Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa, Florida

Busch Gardens Africa is also known as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and first opened its doors on March 31st, 1959. The establishment consists of a 335-acre, 19th century African-themed adventure-park, and was originally used as an admission-free hospitality venue for the Tampa Bay Anheuser-Busch Brewery on the grounds of the manufacturing facility. After the plant was closed, Busch Gardens began to focus on using the tropical landscape, exotic wildlife and amusements to draw in visitors.

Busch Gardens Africa was previously known as Busch Gardens: The Dark Continent from 1976 through the 1990's, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay from the 1990's until 2006. The park is operated by the Busch Entertainment Corporation and is open year-round. There are 22 total rides in the park, along with 6 roller coasters and 3 water rides.

Busch Gardens Africa contains some very unique themed areas throughout the park. The Serengeti Express is a replica of a steam train that runs along the back end of the park and makes periodic stops all over the park, and the Skyride provides guest transport between Crown Colony and Stanleyville.

Located at the main entrance of the park is the Mystic Sheiks of Morocco brass ensemble. Guests can purchase treats at Sultans Sweets and Zagora Cafy. Also located here are the Moroccan Palace and the outdoor Marrakesh Theater. Visitors can also ride Gwazi, a 90 ft., 50 mph, wooden roller coaster named after a mythological creature with the head of tiger and body of a lion.

An original section of the park that was opened in 1959 was the Bird Gardens. The area is filled with lush gardens and daily animal shows and exhibits. The shows are being upgraded and replaced with newer, more informative and interesting shows which will also include mammals.

Stanleyville was opened in 1973, and is the area of the park that is home to the water rides. One of the best rides to enjoy here is SkeiKra, a 200 ft. floorless diving roller coaster, which was formerly the only dive roller coaster in the United States, until its sister coaster Griffon was added to Busch Gardens Europe. Also found in Stanleyville is the Stanley Falls Flume, a log flume with a 43 ft. drop, and Tanganyika Tidal Wave a 20-passenger, shoot-the-flumes ride with a 55 ft. drop to be waters below.

The Congo area of the park contains two of the most popular rides at Busch Gardens Africa. The Kumba, which is a 143 ft. sit-down steel roller coaster with seven inversions, and the Congo River Rapids which features simulated raging whitewater rapids.

Jangala was opened on April 5th, 2008, and is a family friendly attraction that features up-close animal encounters, rope bridges, a three-story jungle area and playground. The Jungle Fliers is a zip-line ride that launches guests over a waterfall and through treetops. Another unique facet of Jangala is Tiger Trail, an enclosed walkthrough with Tigers and a glass turret which allows guests to see directly into the middle of the enclosure.

Timbuktu is an area that contains malls and bazaars themed after Africa. Interesting venues contained in the area are the 4-D Timbuktu Theater, the Cheetah Chase roller coaster, the Phoenix and Sandstorm. Many of the areas in Timbuktu have been recently upgraded and improved, which makes the exhibits and displays even more enjoyable for guests.

Other theme areas of the park include Nairobi, the Crown Colony and Egypt. Busch Gardens Africa also contains animal exhibits, such as the Serengeti Plains animal exhibit, the Myombe Reserve, the Edge of Africa and Curiosity Caverns. The park also features 4 roller coasters that have been named on the list of Amusement Today's Top 50 coasters.

Busch Gardens Africa also has a gift shop, restaurants, a cafy and several other top-notch guest amenities. The park is open daily and the hours of operation vary from season to season, so it is advisable to check the website or contact the park for further information prior to visiting.