Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is part of the Seaworld family of Florida theme parks and is the ultimate family adventure park offering an array of fascinating attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent. A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country's premier zoos featuring more than 2,000 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay provides unrivaled excitement for guests of every age.

What’s New:

Floorless SheiKra: Two years ago, Busch Gardens Africa introduced the world to a one-of-a-kind experience: 200 feet up, 90 degrees straight down. And that was just the beginning. On June 16, the adventure park will reintroduce SheiKra to the world with a new twist: “floorless” cars that allow riders an unobstructed view and a new level of adrenaline rush.

Mirage Canteen:

Travel back in time at the Marrakesh Theater with the park’s new musical revue. Once the thriving “hot spot” in Marrakesh, the canteen is now frequented only by a few locals who vaguely remember its glimmering heyday and gather to hear the piano player recall the songs of a bygone era. Opening Dec. 15, the show evokes the feeling of a 1940’s music and dance hall, with the songs, dance and dress of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

RIDES:

SheiKra: North America’s first dive coaster sends riders through a breathtaking three-minute journey 200 feet up, then 90 degrees straight down - and that's just the beginning. SheiKra is the first dive coaster to incorporate an Immelmann loop (a simultaneous loop and roll), a second, 138-foot vertical drop into an underground tunnel and a water feature finale, all packed into a half-mile of steel track. In June 2007, SheiKra introduces a new twist: “floorless” cars that give riders an unobstructed view of the 70 mph rush.

Kumba: After the blood-curdling thrill of an initial 135 foot drop, you will plunge from 110 feet into a diving loop, feel a full 3 seconds of absolute weightlessness while spiraling 360 degrees, and tear through one of the world's largest vertical loops.

Montu: Feel the ultimate rush on one of the tallest and longest inverted roller coasters in the world! Experience the thrill of an inverse diving loop and a 60-foot vertical loop while you endure speeds of over 60 miles per hour and a G-force of 3.85.

Congo River Rapids: Encounter the swift-flowing white water of the Congo River Rapids. Spin through a geyser and face an ominous waterfall and other thrilling obstacles in a 12-person raft.

Gwazi: Challenge the dueling forces of Gwazi: two wooden tracks intertwined into the Southeast’s largest and fastest double wooden roller coaster. Boasting more than 1.25 million board feet of lumber, Gwazi’s Lion and Tiger tracks offer two distinct ride experiences.

Cheetah Chase: Families will love the curves, drops and corkscrews of Cheetah Chase, a five-story “wild mouse” style coaster in Timbuktu. With its top speed of 22 mph and 46” height requirement, Cheetah Chase is the perfect ride for a child’s first coaster experience.

Scorpion: Feel the “sting” of Scorpion's terrifying 60-foot drop and 360-degree loop at incredible speeds.

Rhino Rally: This wild jeep tour transports guests aboard an off-road adventure through the wilds of Africa, blending up-close animal encounters with an unpredictable safari competition.

Stanley Falls: Our Log Flume whisks your whole family through a splashing trip ending in a 40-foot drop that's sure to get you soaked!

Tanganyika Tidal Wave: Watch out when your seemingly tranquil jungle journey aboard a 20-passenger boat ends with a sudden plunge down a 55-foot drop, creating a tidal wave that gets everyone sopping wet.

SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT:

KaTonga: Musical Tales From the Jungle- takes you on a journey to the heart of Africa in a 35-minute musical celebration of animal folklore. The show follows a day in the lives of aspiring storytellers, called Griots, as they strive to become masters of their craft. To accomplish this rite of passage, the performers evoke traditional African stories that mesmerize and entertain! Masterful puppet design, magical folklore, energetic original music and spectacular African-inspired dance combine to create the first theme park show of Broadway-production caliber.

Pirates 4-D: A swashbuckling 4-D comedy for the entire family, the Caribbean caper combines the latest 4-D special-effects technology with multi-sensory theater effects to thrill guests of all ages. The 750-seat Timbuktu Theater features four digital projectors that run simultaneously, and guests wear 3-D glasses to view the visual effects that allow the film action to vault off the screen. Surround-sound speakers built into the seats and special effects, including wind and sprays of water, further immerse the audience in this treasure-hunt adventure.

Mystic Sheiks of Morocco: Snap your fingers and move your feet to the music of this high-energy brass and percussion marching band.

ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS:

Serengeti Plain: This habitat features hundreds of exotic African animals that can be seen from the Serengeti Express Railway, Skyride, Serengeti Safari and various walkways. The 65-acre environment includes expansive berms, the largest of which is four acres; tiered and open landscapes covered with native and African grasses, scrub trees and shrubs; rock outcroppings and bluffs replicating natural formations; and naturalistic creek beds and mud banks.

Myombe Reserve: Enter the lush forest where gorillas and chimpanzees can be viewed in this naturalistic rainforest habitat. Tour the Great Ape Domain amid waterfalls and through shrouds of mist and fog to get an up close look at these majestic primates.

Bird Gardens: Soar over to our Bird Gardens area to check out almost 500 tropical birds from around the globe. You can enjoy the Wild Wings of Africa show, see our feather-filled aviary, and experience the powerful presence of bald and golden eagles in Eagle Canyon. After the show you can talk to conservation educators about how to attract birds to your own backyard.

Lory Landing: The domed habitat showcases a variety of brilliantly colored birds including several species of parrots, including lorikeets, as well as hornbills and pheasants in both free flight and observational environments.

Clydesdale Hamlet: Guests can pose for a picture with one of the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales during daily photo and petting sessions.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS:

Land of the Dragons: Includes our three-story-tall tree house, an enchanted forest, one-of-a-kind slides, a gentle waterfall, wonderful rides and, of course, friendly dragons! The Land of the Dragons' stage features a family-friendly show staring Dumphrey the dragon and friends.

Serengeti Express Train: See the beauty of the Serengeti Plains as you make a round-trip journey from our Nairobi train station on the Serengeti Express Train.

King Tut’s Tomb: Travel back in time to the mysteries of King Tut's Tomb. You'll get to visit a realistic replication of King Tut's burial site as it was being excavated in the 1920's. The park’s Egypt area also includes an area for kids to do their own digging.

Skyride: View the spectacular scenery as you fly through the air in a cable car that runs between the Crown Colony area and the Congo on the opposite side of the park.

DINING HIGHLIGHTS:

Crown Colony House Restaurant: Relax in air-conditioned comfort and take in a panoramic view of the Serengeti Plain while you enjoy courteous full table service, authentic African roadhouse ambiance and a diverse menu that includes delicious up-scale entrees, refreshing salads and hearty sandwiches all house-made with the freshest ingredients by our culinary team.

Zambia Smokehouse: Witness the power of SheiKra – America’s first dive coaster – as you dine on delicious barbeque. The new 500-seat indoor/outdoor Zambia Smokehouse makes guests part of the action, as diners sit directly beneath the wings of the new roller coaster. Entrees include chicken, beef brisket and the park's famous ribs, all slow smoked for hours over real hickory and oak.

Desert Grill: Palatial architecture, exotic entertainment and air-conditioned comfort come together to make your meal at the Desert Grill truly unforgettable! Watch a live performance while you dine on outstanding entrees like Baby Back Ribs or Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo – all served fast and fresh. You'll also find specialty salads, hot and hearty sandwiches, delectable desserts and a complete kid's menu.

Sultan’s Sweets: Start your day at Busch Gardens with a steaming cup of gourmet coffee and muffins, cinnamon buns and pastries made fresh daily in the park. Stroll through the shop and feast your eyes on an incredible array of sweet treats including hand made candies, cakes and the deliciously decadent Wild Indulgence Fudge.

Location:
- Corner of Busch Boulevard and 40th Street - Two miles east of Interstate 275 at the Busch Boulevard exit - Two miles west of Interstate 75 at exit 54 - One hour from Orlando via Interstate 4 West - Thirty minutes east of area beaches and Tampa International Airport

Park Hours:
Normal park hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. within a 365-day operating schedule. Hours are extended during select weekend, summer and holiday periods.

Services:
Strollers, wheelchairs, lockers and pet kennels are available for rental. Wheelchair seating is available at all facilities, and assisted listening devices are offered at several attractions. Diaper-changing and baby-nursing areas, first aid, automated teller machine, and taxi and bus parking may be found on-site.

For more on Busch Gardens Africa visit www.buschgardens.com