt

Type: Multi-launch coaster

Description: Cheetah Hunt simulates the sprint of a cheetah, featuring multiple launches that quickly accelerate riders through twists, turns, and thrilling airtime moments. It’s a fun, family-friendly coaster that mimics the speed and agility of a cheetah.

Tigris

Type: Launch coaster

Height: 150 feet

Description: Tigris is Florida's tallest launch coaster, featuring three launches and a vertical spike. Riders are launched forward, backward, and through multiple twists before reaching the top of the towering spike.

Phoenix Rising

Type: Inverted family coaster

Description: This ride offers a smoother, family-friendly coaster experience, reaching 80 feet in height with thematic elements and slower inversions, making it suitable for younger thrill-seekers.

Falcon's Fury

Type: Free-fall tower

Height: 335 feet

Description: Falcon’s Fury is a unique free-fall ride that tilts riders face-down before plummeting them from 335 feet. It’s the tallest of its kind and offers an exhilarating experience that’s not for the faint of heart.

Serengeti Flyer

Type: Giant swing ride

Top Speed: 60+ mph

Description: Introduced in 2023, Serengeti Flyer is a giant swing ride that offers breathtaking views of the park and surrounding Serengeti Plain as it swings riders back and forth at speeds exceeding 60 mph.

Animal Exhibits and Attractions

Busch Gardens is also home to over 12,000 animals across various themed areas that showcase wildlife from Africa and beyond. These exhibits are designed to educate visitors about animal behavior, conservation, and the importance of preserving natural habitats.

Serengeti Plain

Animals: Giraffes, zebras, rhinos, antelope, and more.

Description: The Serengeti Plain is a 65-acre open habitat designed to resemble the African savanna. Guests can take a tram ride through this area to get a close-up view of these majestic animals in a naturalistic environment.

Myombe Reserve

Animals: Western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates.

Description: This reserve offers visitors the chance to watch gorillas and chimpanzees interact in a lush, natural environment. The reserve also includes educational programs about great apes and their conservation status.

Edge of Africa

Animals: Lions, hyenas, meerkats, hippopotamuses, and more.

Description: Edge of Africa features animals from various African ecosystems, and the exhibit includes walkways that allow guests to get up close to animals like lions and meerkats. It also focuses on educating visitors about conservation efforts in Africa.

Cheetah Run

Animals: Cheetahs.

Description: This exhibit features live cheetah demonstrations, where visitors can see the animals run at full speed in a controlled environment, simulating a chase. It’s a unique opportunity to witness the world’s fastest land animal in action.

Jungala

Animals: Tigers, orangutans, and other exotic species.

Description: Jungala is a jungle-themed area featuring tigers, orangutans, and other animals. It also offers interactive play zones for children and is designed to immerse visitors in a rainforest-like environment.

New Developments and Events

Wild Oasis:
Opening in Spring 2025, Wild Oasis is a $40 million expansion in the Jungala section. It will feature interactive animal encounters, splash zones, climbing structures, and the new Tree Top Drop ride.

Endangered Species Weekend:
This event, scheduled for May 16–18, 2025, will focus on endangered species and conservation efforts. It will include special animal presentations, interactive exhibits, and educational programs about species at risk.

Food & Wine Festival:
Busch Gardens hosts an annual Food & Wine Festival, running on weekends through May 18, 2025. This event features culinary delights from around the world, live music performances, and wine and craft beer tastings.

Tickets and Hours

Hours: Busch Gardens is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Ticket Options: Guests can purchase single-day tickets, annual passes, and access to Quick Queue for skipping lines at popular rides.

Parking: Available for a fee on-site.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an exciting blend of thrilling rides, animal experiences, and live entertainment, making it an ideal destination for families, animal lovers, and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you’re looking to conquer high-speed coasters or learn about wildlife conservation, Busch Gardens offers a dynamic experience for all ages.