Theme Park Insider

Get Our News and Tips

Advertising

Busch Gardens Africa

Tampa, Florida

Description

Location: Busch Gardens Africa is located in Tampa, Florida. You can get driving directions by clicking the Busch Gardens Africa link on Theme Park Insider's Google map of U.S. theme parks.

History: Busch Gardens opened in 1959 as an animal exhibit next to the company's brewery. It was later developed into a full theme park called Busch Gardens: The Dark Continent. The park was then renamed Busch Gardens Tampa and is now known as Busch Gardens Africa. The Park is comprised of 8 themed areas including Morocco, Bird Gardens, Stanleyville, Congo, Jungala, Timbuktu, Nairobi and Egypt. The Park now has a total of 7 coasters, 3 water rides, 5 major live shows, and numerous animal exhibits. Also every customer(aged 21 or older) receives 2 complimentary cups of Anheuser-Busch beer, per visit.

Hours: http://www.buschgardens.com. Busch Gardens is open 365 days a year.

Tickets: Buy online. Always try to buy your tickets in advance, to save time when you get to the park. Florida residents have the option of purchasing a Fun Card which allows you to pay for a 1-day admission ticket, and reuse that ticket for free park admission through December 31, 2008(simply ask for the Fun Card when purchasing your ticket).

Reservations: Busch Gardens does not have a ride reservation system, but you can book the Serengeti Dining Safari online.

Strategy: If you want to see animals, they tend to be more active in the morning. If you're there for rides, the lines for the major coasters and water rides get longer as the day goes on (except at around an hour before park closing, then the lines are mostly nonexistent everywhere). If you want to see it all, check the show schedules online before you arrive (www.buschgardens.com), arrive early and start at the back of the park, working your way to the front.

Rumors: Jungala, a new collection of animal exhibits and rides is Now Open!
-- Last edited by Justin Kermgard

[Update this description | Read previous versions]

Photos

Photo Photo Photo

Where to stay?

Safety

Readers' Opinions

Attractions

Animal Exhibits(Rating)(Height)
Serengeti Express Railway7
Bird Gardens(Rating)(Height)
Aviary9
Bird Gardens Theater8
Land of the Dragons8
Lory Landing
Congo(Rating)(Height)
Kumba954
Congo River Rapids842
Ubanga-Banga642
Egypt(Rating)(Height)
Montu954
Edge of Africa9
Skyride8
King Tut's Tomb6
Jungala(Rating)(Height)
Tree Top Trails8
Wild Surge638
Jungle Flyers248
Morocco(Rating)(Height)
Myombe Reserve9
Katonga9
Gwazi Tiger748
Gwazi Lion748
Nairobi(Rating)(Height)
Animal Nursery9
Rhino Rally739
Stanleyville(Rating)(Height)
Tanganyika Tidal Wave948
SheiKra954
Stanley Falls846
Timbuktu(Rating)(Height)
Cheetah Chase846
Phoenix848
Scorpion842
The Sandstorm642
Carousel Caravan5
Pirates 4-D5

[Add a missing attraction]

Dining

Bird Gardens(Rating)
Hospitality House10
Egypt(Rating)
Crown Colony Pizza7
Crown Colony Restaurant7
Jungala(Rating)
Bengal Bistro8
Orang Cafe6
Morocco(Rating)
Sultans Sweets8
Zagora Cafe7
Ice Cream Parlor7
Nairobi(Rating)
Kenya Kanteen5
Stanleyville(Rating)
Stanleyville Smokehouse9
Timbuktu(Rating)
Desert Grill Restaurant9
Oasis5

[Add a missing restaurant]

Theme Parks Reviewed

U.S./Canada Top 20 *

Other U.S. parks

International parks

Water parks

Feature Articles

Blog Flume Archive

2008

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May

2007

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.

2006

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.

2005

Dec.

Other Sources