Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay Florida is owned and operated by the Busch Entertainment Corporation a division of Anheuser-Busch. The original theme park which opened its doors in 1959 is one of America’s largest zoological institutions with more than 2,700 animals. Through the years, Busch Gardens became a theme park with thrill rides like high speed roller coasters which are considered to be some of the biggest in the world today. It also includes a wide variety of attractions, shows, and live entertainment for children and adults of all ages. (photo courtesy of supersundaytampabay.com)

There is something for everyone at Busch Gardens including different areas with rides and entertainment for smaller children. It is such a unique theme park that it is also a part of Worlds of Discovery providing you with breathtaking adventures and a taste of African Safari. This 335-acre park resembles various areas of Africa ranging from Morocco, Congo and even Egypt. Guests are transported aboard an off-road adventure through the wilds of Africa and you can have up close encounters with the animals.

Rides

There are many exciting rides at Busch Gardens and lots of them are thrilling roller coasters that will have your heart pounding for hours. Included here are Gwazi which is the largest and fastest double wooden roller coaster in the Southeast; Sheikra the nation’s first dive coaster that will take you 200 feet up and then drop you 90 degrees straight down into an underground tunnel; Cheetah Chase that will take you in an adventure in the heart of exotic Timbuktu; Kumba coaster with an initial 135 foot drop and then a plunge from 110 feet into a diving loop; and Montu coaster which will test your courage at every turn. (photo courtesy of themeparks.com)

And, if you like water rides don’t miss Congo River Rapids which will put you on a 12 person raft through swift flowing white waters and spin through a geyser and then drop you through a huge waterfall; Stanley Falls will take you through a splashing trip ending in a 40 foot drop that will get everyone soaked; and Tanganike Tidal Wave which is a 20 passenger boat ride that ends with a sudden plunge of about a 55 foot drop and creates a huge wave. Get ready to get soaked again.

Animal Attractions

Animal attractions at Busch Gardens include Clydesdale Hamlet featuring some of the most powerful horses in the world; Bird Gardens with over 500 tropical birds from all over the world; Edge of Africa which is an intense wildlife experience; Lory Landing which is a domed exotic bird habitat; Rhino Rally that will transport guests to adventure the wilds of Africa; Serengeti Plain which features hundreds of exotic African animals; and Myonbe Reserve where you can view chimpanzees and gorillas in their natural habitat. (photo courtesy of insideflorida.com)

Other Attractions
Other attractions that you can visit at Busch Gardens are Land of the Dragons which includes a three story tall tree house with an enchanted forest, some slides, a gentle waterfall, great rides and friendly dragons; King Tut’s Tomb where you can visit a realistic replication of King Tut’s burial site; Serengeti Railway that will take you all around the Serengeti Plain which is like the real thing in Africa with its large roaming herds of African animals; and Skyride where you can view the spectacular scenery of the park.

Shows

If you like to be entertained, Busch Gardens offers many live shows including Burn the Floor which is a fast paced show with live dancers; Friends for Ever a family friendly show that teaches kids of all ages that together, friends can accomplish anything; Katonga-Tales from the Jungle is a 35 minute musical that will take you on a journey to the heart of Africa; Music Sheiks of Morocco which serve as ambassadors at Busch Gardens since the 1970s and perform on the sidewalk of the park daily; Pirates 4-D a swashbuckling 4-D comedy adventure for the entire family; Critter Castaways is an animal show featuring exotic creatures and includes dogs, cats, birds, kangaroos to mention a few but there are almost 80 animals in all; and Rock a Doo Wop which features the greatest hits of the 50’s and 60’s performed by talented singers and dancers. (photo courtesy of egruve.com)

Busch Gardens is such a large theme park that it is almost impossible to mention everything here but hopefully the information above will help you to discover its beauty on your next Florida travel vacation.