Busch Gardens is an African-themed adventure park featuring more than 2,000 exotic animals, roller coasters, thrill rides, shows and exhibits. The 335-acre (135-hectare) site is divided into eight themed areas. Each area has its own attractions, and animals living in natural-style habitats.
The Serengeti Plain is one of the park’s most popular destinations. This 65-acre (26-hectare) replica of the African region is home to hundreds of free-roaming animals, including giraffes, zebras, white rhinos, ostriches and impalas.
Observe animals from aboard the Serengeti Express train, or on the Skyride, a cable-car trip that covers most of the park. Seats on both rides are included in the price of admission. Reserve a place on the Serengeti Safari, a trek across the plain in an open-top vehicle. You’ll stop by some of the animals to feed them by hand. For prices and details, visit the park’s official website.
Head on over to Jungala, a themed village that features rides, live entertainment and close-up viewing areas of Bengal tigers, crocodiles, gibbons and orangutans.
Animals are only part of the appeal of Busch Gardens. Take a deep breath and summon your nerves for Sheikra, a dive coaster that travels straight down a 90-degree drop at 70 miles (113 kilometers) per hour. Cheetah Hunt is a 4,400-foot (1,340-meter) long coaster that travels inside the Serengeti and down into a rocky gorge. It reaches a top speed of 60 miles (97 kilometers) per hour.
Take younger thrill seekers and animal lovers to Sesame Street Safari of Fun. There are child-sized rides, a water play area and lots of Sesame Street characters.
Busch Gardens is situated approximately 8 miles (13 kilometers) northeast of downtown Tampa. The amusement park is open every day of the year. Opening hours are updated each week. Check the website for up-to-date information. There is pay parking available.
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Reviews of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
5/5 - Excellent
Nice place , great roller coasters
4/5 - Good
We liked Busch Gardens Williamsburg better. Liked the lights of Christmas Town but walkways were so dark, we kept getting lost on the way out. While waiting for rides there could be videos about African music, fabrics, beliefs of the people. Seemed like a typical take on Africa from Colonial Europeans from 1850. My family is Northern European and I would have liked to learn a little more about African culture while waiting in line for 2 hours. For example Williamsburg has Pompei, Have a ride based on the Library in Alexandria and how it was destroyed. Or a ride called Hannibal The Cheetah Hunt was a great ride! While standing in line it was cool to read about the cheetah but also talk about its habitat and the geography and culture of indigenous people
3/5 - Okay
The staff is very rude here. But the park is fun as always!
4/5 - Good
Would've been excellent if it weren't for the long lines!
2/5 - Disappointing
The park was great. Animal encounter tours were amazing! Before the park opens they play the National Anthem... 1 of the security guards refused to take his hat off and was being extremely disrespectful during the entire Anthem. Shame on you Busch Gardens for putting him front and center for your guests to his blatant disrespect.
3/5 - Okay
Parking is 25 - 30 dollars per day so be prepared. Also if you purchase all day eats be aware that some of the meal sites do not allow you to get some of the items shown on the menu. Pain in the neck to discover this after waiting in a long line.
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