Jungle Flyers

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Company type	Private
Industry	Amusement park, Zoological park
Founded	March 31, 1959 (1959-03-31) in Tampa, Florida, United States
Headquarters	Tampa , United States
Area served	Tampa, Florida, United States
Products	Animal theme park attractions, roller coasters, thrill rides
Owner	United Parks & Resorts

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an animal theme park located in Tampa, Florida, with a design inspired entirely by African themes. Owned by United Parks & Resorts, the park commenced operations on March 31, 1959. It draws an annual attendance exceeding 4 million guests, making it the second most visited property within the United Parks & Resorts portfolio, following SeaWorld Orlando.

The park features a variety of roller coasters and thrill attractions, such as the Dive Coaster SheiKra, the family-friendly coaster Cheetah Hunt, the launched coaster Tigris, the traditional steel coaster Kumba, the wood-steel hybrid hypercoaster Iron Gwazi, and Falcon's Fury, which is North America's second tallest free-standing drop tower distinguished by its tilting mechanism. Other notable rides include Montu, which once held records as the tallest and fastest inverted coaster worldwide, and Phoenix Rising, recognized as the continent's longest and tallest family inverted coaster. The park also provides attractions suitable for children and a single river rafting water ride.

1957–1959: Busch Brewery and Gardens

In April 1957, Anheuser-Busch began evaluating potential locations in Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida, for establishing a new brewery. By June of that year, there were reports suggesting a $25–30 million brewery project in Tampa, though these claims were initially refuted. On July 25, Anheuser-Busch officially announced the acquisition of a 160-acre site in Tampa for $320,000 to construct a $20 million brewery, coinciding with Schlitz's development of a nearby brewery. August Busch Jr. proposed incorporating gardens to foster community engagement and enhance corporate image.

Construction began in March 1958 and continued into early 1959. The brewery started production on March 12, 1959, with its dedication ceremony held on March 31 attended by approximately 2,000 guests including media representatives and local officials. Operating hours were publicized in May.

On June 1, 1959, both the brewery and its adjoining Busch Gardens opened to the public offering complimentary tours, drawing nearly 1,000 visitors on opening day. The gardens spanned 15 acres located southwest of the brewery, developed at an estimated cost of $500,000. They featured lagoons alongside landscaping that included 36,000 flowering plants and approximately 300 trees. Early attractions encompassed a bird show amphitheater with seating for 200 guests, a flamingo habitat, an animal area called "Devil's Island," as well as enclosures for eagles and cockatoos. Additional amenities included a dwarf village and the "Hospitality House," where visitors could enjoy complimentary beer samples. Adjacent to the gardens was a 118-acre tract housing Budweiser Clydesdales along with planned exhibits for buffalo, ostriches, and zebras situated east of the brewery. This initial garden area eventually became known as the "Bird Gardens".

1959–1968: Expansions and Introduction of the African Veldt

In July 1959, Anheuser-Busch revealed plans for a $5 million enlargement of its Tampa brewery facility in response to increasing success. Construction commenced in February 1960 on a geodesic dome measuring high and in diameter, situated within the gardens. This structure, named the Adolphus Busch Space Frame, opened on March 22 at a cost of $75,000. The dome, crafted from gold-toned anodized aluminum, featured landscaped areas, suspended bird nests, and ponds connected to an external lagoon.

By October 1960, the company announced the Stairway to the Stars project: an Otis escalator linking the brewery rooftop to Busch Gardens. This attraction debuted on March 22, 1961, incorporating a pool below (initially home to penguins), an observation deck atop the brewery, and an elevated walkway leading into Busch Gardens.

Further land purchases occurred in May 1962 as visitor numbers were expected to rise. Plans were made for a $3.5 to $4 million expansion introducing themed zones such as an African veldt and American Plains, each with corresponding animal habitats. This development included a railway system and improved landscaping tailored to animal needs. By October that year, the park’s avian population had grown to roughly 1,000 birds.

In early 1963, proposals emerged for a monorail traversing the African veldt and a four-story Swiss-themed restaurant east of the brewery. Additional land was acquired in April 1964. Thomas J. Pinta was named manager of Busch Gardens in July of that year. October saw the launch of a trackless transportation train that ferried visitors between the gardens and the newly opened Old Swiss House restaurant.

The African veldt-themed Wild Animal Kingdom was finalized in 1965 alongside a clock tower near the Old Swiss House. This habitat housed imported African species such as cheetahs, chimpanzees, elephants, gorillas, lions, and rhinoceroses within meticulously recreated environments. By November 1965, Anheuser-Busch had expanded its holdings eastward for potential future growth of either Busch Gardens or its brewery operations. Together, the gardens and brewery spanned approximately , with total company-owned land nearing .

Part of the 1965 land acquisition funded construction of a trackless transport train connecting a new parking area to park entrances by late 1966. To offset rising attendance and operational expenses, parking fees were introduced in August 1966. The Skyrail monorail system launched on September 22 as an Arrow Development ride crossing over the African veldt; it required an additional fare of $1 for adults and 40 cents for children. By late 1966, roughly 475 animals resided within the African veldt habitat. A snack bar was also added near parking facilities in 1967.

1969–1975: Boma Development and Expansion of Themed Areas

In March 1969, Anheuser-Busch declared a $1 million expansion over 2.5 acres called "Boma," situated between the brewery and monorail to stimulate growth for both entities. Leadership changes ensued with Franklin H. Rust replacing Pinta as manager in May 1969; however, Rust resigned by February 1970. Amid competition from Disney World’s emergence nearby, August Busch Jr. aimed to preserve market share within Florida’s tourism sector by enlarging animal exhibits. The Tampa site was regarded as Anheuser-Busch’s premier entertainment venture.

During Boma’s June 1970 preview event, a $12.6 million expansion plan spanning ten years was announced. It included features such as a 1,000-seat amphitheater, an elevated "tree tops" platform overlooking the African veldt, a locomotive train ride, and a log flume attraction. This period marked the end of complimentary park entry; general admission fees commenced on July 31 alongside Boma’s opening showcasing African mammals, birds, and an artificial mountain formation. Admission costs began at $1.25 for adults and 50 cents for children. The main entrance was relocated to an adjacent roadway. Subsequent developments added a railroad system, an African village (later renamed Stanleyville), and an amphitheater.

Robert B. Bean took over as general manager in April 1971. On July 4 that year, the Trans-Veldt Railway debuted as an additional fare attraction connecting the monorail station with Boma. By mid-1972, both the $250,000 tree tops observation deck and African village opened; this area featured the Tanzanian Theater with elephant performances along with gorilla and okapi enclosures, retail shops, and Stanleyville station serving the railway line. Charges for monorail and railway rides were eliminated while general admission prices increased accordingly. The Livingstone's Landing boat ride was introduced during summer 1972.

In March 1973, phase two of expansion was unveiled with a $6.5 million budget targeting improvements at Boma, Stanleyville, and the African veldt areas. Planned additions included a Morocco-themed section, log flume—the park’s inaugural thrill ride—a dark ride attraction, gondola lift (sky ride), animal training center, and safari experience. A nearby RV park opened in May of that year. After Bean resigned in April 1974, Joseph C. Fincher assumed general manager duties. The sky ride launched in May linking major park zones.

By 1975 Busch Gardens housed over 800 animals while expanding live entertainment options substantially. The Morocco-themed village opened on April 16 as the new main entrance featuring shops, dining venues, landscaped grounds, and the Algiers Theater; previously existing snack bars near parking lots were upgraded with thematic enhancements integrated into this area. In September that year, a $7.6 million development plan was announced including Python—the park’s first roller coaster—alongside tiger and elephant enclosures; expansions to Livingstone’s Landing; extensive landscaping improvements; and installation of new sound systems throughout the park facilities.

1975–1989: Expansion and Themed Transformation

Toward the end of 1975, Busch Gardens initiated a promotional effort to highlight its Tampa location with an African-inspired motif, officially renaming the park "The Dark Continent" in early 1976 to set it apart from other Florida attractions with similar names. This rebranding introduced a range of live performances, animal exhibits, and thrill rides. The African savanna area was designated as the Serengeti Plain, Boma was renamed Nairobi, and the Moroccan-themed village took on the name Marrakesh.

Work commenced in January 1976 on the $7.6 million Congo section. The park's inaugural roller coaster, the Python steel coaster constructed by Arrow Development, debuted on July 1. Later that year, the Monstrous Mamba flat ride was added as part of Stanleyville, located in the park’s northern sector. In 1976, a brass ensemble known as the Mystic Sheiks of Morocco began performing. The Congo area officially opened on July 26, 1977, featuring both Python and Monstrous Mamba rides. Livingstone's Landing was transformed into the African Queen boat attraction, complemented by new additions such as a shooting gallery, Claw Island tiger exhibit, and Swinging Vines swing ride. Bumper cars were also introduced in 1977.

In May 1978, Busch Gardens revealed plans for a $5 to $10 million expansion that included a sizable dining venue. Anheuser-Busch expanded its holdings by acquiring adjacent land, increasing the park’s footprint significantly. By November of that year, construction had begun on the Timbuktu section. In February 1979, an $18.5 million growth initiative was announced, encompassing Timbuktu and the Adventure Island water park. Timbuktu served as a connection between Congo and Nairobi, featuring dining options, attractions, and an amphitheater. Additionally, a new station for the Trans Veldt Railway was established there in 1979. Although a $20 million hotel project was announced in April 1979, it faced delays despite continued plans reported in 1981. Timbuktu partially opened toward the end of 1979.

Busch Entertainment Corporation was created in early 1980 to oversee entertainment ventures separately from beer operations. The tree tops observation platform was closed to accommodate an addition to the Congo train station. That year also saw the debut of a variety show at Stanleyville Theater. Timbuktu officially launched with multiple rides including a carousel, trabant ride, dolphin show, Festhaus dining hall featuring dance performances, an airplane ride, games, and retail outlets. The Scorpion steel coaster opened in Timbuktu on May 16. To attract more visitors, plans for a $6 million Congo river rapids ride were announced in 1981; this attraction opened on May 26, 1982. Early in 1982, white tigers were introduced at Claw Island while Old Swiss House closed temporarily for renovations.

For the 1983 season, children’s attractions were added to both Timbuktu and Congo areas. Marrakesh Theater opened showcasing Moroccan-American dance performances. The Dwarf Village underwent redevelopment including a miniature log flume and car rides aimed at younger guests. In November of that year, Anheuser-Busch discontinued "The Dark Continent" branding due to limited recognition among visitors; the park reverted to its original Busch Gardens name along with updated slogans and logos. June 1984 marked the opening of the Phoenix looping starship ride within Timbuktu.

In January 1985, the eagle habitat was relocated beneath the brewery escalator. A new elephant enclosure debuted in Nairobi in 1986 while Moroccan Palace Theater premiered Kaleidoscope on August 22 as its primary venue for major productions. The Nairobi Field Station nursery opened on December 9 of that year and birds of prey were added to the bird show by February 1987.

In October 1987 Busch Gardens arranged a lease agreement for two pandas from China; a temporary exhibit launched November 17 within the bird gardens with new aviaries constructed specifically for them. Both pandas departed by October 1988. That same year saw upgrades to electric trains on the monorail system and removal of the aviary dome due to brewery expansion plans. Toward late 1988, park officials explored introducing new rides and exhibits tailored to European tourists while seeking unique positioning within Florida’s market; this included refurbishing Moroccan snack bar Zagora Café and relocating white tigers.

Celebrating its thirtieth anniversary in 1989, Busch Gardens announced several new additions: Tanganyika Tidal Wave—a shoot-the-chute water ride manufactured by Intamin—was introduced; a koala exhibit replaced the former panda enclosure on June 28; and Clydesdale Hamlet housing four horses opened August 11. Tanganyika Tidal Wave replaced the African Queen boat ride and incorporated Orchid Canyon nature walk into its experience.

1990–1999: Expansion of Thrill Rides and Wildlife Exhibits

In the early 1990s, Busch Gardens sought to enhance its attraction lineup beyond the 1988 panda exhibit to sustain its competitive edge. Due to diminishing attendance, the campervan park was shut down in 1990. The Old Swiss House underwent refurbishment and reopened as Crown Colony House, featuring an African-inspired dining experience. Around 1991, the Swinging Vines ride was removed. In May 1991, the park debuted Questor, a motion simulator developed by Reflectone that followed explorer Sir Edison Fitzwilly’s adventure in search of the Crystal of Zed.

To solidify its presence in the Florida market, Busch Gardens unveiled the Myombe Reserve in June 1992—a 3-acre habitat for chimpanzees and gorillas that replaced Boma and was situated near the Moroccan Palace Theater. The park also hosted a temporary Olympic village for the 1992 Summer Games. November of that year brought announcements for Kumba, a premier steel roller coaster created by Bolliger & Mabillard near Congo River Rapids. Kumba opened in April 1993, boasting a height of 143 feet, a track length of 3,978 feet, and speeds reaching 60 mph. In 1994, Land of the Dragons took over from Dwarf Village as a children’s play area. After fourteen years, the Stanleyville variety show closed and was succeeded by Hollywood Live on Ice.

With Disney’s Animal Kingdom looming as competition, Busch Gardens expanded further by introducing Land of the Dragons in May 1995—a 1.5-acre attraction featuring an expansive treehouse and various rides. The success of Kumba prompted plans announced in May for an Egypt-themed zone incorporating a fourth roller coaster, retail spaces, and a new train station; details were provided by August. On October 25, Anheuser-Busch ceased operations at its Tampa brewery, transferring the 17-acre property to Busch Gardens to facilitate expansion amid corporate restructuring triggered by declining beer sales and rising expenses. That fall also saw the closure of the Monstrous Mamba flat ride; meanwhile, a new safari experience with an additional fee launched in November within Serengeti Plain. The brewery buildings were demolished after shutting down in December.

In 1996, Busch Gardens intensified its international outreach targeting markets such as Brazil, Germany, and the United Kingdom while once again sponsoring a temporary Olympic village for the Atlanta Summer Olympics. The Egypt section opened on May 16 at a $5 million investment; it featured a replica of King Tut’s tomb alongside Montu—a $10 million inverted roller coaster by Bolliger & Mabillard that was then the longest and tallest inverted coaster worldwide. In June, Busch Gardens formed a theme park alliance with SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios Florida, and Wet 'n Wild Orlando to better compete against Disney. Hotel development plans were revisited following earlier attempts during the 1980s. October brought announcements for a $20 million animal exhibit expansion.

In February 1997, Robin D. Carson succeeded Fincher as general manager. On July 4, Edge of Africa opened on a 15-acre section of Serengeti Plain showcasing African species like crocodiles, hippos, lions, and meerkats within an immersive African village setting. By late 1997, plans were advancing for an entertainment complex designed to rival Disney’s Animal Kingdom; upgrades included refurbishing simulator attractions and adding a walk-through aviary. An arcade was introduced in the Egypt area in April 1998; meanwhile, Akbar's Adventure Tours replaced Questor as the new simulator ride in May. Lory Landing bird habitat launched adjacent to Land of the Dragons.

Revised plans for the entertainment complex emerged in June with a $10 million attraction revealed as Gwazi—a dual-track wooden roller coaster—opening on July 16, 1998. In September, Busch Gardens acquired a 108-acre animal retirement facility located north of San Antonio, Florida.

In 1999, Tangiers Theater gave way to a confectionery shop; meanwhile, the monorail ceased operations and was dismantled on May 13. Gwazi officially opened on June 18 on the former brewery grounds. That October marked the debut of Spooky Safari—the park’s inaugural family-friendly Halloween event—alongside the opening of the San Antonio animal sanctuary and announcements for Serengeti Plain enhancements aimed at landscaping improvements to better separate species while bringing animals such as antelopes, giraffes, and zebras closer to visitors via train access.

2000–2009: Developments and conclusion of Anheuser-Busch ownership

Prior to 2000, Busch Gardens' management under Carson replaced multiple executives to revitalize the park amid intensifying competition within Florida’s theme park market. Instead of allocating funds toward expensive rides, the park emphasized distinctive interactive wildlife encounters and positioned itself as a vacation destination for Tampa Bay, adopting a marketing approach akin to Disney’s strategy in Orlando. In 2000, Anheuser-Busch launched a "Fun Card" for Florida residents at Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando, providing benefits through the end of the year and superseding previous discount initiatives. Announcements were made for Rhino Rally, a Land Rover safari-themed attraction, which opened in June 2000 featuring a truck journey across the Serengeti Plain habitat. To rival Universal’s Halloween events, the park introduced Howl-O-Scream, a seasonal Halloween experience adapted from its Williamsburg counterpart.

Following the favorable reception of the Fun Card, it was reissued in 2001; Rhino Rally officially opened in May. After the September 11 attacks, Anheuser-Busch temporarily closed its parks but quickly resumed operations. In 2002, Busch Gardens became the pioneer in Florida theme parks to offer complimentary second-day admission if inclement weather disrupted a guest’s visit. The Dolphin Theater was replaced by a 4D cinema that debuted Haunted Lighthouse in 2003 alongside renovations to the Timbuktu area and the addition of a white rhino habitat. A new logo was introduced, retiring the previous design that had been in use for two decades. Midway through 2003, Dan Brown succeeded Carson as general manager.

In 2003, "Summer Nights" was launched featuring extended evening hours during summer months, accompanied by construction of new parking facilities to improve accessibility. August Busch III shifted focus toward enhancing entertainment offerings, canceling plans for a hotel complex. The Wild Maus roller coaster was relocated from Busch Gardens Williamsburg to Tampa, replacing the Crazy Camel ride.

By 2004, the Kasbah restaurant was rebranded as Desert Grill; Wild Maus reopened under the name Cheetah Chase coaster. The park announced the $20 million SheiKra roller coaster for Stanleyville, constructed by Bolliger & Mabillard. In January 2005, fingerprint scanning technology replaced photo ID tickets, self-service kiosks were introduced, and a new entrance opened alongside completed road tunnels and expanded parking areas. SheiKra debuted in May as Florida’s tallest coaster and the first Dive Coaster model in the United States; an adjacent barbecue restaurant also began operation.

Starting in 2006, Busch Gardens Tampa adopted the branding "Busch Gardens Africa" to differentiate itself from its Williamsburg sister park known as Busch Gardens Europe. By then, five activity zones had been updated. The Timbuktu Theater premiered Pirates 4-D in February, replacing Haunted Lighthouse. After three decades of operation, the Python roller coaster closed in October to allow expansion work affecting part of the Congo section.

In 2007, the longstanding bird show at Bird Gardens concluded and was succeeded by Critter Castaways. SheiKra temporarily shut down in May and reopened with floorless trains in June. A $16 million Jungala area was announced for the former Python site, featuring Bengal tigers, Tomistoma crocodiles, flying foxes, gibbons, orangutans, along with attractions such as a mini space shot and zip line, play zones, educational exhibits, and dining options. Donnie Mills replaced Dan Brown as general manager late that year.

Jungala opened on April 5 with an estimated investment of $40 million; it targeted older children and young teenagers who had outgrown Land of the Dragons but were not yet ready for SheiKra. Amid industry consolidation in 2008, Belgian brewer InBev made an acquisition bid for Anheuser-Busch and contemplated divesting Busch Entertainment’s ten theme parks—including Busch Gardens Tampa—to finance this purchase. Anheuser-Busch considered restructuring assets to counter InBev’s offer; InBev responded by filing suit to facilitate its takeover attempt. Speculation emerged regarding potential buyers such as Blackstone Group, Cedar Fair, Parques Reunidos, and Six Flags.

On July 13, Anheuser-Busch and InBev agreed to merge amicably forming Anheuser-Busch InBev; plans included selling subsidiary assets like Busch Entertainment to fund the transaction. By August, industry sources indicated Blackstone (which operated Merlin Entertainment) and Parques Reunidos had become frontrunners among bidders for Busch parks. Negotiations extended into late 2008 with possible agreements expected by mid-2009.

In early 2009, Anheuser-Busch InBev discontinued free beer samples at its parks—a long-standing amenity—and reduced Anheuser-Busch branding presence ahead of an anticipated sale. To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Busch Gardens established a temporary museum displaying memorabilia contributed by guests and corporate partners.

By mid-2009, plans were underway to replace Land of the Dragons with a Sesame Street themed zone featuring expanded attractions including a children’s roller coaster. Rumors intensified regarding Busch Gardens’ sale with Blackstone Group emerging as the probable purchaser; on October 7 it was confirmed that Anheuser-Busch InBev sold Busch Entertainment to Blackstone for $2.3 billion. This transaction resulted in removal of Clydesdale horses but retained the Busch Gardens brand along with existing programs and management staff. In December, operational control transitioned to SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment under Blackstone ownership; remaining Anheuser-Busch symbols were removed from park premises.

2010–present: Ownership changes and new developments

In February 2010, Jim Dean succeeded Mills as the park's president. The Mystic Sheiks of Morocco band concluded their performances, and a new 4-D Sesame Street film premiered in the Timbuktu Theater, taking the place of Pirates 4-D. On March 27, the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area opened, spanning 2.5 acres. Walkabout Way, a kangaroo habitat within the Bird Gardens, launched on June 14. Later that year, on October 13, Busch Gardens announced two upcoming attractions for 2011: the Intamin-launched roller coaster Cheetah Hunt and a new cheetah habitat named Cheetah Run.

On May 16, 2011, plans were unveiled for a 16,000-square-foot Animal Care & Nutrition Center to replace the outdated rhino enclosure. Both Cheetah Hunt and Cheetah Run opened their doors on May 27. After Disney discontinued its Grad Night event in 2011, Busch Gardens introduced its own celebration tailored for local high school graduates.

The Animal Care Center officially opened in Nairobi on January 23, 2012, with an estimated investment of $5 million. That November marked the debut of the park’s winter-themed event, Christmas Town. In February 2013, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment refreshed Busch Gardens’ branding by introducing a "coaster tree" logo that highlighted rides and environmental themes. The Stanleyville Theater became enclosed that same year. Meanwhile, the Sandstorm ride ceased operations in June to make room for Falcon's Fury—a 335-foot Intamin drop tower in Timbuktu featuring a face-down descent.

By mid-2013, the Crown Colony restaurant shut down indefinitely due to budget constraints and declining attendance. In November, Busch Gardens revealed plans to transform Timbuktu into Pantopia, characterized by vibrant hues, a new narrative, updated refreshments, existing attractions, and Falcon's Fury.

After the Bird Gardens Theater closed in February 2014, the animal show Critter Castaways moved to Pantopia Theater; the former venue was subsequently demolished. That month also saw Busch Gardens join Tampa's CityPASS program alongside nearby zoos and aquariums. Although Falcon's Fury’s opening was postponed from May, Pantopia officially launched in April; Falcon's Fury had its grand opening on September 2 following soft openings. The Rhino Rally safari ride closed permanently in September. In December, the park announced that wooden coaster Gwazi would cease operations on February 1, 2015 due to increasing maintenance costs and guest feedback.

In February 2015, a new attraction was announced for the Egypt section with plans to open the following year. The Food and Wine Festival replaced Bands, Brew, and BBQ in March. By May, Busch Gardens formally introduced Cobra's Curse, a spinning coaster adjacent to Montu in Egypt that opened on June 17. Additionally, the Desert Grill reopened as Dragon Fire Grill on June 1.

Tanganyika Tidal Wave closed on April 10, 2016 without plans for replacement; meanwhile, the former Crown Colony restaurant reopened with a new dining option in May. Cobra's Curse officially began operation on June 17. On December 9, Jambo Junction animal center closed indefinitely amid corporate layoffs. In January 2017, Stewart Clark took over as park president after Jim Dean transitioned to oversee SeaWorld Orlando parks.

Free beer tastings returned in May 2018 at the former Hospitality House—now renamed Garden Gate Cafe. In September of that year, Busch Gardens announced Premier Rides’ triple-launch coaster Tigris, scheduled for a 2019 debut.

In March 2019, Busch Gardens unveiled Iron Gwazi—a Rocky Mountain Construction hybrid converting Gwazi into a high-speed steel-wood roller coaster. Tigris opened on April 19 as the park’s ninth coaster. Iron Gwazi’s completion was postponed from Spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic; during this time from March to June 2020, the park closed temporarily to minimize virus transmission risks. Attendance across SeaWorld Entertainment parks dropped by approximately 96% during this period.

Neal Thurman assumed park presidency in August 2020 following Stewart Clark’s departure to SeaWorld Entertainment leadership in September. Iron Gwazi officially opened on March 11, 2022 after preview events. In April of that year, announcements detailed plans for a new entrance plaza along with enhanced entertainment options and a lounge dedicated to pass members for the upcoming season.

In October 2022, Busch Gardens revealed Serengeti Flyer—a Screamin' Swing attraction that launched in Spring 2023. The Garden Gate Cafe was rebranded as Springs Taproom in January 2023. By July of that year, Sand Serpent wild mouse coaster had closed and been removed; it was succeeded by Phoenix Rising, which opened July 21, 2024 as the park’s tenth roller coaster.

Park design and features

• The Serengeti Express is a steam-powered narrow-gauge railway that traverses the rear section of the park, making stops at the themed regions of Nairobi, Congo, and Stanleyville.
• The SkyRide provides transportation for visitors between Edge of Africa (adjacent to Cheetah Hunt) and Stanleyville.

Morocco

The primary entrance to the park is styled after Morocco. Visitors can enjoy snacks at Sultan's Sweets and Zagora Cafe. This area also features the Moroccan Palace and the open-air Marrakesh Theater.

• Gwazi Gliders, a compact hang glider flat ride, was moved here from the now-closed Pygmy Village children's section in Congo.
• Myombe Reserve, established in 1992 within Nairobi, serves as a sanctuary for six western lowland gorillas and nine chimpanzees.
• The Moroccan Palace theater near Myombe Reserve showcases Busch Gardens' acclaimed ice skating production, Turn It Up! The Hottest Show On Ice.
• Iron Gwazi, a hybrid coaster combining wooden and steel elements crafted by Rocky Mountain Construction, replaced the former Gwazi. Opened in 2022, it stands as North America's tallest hybrid roller coaster and holds records as the fastest and steepest worldwide.

Sesame Street Safari of Fun

Originally named "Land of the Dragons," which itself succeeded the Dwarf Village in 1995, this children's zone was rebranded as Sesame Street Safari of Fun on March 27, 2010. It preserves all attractions from its predecessor, now with updated themes:

• Telly's Jungle Jam – an interactive play environment.
• Rosita's Djembe Fly-Away – a swing ride.
• Bert & Ernie's Watering Hole – a splash play area.
• Air Grover – a roller coaster designed for young guests.

Stanleyville

This area is named after the former city Stanleyville (currently Kisangani) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and contains major attractions such as SheiKra, a premier coaster launched in 2005. SheiKra was notable as North America's inaugural and sole Bolliger & Mabillard Dive Coaster until Busch Gardens Williamsburg introduced Griffon in 2007.

Stanleyville also housed Stanley Falls Flume, a water attraction operating from 1973 until its closure in 2025, alongside Tigris, a Premier Rides Sky Rocket II coaster that debuted in 2019 on the site formerly occupied by Tanganyika Tidal Wave. The African Queen Boat Ride, introduced in 1977 as Busch Gardens' version of Disney’s Jungle Cruise featuring live animals and South American macaws aboard each vessel, was transformed into Tanganyika Tidal Wave in 1989 with a 55-foot drop producing significant splashes. This ride ceased operations in 2016 and was dismantled in 2018 to make way for Tigris.

• SheiKra, a Bolliger & Mabillard floorless dive coaster distinguished by its 90-degree vertical plunge. Initially equipped with floors, it transitioned to floorless trains in 2007 and underwent repainting in 2013.
• Tigris, a launched Sky Rocket II coaster by Premier Rides, which opened on April 19, 2019.

Congo

The Congo section, inspired by the jungles of both the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, showcases two prominent attractions: Kumba, a steel sit-down coaster crafted by Bolliger & Mabillard, and Congo River Rapids, a river rapids ride designed by Intamin. In November 2006, this area experienced significant updates, including the removal of the park’s previous Arrow Dynamics Corkscrew coaster, Python. Past features also included flat rides such as Swinging Vines and Monstrous Mamba, along with the Pygmy Village children's zone, whose rides were relocated elsewhere within the park.

• Kumba, whose name means roar in Swahili, is a steel sit-down coaster boasting seven inversions. Constructed in 1993 by Bolliger & Mabillard, it remains one of the park’s signature attractions and was repainted in both 2010 and 2019.
• Congo River Rapids, an Intamin river rapids attraction that opened in 1982, includes a queue area featuring a Komodo dragon exhibit.
• Ubanga Banga Bumper Cars provide guests with a traditional bumper car experience.

Jungala

Launched on April 5, 2008, Jungala is a family-oriented area emphasizing intimate animal encounters. Among its highlights is Tiger Trail, a tiger walkthrough that includes an observation tower within the enclosure. The Kareebu Jungala show adds to guest interaction through performances involving stiltwalkers and puppetry.

• Orangutan Outpost offers an elevated platform for viewing and engaging with six Bornean orangutans (three males and three females as of 2017).
• Tiger Lodge and Tiger Trail provide observation points for at least ten tigers. In 2013, female Malayan tiger Bzui gave birth to three cubs fathered by Mata. As of 2024, the tiger population includes Zahra (Bengal), Bandar (Sumatran), and Asmara (Malayan).
• Kulu Canopy hosts a diverse habitat featuring white-cheeked gibbons Milo and Kodo, flying fox fruit bats, and rare false gharials native to Indonesia and Malaysia.

Pantopia

Initially themed around African marketplaces and malls, this section opened under the name Timbuktu in May 1980. The Phoenix, an Intamin Looping Starship, was introduced in 1984 but removed in 2018 to make way for Phoenix Rising, the first Bolliger & Mabillard Family Inverted Coaster in the United States. The Sand Serpent—a Mack Rides Wilde Maus coaster previously known as Wild Izzy, Wild Maus, and Cheetah Chase at Busch Gardens Williamsburg—operated from 2004 until its closure in 2023. A renovation in 2003 enclosed the Timbuktu Theater, replacing the former Dolphin Theater with an indoor 4-D movie venue that premiered titles such as "R.L Stine's Haunted Lighthouse" (2003), "Pirates 4-D" (2006), and "Sesame Street Presents: Lights! Camera! Imagination!" (2010). Das Festhaus was transformed into Desert Grill in 2004. In September 2014, Falcon's Fury—a 335-foot Intamin Sky Jump—opened, replacing the Sandstorm orbiter flat ride. Concurrently, the area was rebranded as Pantopia.

• Pantopia Theater: An indoor performance space that opened with Opening Night Critters in 2014 and has been home to Critters Inn Charge since spring 2019.
• Caravan Carousel: Features a variety of ride vehicles including horses, camels, and chariots.
• Falcon's Fury: A 335-foot tall Intamin Sky Jump drop tower that reaches speeds up to , making it North America’s tallest free-standing drop tower.
• Phoenix Rising: A family inverted coaster by Bolliger & Mabillard featuring an over-banked curve near its entrance sign. It stands as Busch Gardens’ newest coaster and is North America’s tallest and longest family inverted roller coaster.

Nairobi

Taking its name from Kenya's capital city, Nairobi offers visitors close-up experiences with creatures such as alligators and crocodiles. The Curiosity Cavern presents exhibits focused on mammals and reptiles, while the Myombe Reserve replicates a tropical rainforest environment inhabited by western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees. Animal Ambassadors based in this area regularly participate in educational outreach across the country at Jambo Junction.

Established in 2012, the Animal Care Center spans almost 16,000 square feet and highlights veterinary practices. The facility includes a kitchen dedicated to nutrition demonstrations, treatment rooms, a clinical laboratory, and interactive diagnostic areas. It plays a vital role in supporting behind-the-scenes activities like animal nutrition management, recovery processes, and veterinary offices.

Nairobi also features the Elephant Interaction Wall, home to five female and one male Asian elephants—the male having arrived from Calgary Zoo in 2013. Guests can engage with the elephants daily either at the wall or through the Elephant Keeper Experience.

A notable recent addition is the Serengeti Flyer, an exhilarating S&S Sansei Screamin' Swing introduced in 2023. Initially operated at reduced intensity during morning hours, it now functions exclusively at full height and velocity in its "wild mode."

Edge of Africa

Also referred to as Cheetah Hunt Plaza, Edge of Africa is the park’s smallest zone. This section includes The Serengeti Overlook Restaurant and Pub, the Cheetah Hunt roller coaster, and the Skyride station.

• Cheetah Hunt, an Intamin Blitz coaster that debuted in 2011, features three launch segments, a Windcatcher Tower element, and a heartline roll inversion. It occupies the location of the former suspended monorail station which ceased operations in 1999.
• Adjacent to Cheetah Hunt is Cheetah Run, an animal exhibit that replaced the Clydesdale Hamlet. Opened in May 2011, it displays Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s cheetah population with running demonstrations and Meet a Keeper presentations. The exhibit offers interactive screens providing detailed cheetah information. Notably, from 2011 to 2013, Kasi—a male cheetah—was paired with Mtani, a female Labrador Retriever; Mtani now resides with a staff member while Kasi has since been paired with a female cheetah. As of 2013, Busch Gardens maintains a total of 14 cheetahs.

Egypt

The Egyptian-themed area evokes an authentic marketplace atmosphere featuring Bedouin tents alongside traditional handicrafts and artwork. Its centerpiece attraction is Montu, an inverted steel roller coaster. Tut’s Tomb—a former audio-guided walk-through tomb excavation—was closed in Winter 2013 to create space for Cobra’s Curse’s queue line. The previous Golden Scarab Gift Shop was repurposed into a retail outlet located at the exit of this attraction.

• Cobra's Curse, a Mack Rides spinning coaster that replaced Tut’s Tomb, officially opened on June 17, 2016.
• Montu, named after the Egyptian falcon god of war, is a Bolliger & Mabillard inverted coaster featuring seven inversions.

Animal habitats

As Tampa’s largest zoological collection, Busch Gardens is home to more than 200 animal species.

Animal Care Center

This facility allows guests to witness various animal care procedures firsthand—from medical treatments to x-ray diagnostics.

• The Wildlife Docs is an Emmy-nominated television series documenting caretakers who provide care for over 12,000 animals at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Bird Gardens

This free-flight aviary is home to more than 500 tropical bird species from around the globe, including flamingos and parrots. Since its opening in 1959, the area has combined lush gardens with various animal displays. The original brewery, once a major highlight, ceased operations in 1995 and was succeeded by the Gwazi attraction. In 2014, the Bird Gardens theater was dismantled; its outdoor production "Critter Castaways" was relocated indoors under the title "Opening Night Critters" until it ended in December 2018. Presently, the park features "Rescue Tales," a show focused on animal rescue efforts, which is also performed at Seaworld Orlando.

• Walkabout Way, introduced in June 2010 as an Australian-themed section, enables visitors to hand-feed wallabies and kangaroos while observing native birds like kookaburras and black swans. A notable addition was Horatio, a male kangaroo who arrived in 2014. This interactive experience is designed for guests aged five and above.
• Lory Landing offers an open aviary environment where visitors can engage with lorikeets, with nectar available for purchase to facilitate hand-feeding.

Edge of Africa

Launched in 1997, Edge of Africa is a walk-through exhibit that highlights African fauna such as a Nile crocodile named Sobek, meerkats, two groups of lions, spotted hyenas, three hippos named Moyo, Kita, and Devi, vultures, and a lemur troop.

The most recent lion pride members—male Kembe along with females Shaba and Shtuko—were brought as cubs from an African zoo in 2013. Another pride includes male Simon and females Rose and Iris; as of 2024, Rose is the sole surviving lion from this group. To avoid inbreeding concerns, hippos Moyo and Kita (father and daughter) are alternated daily between the public exhibit and holding areas.

The Serengeti Plain

Established in 1965 as the pioneering free-roaming habitat of its kind, the Serengeti Plain expanded significantly over time. It accommodates species such as Grévy's zebra, Grant's zebra, Grant's gazelle, Thomson's gazelle, sable antelope, reticulated giraffe, Ankole-Watusi cattle, addax antelope, waterbuck, greater kudu, southern white rhinoceros, common eland, impala, common ostrich, and lowland nyala. A secluded enclosure houses Jody, a solitary female eastern black rhinoceros.

Events

Between January and March each year, Busch Gardens hosts weekly concerts featuring popular big band and pop artists performing both timeless classics and contemporary hits.

During March and April, Gwazi Field becomes the venue for a concert series primarily spotlighting classic rock and country performers. Occasionally, acts from alternative rock, pop, hip hop, R&B genres as well as comedians also appear. The event includes culinary offerings featuring ethnic dishes and wine tastings from local vendors along the path stretching from the Gwazi Roller Coaster to Gwazi Field. In response to backlash following the documentary Blackfish, several bands withdrew from performances at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens' "Bands, Brew & BBQ" event in 2014; consequently, this event was discontinued in Tampa and replaced by an annual Food and Wine Festival similar to that at Walt Disney World's Epcot. Additionally in March, Latin music performers take the stage at Gwazi Field alongside themed food specials.

During summer months, Busch Gardens extends operating hours to include concerts by artists such as David Cassidy and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. Independence Day celebrations feature fireworks displays. Introduced in 2010 but discontinued after 2016 was Kinetix, a nighttime show utilizing special effects held at Gwazi Field. Since 2017’s Summer Nights began offering themed party zones like ¡Fiesta Festa! located at Cheetah Hunt Plaza and Tigris’s Party Zone within Stanleyville where guests can dance with DJs and compete for prizes. Weekend "Dance Challenge" contests held at Gwazi Park award Adventure Island tickets to winners and culminate with fireworks presentations. Following park renovations in 2022, Summer Nights was rebranded as "Busch Gardens Summer Celebration."

From September through October since 2000, Busch Gardens presents Howl-O-Scream, a highly acclaimed Halloween event featuring haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows. Certain attractions transform into horror-themed experiences after dark such as Evening Serengeti Safari Tours and Dark Cavern. The event celebrated its 13th anniversary in 2012.

Between November and December each year, Christmas Town transforms park theaters into holiday-themed productions like Christmas On Ice held at the Moroccan Palace theater. The entire park is adorned with over one million Christmas lights along with themed areas such as Snow World offering snow play zones and ice slides. Launched in 2012, Christmas Town includes Santa’s House photo opportunities near Nairobi Train Station which hosts a Christmas carol sing-along train journey around the Serengeti Plain. Since 2016 guests have been able to meet characters from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer within Rudolph's Winter Wonderland area. Seasonal princess appearances include characters like the Ice Princess and Poinsettia Princess; Princess Fae made her debut in 2019.

On New Year's Eve each year, Busch Gardens offers live musical performances throughout the park with thrill rides operating late into the night. Fireworks are launched from Gwazi Field accompanied by a park-wide countdown celebration welcoming the new year.

Rankings

The roller coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa have earned numerous honors from Amusement Today, including nominations for best landscaping in both 1998 and 2007.

Steel Coasters

• Montu: Achieved 2nd place in 1999
• Kumba: Secured 4th place in 1998
• SheiKra: Ranked 13th in 2006
• Cheetah Hunt: Placed 29th in 2011
• Iron Gwazi: Positioned at 29th in 2022

Wooden Coasters

• Gwazi: Ranked 40th in 2007

Attendance

Year	Attendance
2008	4,128,000
2009	4,100,000
2010	4,200,000
2011	4,284,000
2012	4,348,000
2013	4,087,000
2014	4,128,000
2015	4,252,000
2016	4,169,000
2017	3,961,000
2018	4,139,000
2019	4,180,000
2020	1,288,000
2021	3,210,000
2022	4,051,000
2023	4,000,000

Prior to the pandemic, the park consistently welcomed over four million guests each year. The attendance figures saw a significant decline in 2020 due to worldwide restrictions but have since demonstrated a robust recovery.

See also

• Florida tourism industry
• Incidents at SeaWorld parks
• SeaWorld San Antonio
• SeaWorld San Diego
• Sesame Place (Pennsylvania)

External links

• Official website