RECOMMENDED DURATION
5+ hours
Timings
09:00–22:00
VISITORS PER YEAR
4000000
TICKETS
From $111.71
NUMBER OF ENTRANCES
2
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opened in 1959 as a brewery hospitality center with exotic bird gardens, long before it became the massive adventure park it is today.
It’s one of the largest zoos in North America, housing over 200 animal species across 335 acres.
The Serengeti Plain, a 65-acre habitat, was the first of its kind outside Africa when it debuted in 1965.
Few places combine heart-racing coasters with the chance to see lions, giraffes, and rhinos in one day. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers both, making it a perfect destination for thrill-seekers and animal lovers alike.
From the record-breaking Iron Gwazi to the fan-favorite SheiKra, this park is known for its world-class roller coasters. Whether you crave speed, drops, or inversions, Busch Gardens delivers unmatched excitement.
On the Serengeti Plain, you’ll encounter majestic animals like giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and antelopes roaming across wide open landscapes. Keep an eye out for ostriches, gazelles, and other African species that bring this vibrant habitat to life.
You’ll find plenty beyond the big coasters here. You can take a relaxing ride on the Serengeti Express Train, cool off on Congo River Rapids, or enjoy kid-friendly adventures like Air Grover and the Sesame Street Safari of Fun. It’s a park designed for families to laugh, splash, and explore together.
Each season brings something new, from Howl-O-Scream’s haunted houses to Christmas Town’s twinkling lights. Food & wine events, concerts, and cultural festivals keep the park lively all year long.
North America’s tallest and the world’s fastest hybrid coaster. It combines wood and steel for wild drops and jaw-dropping airtime moments.
The park first opened in 1959 as a simple brewery tour with a small bird garden. Over the decades, it evolved into a full-scale theme park, blending wildlife exhibits with thrill rides.
The park’s African theme emerged in the 1970s, expanding with major attractions like the Serengeti Plain and iconic coasters such as Kumba and Montu.
Today, Busch Gardens continues to grow, adding new rides like Iron Gwazi while maintaining its focus on conservation, animal care, and world-class entertainment.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay houses one of North America’s largest zoological collections, with over 12,000 animals representing more than 200 species.
The park features more than 20 major rides, including record-breaking coasters like Iron Gwazi, SheiKra, Cheetah Hunt, and Montu that promise high-speed thrills. Families can enjoy favorites like Cobra’s Curse, Congo River Rapids, and the playful Sesame Street Safari of Fun.
No, it isn’t. While it’s home to hundreds of animals, it’s equally known for its incredible thrill rides, themed zones, and live entertainment.
Iron Gwazi and SheiKra are often called the park’s most intense coasters, thanks to their massive drops and high speeds.
Absolutely. There are entire areas designed for kids, like Sesame Street Safari of Fun, featuring gentle rides such as Air Grover, Elmo’s Safari Go-Round, and Big Bird’s Whirly Birdie. Families can also enjoy interactive animal experiences like Animal Connections, the Kangaloom habitat, and Lory Landing where you can hand-feed colorful birds.
For lighter crowds and pleasant weather, visit between January and March (around 18–25°C / 64–77°F) or October and early December (20–27°C / 68–81°F). Summer months are the hottest and busiest, with temperatures often reaching 32°C / 90°F, but they also bring extended park hours and lively seasonal events.
It’s about an hour’s drive from Orlando, making it a popular day-trip destination for those visiting other Florida theme parks.
It’s one of the few parks that combines world-class roller coasters like Iron Gwazi, SheiKra, and Cheetah Hunt with immersive attractions such as the Serengeti Safari and Cobra’s Curse. All of it unfolds amid beautifully themed African landscapes filled with wildlife and vibrant cultural details.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Any-Day Tickets
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 2-Park Tickets
Aquatica Orlando 4-Park, 14-Day Unlimited Visits + Free Parking
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 4-Park Tickets with 14-Day Unlimited Visits
