serengeti safari tour tampa

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Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect

Experience the thrill of the Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour, an unforgettable wildlife adventure in the heart of Florida. 

Climb aboard a safari-style open-air vehicle and embark on a guided tour that brings you face-to-face with an incredible array of exotic animals. 

This article shares everything you need to know before booking Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour tickets.

Top Serengeti Safari Tour Tickets

# Tampa Bay: Serengeti Safari Tour tickets # Tampa Bay CityPASS

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What to expect at tampa bay serengeti safari, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, tampa bay serengeti safari tour price, tampa bay: serengeti safari tour tickets, how to reach , best time to visit, how long does the safari take.

Explore the graceful giraffes to majestic elephants, curious zebras to powerful rhinos, and swift cheetahs to elegant antelopes. 

The tour offers a remarkable opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in a natural and immersive setting. 

Let the sights, sounds, and enchanting ambiance of the Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour transport you to an exotic world of wildlife and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour is an exciting and educational adventure that takes you through a stunning wildlife preserve in the Tampa Bay area. 

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom.

During the safari, you’ll have the chance to encounter a wide range of animal species up close. 

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guides will share interesting facts and insights about the animals, their habitats, and conservation efforts. 

They will help deepen your understanding and appreciation for the incredible biodiversity found within the Tampa Bay area.

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Tickets to Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari are available online and at the attraction. 

We suggest purchasing your tickets online well in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointment.

Visit the booking page for the Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari, choose your preferred date, number of tickets, and purchase your tickets straight away.

You’ll get the tickets in your email shortly after making the transaction. 

You can show the smartphone ticket and enter.

The ticket for Serengeti Safari Tampa Bay costs US$55 for all visitors. 

The tour is unsuitable for children up to the age of five years. 

An adult must accompany children who are 13 and below.

The Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour is an incredible animal encounter that allows you to embark on a safari adventure across the picturesque Serengeti Plain.

Led by expert guides, the 30-minute off-road tour provides the opportunity to observe exotic animals in their natural habitat. 

Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you hand-feed giraffes and encounter zebras, ostriches, rhinos, and several antelope species.

The tour offers incredible photo opportunities, ensuring you capture memories that will last a lifetime.

The tour includes a guide and transportation in open-air vehicles, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings fully. 

Please note that the tour is not suitable for children under five years of age or wheelchair users. 

It is an ideal activity for nature enthusiasts, families, and wildlife lovers looking for an educational and exciting adventure.

Take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to connect with African wildlife and create lasting memories. 

Ticket Price: US$55

Save time and money! The city of Tampa is known for its stunning waterfront, lovely beaches, historical centers, art and culture backdrop, and thriving urban setting. At just $139, the Tampa Bay CityPASS allows you access to Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, and the ZooTampa, among many other attractions. The CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days after its first use.

The Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari is located at the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida. 

Address : 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, United States. Get Directions . 

You can either take public transport or your car.

Take the Bus 12 and get off at 22nd St @ Okara Rd . 

From there, it is a three-minute ride to the park! 

Enter the location on Google Maps and get started!  

There is ample parking available for visitors.

The Tampa Bay Safari typically operates during the regular hours of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Park, from 10 am to 6 pm. 

The best time to go on the Tampa Bay Safari tour is in the mornings at 10 am as soon as the zoo opens.

There are four advantages of starting early – the animals are most active early in the morning, the temperatures are still moderate, the crowd is yet to get in, and you have the whole day to explore.

However, if you enjoy the crowd, evening safaris will be fun too!

The Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour typically takes around 30 minutes. 

However, you should enter at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour for a relaxed start.

This duration allows guests to enjoy a comprehensive safari experience across the Serengeti Plain, observe African wildlife, and participate in activities such as hand-feeding giraffes. 

The duration may vary slightly depending on animal behavior and park conditions. 

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Tampa Bay Safari Tour.

The tour is generally suitable for children aged five and above.  Younger children are not permitted due to safety considerations and the nature of the experience. 

The Tampa Bay Safari Tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the off-road nature of the experience.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own camera or smartphone to capture the memorable moments during the Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour. There are incredible photo opportunities, and you’ll want to capture the beauty of the wildlife and surroundings.

We recommend bringing sunglasses, a hat to protect yourself from the sun, a camera to capture the amazing wildlife moments, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the Florida sun.

Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the tour.  Additionally, alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited for the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

Sources # Buschgardens.com # Wikipedia.org # Tripadvisor.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Urvashi Goyal

She is a city fanatic who loves exploring different cities, understanding their culture, meeting people, and discovering hidden gems. She likes to holiday in offbeat places that mainstream tourists are yet to discover. When on holiday, she avoids crowded tourist traps. Favourite cities: Bern, Los Angeles, and San Francisco

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Serengeti Safari experience - Busch Gardens

• United States    
• Florida (FL)    
• Tampa    
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• Busch Gardens

Serengeti Safari experience

If you want to take best advantage of this safari, my tips are to; Book early and aim for one of the early safaris, as the one later in the day get ver busy, and you have less space to enjoy the adventure.

We're from Canada and have been to Busch gardens several times in the past few years. I have to say that of Disney, Sea World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens, Busch is my favourite. I'd be a fool not to appreciate the empire that Disney is but my family prefers Busch. They have great roller coasters and lot's of wild animals such as giraffes, lions, hyenas, elephants, etc. Plus there's a great spot for smaller kids (Dragonland). Even the arcade areas I was pleasantly surprised with. Normally I expect to get ripped off there but the attendants were good with my two youngsters and gave them more than a fighting chance to win something. I hate the $9 parking (doesn't matter what time you show up) but I love everything else. Even the food wasn't that expensive (by amusement park standards) One tip I can pass on, if you stop in at customer service on the way out you can often get a second day at reduced rates, valid for any time in the next two weeks. We bought passes for one day and got a second day free, just for asking. I think normally it'd be about $10. We enjoy all the parks but if I could return only to one it'd be Busch Gardens.

This was our second visit to Busch Gardens and I enjoyed it even more than our first visit because we were able to concentrate on things we enjoyed. We started the day with the Rhino Rally which is quite fun and amazingly well done. The theme is that the driver of a safari vehicle gets lost and the vehicle winds up falling in a river. The train ride around the park which is a great way to view the spectacular collection of African wildlife. The Save A Species tour is expensive but well worth the cost for any one with an interest in wildlife. The tour includes hand feeding the giraffes and a presentation with the rhino caretakers that includes an up close and personal visit with a rhino. We spent some time walking through the animal exhibits. The hippo enclosure with the underwater viewing area is not to be missed. Lunch in the restaurant at the Crown Colony is amazing! The food is good and the restaurant has sweeping views of the giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and other animals in the Serengeti. While we ate an extremely talented musician played Scott Joplin and show tunes on the piano. This is one of the more memorable places to eat in the central Florida theme parks. The African bird show is pleasant but nowhere near as impressive as the wonderful bird show at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Sadly, we were running out of time when we reached the aviary and the lorikeet houses and had to rush through them. We ended our day at the 4-D pirate presentation in Timbuktu. Eric Idle, Leslie Neilsen, and Rodney Dangerfield are among those appearing in the film with live effects. It was fun, but again, not as good as similar presentations at the Disney parks. Busch Gardens is well worth a visit, particularly for people who love wildlife and for roller coaster enthusiasts. One tip: Avoid Katonga, which is a second-rate remake of The Lion King. The cast is outstanding but the songs they have been given are dull and boring.

Our family visited 1/4/07 to 1/6/07. We thought the park was very attractive with nice landscaping. Everything was clean and well maintained and the employees we had contact with were all very professional and courteous. The animal trainers/handlers all seemed to really be happy and enjoy their jobs though you know it's a hot and dirty job most of the time. We paid the extra for one of the Animal Adventure Tours and it was worth every penny. Being up close and feeding and peting the giraffes was a wonderful experience. Standing within a few feet of a rhino (safely on the other side of a trench though) and learning about this powerful animal from the handler was a real treat. The food at Anheuser-Busch owned parks always seems to be much better than at other parks of this type. We particularly enjoyed the family style meal at the Crown Colony House. The food was freshly prepared, tasty and the portions were generous. The fried chicken, beer battered fish, mashed potatoes and homemade cole slaw were especially good. The service left a little to be desired but it was adequate. On the other hand the pizza we had at the Hospitality House on our second day was terrible. The crust was like something that Pillsbury would sell in a tube and the toppings were very greasy. We later tried the key lime pie at Sultan's Sweets candy and bakery and found it to be excellent. Our visit, except for the final day, was during the week and it was not crowded at all. The lines were very short and we had no problems getting into the shows or onto the rides with minimal if any wait. The park was only open from 10-6 each day which is actually a very short time for a park of this size. We visited for only a short while on our last day to kill some time before our flight and try to catch some of the things we were not able to do the previous 2 days. We still did not get through all the animal exhibits. We lived in the Williamsburg area for 2 years and had seasons passes to the park there those 2 years. We think the Williamsburg park is betterbut they don't have all the animals. Don't get us wrong. There's nothing wrong with the Tampa park it's just that the themeing and rides at Williamsburg appeal to us more. The food seemed to be better there too though that could have changed in the last few years. The Tampa park is definately worth a visit, though we would not want to go during the hot summer but that's true for any of the Florida parks.

Busch Gardens is a great place for the young, old and in between. I have the pleasure of being a Florida resident so I have a yr round pass.Great value!! The animals areas are always kept clean and the park is always being looked after. For thrill seekers, the larger roller coasters are the best!! I have a 2 yr old God daughter and we have the best time taking her. The section for young children is wonderful and has a variety of fun rides for them as well. The park does involve a lot of walking so be prepared with some comfortable shoes. The variety of shows is great and the food is always good too. Great barbecue!! Great place to cool off if you like water rides also. Train ride is nice and goes through a lot of the animal area so you can truly see a variety of animals on your visit. Hard to see and do everything in one day as the shows are staggered and the ride lines are usually long. Sheikra is the best ride if you can handle that sort of thing!!

We went to Bush Gardens and were very disapointed. First, the ticket price is sky high for the size of the park. Second, people are drinking and smoking everywhere. So, not only do you have to deal with crazy adult drunks, you are breathing in a ton of second hand smoke. I don't know why they allow this and I feel terrible for the animals who have to live there everyday in it. Also, they let all the wasted people out at closing to drive home. It's not a good atmosphere for kids. Third, we arrived and stood in line for a good 30 minutes when they announced the ride was closed. We didn't think too much of that becuase I have had it happen before at the other parks. We were able to go on one water ride and then the next three rides that we waited in for over 40 minutes each were shut down. So, we basically paid for 4 hours of waiting around with smoking, drunk people. We asked for our money back which they did grant but it was a total waste of time and very frustrating. Do your self a favor and don't go to Bush Gardens.

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Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens Tampa Review

Just an hour away from Orlando is Busch Gardens Tampa! Busch Gardens is the best of both worlds, wrapping a first class theme park and zoo all in one! Busch Gardens Tampa not only has amazing roller coasters, cool animals to see, but also up close animal experiences to enjoy in the parks. A few days ago, I got to experience the Serengeti Safari which is an up close safari tour which gives you an up close experience with some animals that are commonly found in Africa. Some of the animals that you get to see up close are rhinos,ostriches, zebras, and giraffes! I wanted to share some details about the tour as well as what I thought about the experience!

First off here are some things you should know about the tour:

• The tour takes place in the back of a slow moving truck and you are standing the entire time so be prepared for that. Also there are no water or bathroom breaks on this tour so make sure you grab a drink and use the bathroom before you start the tour.
• The price for the tour is between $29.00 and $39.00 depending on the time of year, so check the website for current pricing
• This tour is very popular and fills up quickly so make sure you book your tour online before you go to the parks
• Tours are at different times of the day, so pick the one you want. I prefer the earlier tours as they do not seem to be as busy and the animals seem to be more active.
• BRING YOUR CAMERA for some amazing pictures! If you do not bring your camera, there is a camera person on board to get some photos for you to purchase.
• No bags are allowed on this tour but there are lockers provided for free!

Now on to my experience on the tour. We met at the Serengeti Outpost about 15 minutes prior to the tour time where I checked in. After checking in for the tour, I met with my tour guide. Once everyone was there and checked in, we went over what to expect on the tour, some safety information, and then we made our way over to the truck. Once on the truck we went over the safety information again and before we knew it we were off into the savannah. The truck ride was smooth and slow so no need to worry about your safety on this tour! We went into 2 different parts of the savannah which held different animals. You can see most of the animals from the train, however you do get to see some different animals that cannot be seen from the train and you get super close to them as well!!!

So what about you? Have you ever been on this tour? If so, what did you think? If not, will you be doing the tour the next time you are at Busch Gardens Tampa?? Comment below and let me know!

Jason Mayhew

My name is Jason Mayhew, and I am the owner of OFF On The Go. When not traveling with the website, I own my own marketing and PR company, J Mayhew Marketing. I have the best job where I get to travel the world and showcase the most amazing and unique experiences!

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Touring Central Florida

News on theme parks, attractions, & destinations across central florida & beyond, serengeti safari tour at busch gardens tampa.

Posted on March 19, 2018 December 15, 2019 Author Bill 2 Comments

A big draw for visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the impressive collection of wildlife from around the world and the state of the art habitats where guests can get up close to the animals. That includes the over 60 acre Serengeti Plain, where a number of species freely roam each day for guests to view from the Edge of Africa, Skyride, or the Serengeti Express train ride. Another option to see the plain even closer is the Serengeti Safari tour, which is offered several times daily for an additional charge.

The Serengeti Safari tour lasts approximately 30 minutes and is on an open-air safari truck that takes guests through much of the plain. It also includes the opportunity to hand-feed a giraffe, which is the highlight for many who take the tour. The cost ranges between $40 and $60 depending on the time of year and is available to guests ages 5 and above. Pass member discounts apply.

If you purchase your tickets online, you’ll receive an order number and instructions to stop by the Adventure Outpost just inside the gates at the park. Here you’ll receive your actual tour tickets. Check-in for your tour is at the Serengeti Outpost, located in the Nairobi section of the park. Look for the giraffe topiary not too far from the Nairobi train station.

You’re asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before your Serengeti Safari tour time to check-in. There’s a shaded waiting area with seating and complimentary water. Once everyone is checked in, guests are asked to leave bags and any items not needed while on the tour in the secured lockers behind the building. Cameras and cell phones are allowed on the tour, and picture taking is encouraged.

Then it’s time for the tour! As a group, you’ll walk from the Serengeti Outpost over the railroad tracks and into Edge of Africa, where your tour truck is parked and waiting at the Safari Base Camp. Along with your Serengeti Safari tour guide, you’ll also have a Photo Key photographer riding along with you, who will capture images of you enjoying your safari. As you board the truck, you’ll hand over your tour ticket to the guide.

After you get a few basic safety instructions – most importantly about holding on whenever the truck is in motion – you’re off towards the Serengeti Plain. Since the animals move around freely, each tour is a bit different, and you may not see every species.

One of your first stops will be at the black rhino enclosure, which is between the north and south sections of the plain. The solitary creature is often hiding behind the large rock outcropping, and our tour guide said that’s its favorite spot and isn’t normally visible on the tour.

From there, you’ll do a loop on the northern plain, where you may see a variety of species including wildebeest (also known as gnu), zebra, and southern white rhinos. The park has had great success with the rhinos, and you may see some of the younger members of the family who were born at Busch Gardens in the past few years.

It’s worth pointing out that while on the Serengeti Safari tour, you also get some great views of another of the park’s big draws – its thrill rides. Great views can be had of Falcon’s Fury, Kumba, Cobra’s Curse and Montu among others. You may also see one of the park’s trains pass by on its journey around the plain.

Once you’re done with the loop on the northern portion of the Serengeti Plain, you’ll head back past the black rhino enclosure and head onto the southern section. Several antelope species roam freely here, including eland and addax.

Perhaps saving the best for last, one of the final stops on your Serengeti Safari tour will be for feeding giraffes. Your guide will hand out pieces of romaine lettuce for you to hold up for the giraffes to grab with their long tongues. You don’t have to feed the giraffes if you don’t want to, but it’s a fun experience to be able to get that close to such amazing animals. Petting of the giraffes on the neck is permitted, but be sure to steer clear of their face for their safety and yours.

The Photo Key photographer will also be taking pictures, and normally your guide and the photographer will set up a posed shot as well. There’s no obligation to purchase any photos, so feel free to get your picture taken and decide later if you like any of them.

Returning back to where you started on the Serengeti Safari tour, definitely take a moment to sanitize your hands, and don’t forget to wash them thoroughly before the next time you eat. Also, if you left anything in the lockers at the Serengeti Outpost, join your tour guide for the walk back to collect your items.

Be sure to check out your pictures taken on the tour by the photographer at the Serengeti Outpost, or at Adventure Photo near the front of the park before you exit. Just remember your tour time, and the ambassadors at either location can look them up for the rest of the day.

If You Go…

Serengeti Safari Tour Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Offered several times daily Starting at $39.99 per person

Special thanks to photographer Matt Hopkins for many of the images used in this article.

For the latest on  Busch Gardens Tampa  and other theme parks, attractions, dining venues and more across the region, be sure to follow Touring Central Florida on twitter @TourCentralFL & @androckb , and give our facebook page a like.

This post was last updated in December 2019 to reflect current pricing.

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Serengeti Safari

BGT History - Busch Gardens Tampa History > Attractions > Tours > Serengeti Safari

Arguably the most popular add-on tour offered at Busch Gardens Tampa, the Serengeti Safari gives guests the chance to feed giraffes and see up-close many of the species that call the plain home.

As part of a Black Friday promotion, guests who called into customer service from November 24 to November 29, 2010, could take advantage of a buy one, get one free offer on the safari.

Florida residents who purchased an annual pass in October 2011 got a free Serengeti Safari as a bonus.

The regular price of a Serengeti Safari was listed as $33.95 in the summer of 2012. Beginning July 26 and through August 21, 2012, guests could get $10 off the regular price of a single tour, or get four tickets on the tour for $80. Later in the year, the regular price increased to $34.99, but the tour was offered for $20 beginning in October. The $20 offer was later extended through November 11, and pass member discounts made the tour even less expensive.

The following fall season, a similar offer was announced for $19, beginning September 3 and running through November 21, 2013. The regular price at that time was listed as $39.

During the spring break season of 2015, a safari truck was parked out in the entrance plaza near the tram stop to promote the tour. On some of the busier days, an ambassador was stationed there to help answer questions and give information about the Serengeti Safari.

Announced in May 2016, the Serengeti Safari Tour was the winner of the 2015 AttractionTix Worldwide Attractions Award for Best Animal Encounter.

Teachers were able to book the safari for themselves and one guest for 30% off the regular price from May 6 through August 11, 2019. The offer had to be booked in person at the Serengeti Outpost and required the teacher to present a valid Department of Education ID. Also in May 2019, moms could book a Serengeti Safari for $10 off on May 11 and 12 with the purchase of a full-price guest.

In October and early November 2019, annual pass members were able to book the tour for $19.99.

Following the extended closure in the spring of 2020, the Serengeti Safari was the first tour to return to the park. Beginning on July 1, 2020, guests could once again enjoy a ride out on the plain and feed giraffes. To allow for physical distancing, only two groups per tour were allowed when it first returned.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Oct 17 2012 – accessed 4/22/2018 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Nov 7 2012 – accessed 4/22/2018 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Jul 26 2012 – accessed 6/21/2018 Busch Gardens Tampa | Sep 3 2013 – accessed 6/21/2018 AttractionTix | 2015 Worldwide Attraction Awards – accessed 7/31/2018 Twitter – @BuschGardens | Nov 24 2010 – accessed 12/9/2018 Twitter – @BuschGardens | Oct 3 2011 – accessed 12/17/2018 Twitter – @BuschGardens | Oct 4 2012 – accessed 1/22/2019 Twitter – @BuschGardens | May 6 2019 – accessed 12/12/2019 Twitter – @BuschGardens | May 9 2019 – accessed 12/12/2019 Twitter – @BuschGardens | Oct 7 2019 – accessed 10/7/2019 Twitter – @BuschGardens | Nov 7 2019 – accessed 11/7/2019 Twitter – @BuschGardens | Jul 1 2020 – accessed 7/1/2020 Pixels At The Parks | May 2 2015 – accessed 10/9/2016 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Serengeti Safari – accessed 1/3/2021

Complete Guide to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Tips, Attractions, and More

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a world-renowned theme park located in Tampa, Florida. The park is part of the SeaWorld family and known for its thrilling rides, exotic animal exhibits, and immersive themed lands. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors to plan their day at the park – that’s why this complete guide to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is here to help.

Visitors to this theme park will enjoy a variety of experiences, from high-speed roller coasters to up-close encounters with exotic animals. The park’s newest attraction, Iron Gwazi, is one of the tallest and fastest hybrid coaster in the world, while the Serengeti Safari allows guests to get up close and personal with giraffes, zebras, and other African wildlife.

In addition to its rides and animal exhibits, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay also offers a variety of dining and shopping options. From quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries, there are plenty of options to satisfy any craving.  And with a variety of gift shops and souvenir stands, visitors can take home a piece of the park to remember their visit.

This guide will cover everything visitors need to know before they arrive, including how to get there, what rides and attractions to prioritize, and where to eat. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, this guide will ensure you make the most of your visit to this iconic theme park.

The Best Rides & Attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opened its doors on June 1, 1959, as a free attraction to promote the Anheuser-Busch line of products. The park was initially designed as a brewery tour and botanical garden, but it has since evolved into one of the nation’s top theme parks, with world-class roller coasters, animals, and attractions.

In 1965, the park added its first roller coaster, the Python. The park continued to expand over the years, adding new rides and attractions such as the Scorpion, the Phoenix and the Cheetah Hunt.

In 1998, the park was acquired by the Blackstone Group and became part of the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment family. Since then, the park has continued to expand and add new attractions, including the Falcon’s Fury, Cobra’s Curse, Tigris and Iron Gwazi.

Today, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a 335-acre theme park located in Tampa, Florida, with the sections of the park landscaped and designed around themes of Africa and Asia. The park features a variety of attractions, including thrill rides, family rides, animal exhibits, and live shows.

Getting to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is located in Tampa, Florida, and can be easily accessed by car, bus, or shuttle. The park is situated at 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, and is just a short drive from downtown Tampa.

If you’re driving to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the park is conveniently located just off of I-75. You can take Exit 265 and follow the signs to the park. Parking is available on-site for a fee, and there are several parking options to choose from, including general parking, preferred parking, and VIP parking.

If you’re traveling to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay by bus, there are several options available. The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) offers bus service to the park, and there are several other bus companies that provide transportation to the area as well. You can check the Busch Gardens website for more information on bus routes and schedules.

If you’re staying at a hotel in the Tampa area, there are several shuttle services that offer transportation to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Many of these shuttle services also offer discounted park tickets, so be sure to check with your hotel or shuttle service for more information.

From Orlando

There is a round trip shuttle to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay provided by Mears Destination Services. Guests holding a paid ticket ride free and there are designated pickup locations throughout the greater Orlando area.  Mears can be reached at 800.221.1339 for more information.

No matter how you choose to get to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, you’re sure to have a fun and exciting day at one of Florida’s top theme parks.

Park Map and Layout

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a large theme park with a variety of attractions and shows spread across its 335-acre area. A park map is an essential tool for visitors to navigate their way around the park and make the most of their visit.

The park map is available at the entrance of the park and can also be downloaded from the official Busch Gardens website. The map is color-coded and divided into different sections, each with its own theme and attractions.

The major sections of the park are:

• Sesame Street Safari of Fun

Each section has its own unique rides, shows and dining options. The map also includes the location of restrooms, first aid stations, and guest services.

In addition to the paper map, visitors can also use the Busch Gardens mobile app to navigate the park. The app includes an interactive map, real-time wait times for attractions, and show schedules.

Overall, the park map is an essential tool for visitors to make the most of their visit to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. With its clear layout and easy-to-read design, visitors can navigate the park with confidence and enjoy all the attractions and shows the park has to offer.

Attractions and Rides

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a theme park that is home to some of the best rides and attractions in Florida. The park has a variety of rides and attractions that cater to all ages and interests. Here are some of the top rides and attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Thrill Rides

For thrill-seekers, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has some of the best roller coasters in Florida. The park’s roller coasters are designed to provide riders with an adrenaline rush and a thrilling experience. Thrill rides at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay include:

• Iron Gwazi: This fairly new coaster takes riders to a 206 feet in the air before dropping 91 degrees at speeds of up to 76 mph.
• Tigris: Ride at more than 60 miles per hour with an 150-foot skyward surge.
• SheiKra: This floorless roller coaster features a 200-foot drop and speeds of up to 70 mph.
• Montu:Inverted roller coaster that features seven inversions and speeds of up to 60 mph.
• Kumba: Twists and turns about on this amazing steel coaster.
• Falcon’s Fury: This is a drop tower ride that takes riders 335 feet into the air before dropping them at speeds of up to 60 mph.
• Scorpion: This is a classic roller coaster that features a loop and speeds of up to 50 mph.
• Serengeti Flyer: This screaming swing is the fastest of its kind, taking riders to speeds of up to 68 mph.
• Phoenix Rising (coming Spring 2024)

Family-Friendly Rides

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has a variety of family-Friends rides that are perfect for families with young children. These rides are designed to be fun and exciting, but not too intense for younger riders. Family rides at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay include:

• Cobra’s Curse: This was Florida’s first spin roller coaster.
• Congo River Rapids: Prepare to get wet on this whitewater raft ride.
• Cheetah Hunt: This is a triple-launch coaster that takes riders on a high-speed journey through the park’s African landscape.
• Stanley Falls Flume: This is a log flume ride that takes riders on a journey through the park’s Congo area.
• Skyride: Ride high above Busch Gardens (temporarily closed)

Kid-Friendly Rides & Activities

For younger visitors, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has a variety of kid-friendly rides and attractions. These rides are designed to be fun and exciting, but not too intense for young children. Kid-friendly rides at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay include:

• Air Grover: This is a small roller coaster that is perfect for young children. Riders must be at least 38″ tall to ride.
• Grand Caravan Carousel: Kids will love this classic carrousel ride.
• Ubanga-Banga Bumper Cars: Another classic carnival ride, bump your friends and family.
• Gwazi Gliders: Kids will love this aerial ride.
• Sesame Street Safari of Fun: This is an area of the park that is designed specifically for young children. It features a variety of kid-friendly rides and attractions.
• Elmo’s Treehouse Trek: This is a treehouse play area that is perfect for young children.
• Welcome to Our Street: Watch an amazing show with your favorite characters from Sesame Street.
• Storytime at Sesame Street Safari of Fun

Animal Exhibits

In addition to its rides and attractions, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is also home to a variety of animal exhibits. These exhibits allow visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, including giraffes, zebras, and sloths. Animal exhibits at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay include:

• Animal Connections: An area of the park where visitors can get up close and personal with a variety of animals, including sloths and armadillos.
• Serengeti Plain: This is a large area of the park that is home to a variety of free-roaming animals, including giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
• Serengeti Express: Guests will love this train ride through the Serengeti.
• Animal Care Center: This is an area of the park where visitors can watch as animal care professionals provide routine care and medical treatment to a variety of animals.
• Lory Landing: Enjoy a variety of birds.
• Walkabout Way: Meet the macropods.

Tours and Encounters:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a variety of tours and animal encounters for visitors to get up close and personal with some of the park’s amazing animals. From behind-the-scenes tours to hand-feeding giraffes, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about and interact with wildlife.

Some of the tours and encounters available at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay include the Serengeti Safari Tour, which takes guests on a guided tour of the Serengeti Plain and includes up-close encounters with giraffes, zebras, and other animals. The Animal Care Center Tour gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the park’s animal care facilities and includes a chance to meet some of the animals up close.

Other experiences include the Elephant Insider Tour, where guests can see the park’s elephants up close and learn about their care, and the Sloth Encounter, where visitors can meet and feed the park’s adorable sloths. With so many tours and encounters to choose from, there’s something for everyone at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

• Serengeti Safari
• Spotlight Tour
• Elephant Insider Tour
• Roller Coaster Insider Tour
• Cheetah Insider Tour
• Orangutan Insider Tour
• Tiger Insider Tour
• Australia Insider Tour
• Keeper for a Day Tours
• Animal Ambassador Insider
• Animal Care Center Tour
• Sloth Encounter
• Gorilla Insider Tour
• Hippo Insider Tour
• Aldabra Insider Tour

Dining Options

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a variety of dining options to satisfy every taste and budget. From full-service restaurants to quick snack bars, visitors can find something to eat throughout the park.

Restaurants

Dragon Fire Grill & Pub is a market-style restaurant that offers a delectable menu of international cuisine. The restaurant is a popular choice for visitors who want to enjoy a full meal while taking a break from the rides. The restaurant accepts the All-Day Dining Deal and has a full-service bar.

Oasis Pizza is a great option for visitors who want a quick bite to eat. Visitors can accompany their view from the Serengeti Overlook with fresh-from-the-oven pizza or a garden salad. The restaurant is also a great option for visitors who are on a budget.

Springs Taproom is a new addition to the park that offers a full-service bar. Visitors can come here for a snack and one of their cocktails or frozen cocktails on hotter days. The restaurant is a popular choice for visitors who want to take a break from the rides and enjoy a cold drink.

Dragon Dog is a popular snack bar that offers signature gourmet hot dogs and sausages. Visitors can enjoy a quick snack while exploring the park. The snack bar is a great option for visitors who are on a budget.

Zambia Smokehouse is a great option for visitors who want to grab a quick bite to eat. The restaurant is located next to Sheikra and is the perfect spot for lunch between rides. Visitors can enjoy a variety of smoked meats and sandwiches.

Overall, visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will have no trouble finding something to eat. The park offers a variety of dining options to satisfy every taste and budget.

Special Events and Shows

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is not only a theme park but also a hub of entertainment. The park features a variety of live shows and special events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events, live performances, and more.

Christmas Town

One of the most popular events is Christmas Town , which takes place daily from November 11 to January 7. During this event, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, festive shows, and holiday-inspired culinary delights.

Howl-O-Scream 

Another popular seasonal events which runs on select nights from September 8th to October 31, 2023 is Howl-O-Scream. Visitors will love the haunted houses, scare zones and frightful entertainment which includes Cirque X-Scream and The Rolling Bones live band.

Live Performances

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a variety of live performances throughout the park. One of the most popular shows is Turn It Up! Remix, which takes place in the Moroccan Palace Theater. This show features talented skaters performing mesmerizing routines on ice, intertwined with stunning video and projection.

Another popular show is Elmo Rocks!, which takes place in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area. This show features Elmo and his friends performing rock-inspired songs that are sure to get the whole family dancing and singing along.

Overall, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a variety of special events and live performances that are sure to entertain visitors of all ages.

Practical Information

Ticket prices.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers various ticket options for visitors. One-day tickets start at $84.99 per person, but there are discounts available for Florida residents, military personnel, and students. Multi-day tickets and annual passes are also available and can provide significant savings for frequent visitors. It is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines at the park entrance.

General parking costs $30.00 per car, motorcycle, truck or recreational vehicles.  Preferred parking (closer to the entrance) starts at $35.00.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours during peak seasons and holidays. The park may close early due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, so it is recommended to check the park’s website or social media channels for any updates on operating hours.

Weather Considerations

Tampa Bay’s weather can be unpredictable, with hot and humid summers and occasional thunderstorms. Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking around the park. It is also recommended to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against the sun’s rays. In the event of thunderstorms, certain rides and attractions may be temporarily closed for safety reasons.

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Jerry Joyce

Jerry Joyce has been a Florida resident since 1988 and has lived in a variety of places in the South Florida area. Jerry is an avid boater & water sports enthusiast, beach aficionado, a lover of great food, muscle car fan and a theme park annual passholder for many years. Some of his favorite places in Florida include the Florida Keys, Walt Disney World, Cedar Key, the Loxahatchee River, St. Augustine and Ten Thousand islands.

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Busch Gardens® Serengeti Safari

Busch Gardens Serengeti Safari

Child age range: (5+).

Please select first date of use from the calendar below!

BUSCH GARDENS SERENGETI SAFARI TICKETS

Trek across the 65-acre Serengeti Plain on an open-air touring vehicle in this popular tour.

Florida's award-winning Serengeti Safari® tour offers guests a unique and up-close look at African wildlife. Led by an expert guide, this 30-minute off-road tour gives guests the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes* and observe exotic animals including zebras, ostriches, rhinos and several antelope species. Be prepared for amazing photo opportunities as this adventure creates memories that last a lifetime!

* Park admission is NOT included and is required

* Must be 5 years of age or older to participate

* Animal interactions and program components may vary

* Subject to availability

* Photo ID required

* Pick up tickets no later then one hour before tour time at the Up Close Adventure Center as soon as you enter the park

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Serengeti Safari

10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa , Florida 33612 USA

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Learn more about this business on Yelp .

“Trek across the wide and wild African Plain on an unforgettable Serengeti Safari”

This Serengeti Safari Tour magically transports you to the wild and wonderful world of the Serengeti Plain as your tour guide relates secrets and stories of this amazing habitat. While enjoying your safari you'll see fascinating animals like our familiar favorites, zebras, giraffes and ostriches while learning about other exotic animal species. Join us on this celebration of wildlife and wild places. And don’t forget your camera—the photo opportunities are amazing. Reservations are encouraged as space is limited. Please check in for your safari directly at the Serengeti Outpost in Nairobi (just north of the train station) at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.

Reviewed by Pam G.

What an awesome experience! Travel through the Serengeti standing in the bed of a safari truck, bumping along with a guide who explains what you are seeing as you experience the different... Read more

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• Mon: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
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• Fri: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

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