About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a 335-acre African-themed theme park and zoo that combines world-class roller coasters with a world-class zoological experience. The park is home to over 12,000 animals representing more than 300 species and features some of the most thrilling roller coasters in the Southeast United States, including SheiKra, Cheetah Hunt, Iron Gwazi, and Montu.
History of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens began as a hospitality house and bird garden for the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Tampa, opening to the public in 1959. The park evolved through the decades from a small attraction to a major theme park, adding African theming and significant animal collections in the 1970s and world-class roller coasters from the 1990s onward. Now owned by SeaWorld Entertainment, the park continues to add major coasters, with Iron Gwazi (2022) being the world's fastest and steepest hybrid coaster at its opening.
Park Areas & Lands
🦁 Serengeti Plain
A 65-acre open-air habitat where African animals roam freely, visible from the Serengeti Railway, Skyride, and the Serengeti Safari tour.
🎢 Iron Gwazi Area
Home to the park's newest and most extreme roller coaster.
🏺 Egypt
Ancient Egyptian theming surrounding one of the most acclaimed inverted coasters ever built.
🌍 Nairobi
Animal exhibits and encounters including the Myombe Reserve great ape habitat and the Edge of Africa walking trail.
🏔️ Pantopia
A vibrant cultural area featuring the Falcon's Fury drop tower and Cheetah Hunt coaster launch point.
🌊 Congo
Tropical river theming with water rides and the historic Kumba coaster.
Must-Do Attractions
- Iron Gwazi - World-class hybrid coaster - 206 feet tall, 76 mph, 12 airtime moments, and a beyond-vertical 91-degree drop
- Cheetah Hunt - Triple-launch coaster inspired by the cheetah's hunting sprint, reaching 60 mph along a course that crosses the Serengeti edge
- Montu - Legendary inverted coaster considered one of the best in the world with seven inversions at 60 mph
- SheiKra - Floorless dive coaster with a 90-degree vertical drop from 200 feet and a water splash finale
- Serengeti Safari - Guided open-air truck tour across the 65-acre Serengeti Plain with opportunities to hand-feed giraffes
Insider Tips
- Busch Gardens is about 75 minutes from Orlando - factor in the drive time when planning your day
- Iron Gwazi and Cheetah Hunt have the longest waits - ride them first at rope drop
- The Serengeti Safari ($39) is one of the best animal experiences in Florida and books up fast
- Quick Queue is very affordable here compared to Universal's Express Pass and dramatically reduces wait times
- Busch Gardens annual passes often include free admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica
- The park is significantly less crowded than Orlando theme parks on most days
Best Times to Visit
Busch Gardens Tampa is significantly less crowded than Orlando's major theme parks. Weekdays during the school year offer walk-on rides for most coasters. The park is busiest during summer weekends, spring break, and the Howl-O-Scream Halloween event. Morning hours consistently offer the shortest wait times.
Tickets & Pricing
Single-day tickets from $109 online (higher at gate). Annual passes from $199 (often include SeaWorld and Aquatica). Quick Queue from $25. Multi-park combos with SeaWorld available. Serengeti Safari tour $39+.
Dining at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Dragon Fire Grill features live entertainment with flatbreads, burgers, and craft beer. Zambia Smokehouse serves excellent BBQ ribs and chicken. Serengeti Overlook Restaurant provides views of the Serengeti Plain. The Cheetah Run Cafe is a convenient quick-service option near Cheetah Hunt.
Official Resources
Group Visit to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay? BusBrother drops your group at the front gate and picks you up after the fireworks. No parking fees, no rideshare surge. Round trip, multi-stop, ADA accessible. Get a free quote.