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Tampa Tours

Quick Information

ADDRESS

10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, USA

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5+ hours

VISITORS PER YEAR

4000000

TICKETS

From $59.12

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

2

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

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.

Why visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Kids feeding a giraffe at a wildlife park.
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A fusion of adventure and nature

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.

Thrill capital of Florida’s west coast

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.

Wild encounters up close

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.

A family-friendly attraction

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.

Year-round events and festivals

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.

What’s inside?

Serengeti Plain

The heart of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, this vast open habitat recreates Africa’s savanna. Spot giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and antelopes roaming freely, or take the Serengeti Safari for a guided adventure through this living landscape of wildlife and grasslands.

Egypt

Step into an ancient world filled with hieroglyphs, statues, and desert themed-spaces. Brave the inverted coaster Montu, one of the world’s most intense rides, or explore archaeological-style walkways that make you feel like you’ve uncovered a lost civilization.

Congo

Venture deep into lush jungle terrain with wild twists and turns. Conquer the roaring Kumba coaster, cool off on Congo River Rapids, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere filled with tropical greenery, waterfalls, and rhythmic jungle sounds.

Jungala

This multi-level family zone is all about discovery and play. Cross rope bridges, climb treehouses, and observe tigers and orangutans up close through glass viewing tunnels that make you feel part of their natural world.

Pantopia

Bright, colorful, and full of energy, Pantopia centers around Falcon’s Fury, a towering drop ride that tilts you face-first before plunging down. Between rides, explore vibrant markets, snack stalls, and performances under Pantopia’s festive canopies.

Morocco

Your journey begins here. The Moroccan-inspired entrance greets guests with intricate architecture, vibrant mosaics, and marketplace vibes. It’s home to shops, cafes, and the park’s main theater, setting the stage for a full day of adventure.

Sesame Street Safari of Fun

A cheerful, kid-friendly area themed after the beloved TV show. Families can enjoy gentle rides like Air Grover, splash zones, and live shows featuring Elmo, Big Bird, and friends in a bright, safari-themed playground.

A look at the wildest rides under the Florida sun

Young friends enjoying a roller coaster ride at Everland under a clear blue sky.

Iron Gwazi

North America’s tallest and the world’s fastest hybrid coaster. It combines wood and steel for wild drops and jaw-dropping airtime moments.

Roller coaster descent at Busch Gardens against a blue sky.
Roller coaster looping at Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay.
Visitors enjoying a roller coaster ride at Belantis Leipzig.
Friends enjoying a ride at an amusement park.

A brief history of Busch Gardens

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.

💡Fun Fact!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay houses one of North America’s largest zoological collections, with over 12,000 animals representing more than 200 species.

Flamingos standing together with vibrant plumage.

Frequently asked questions about Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

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.