Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Among Country's Best Theme Parks

Also known as Busch Gardens Africa and, originally, Busch Gardens: The Dark Continent, Busch Gardens Tampa was first opened in 1959 as The Bird Gardens. This early park included the opportunity to view a number of exotic birds and to visit the onsite Anheuser-Busch brewery. In 1965, this Tampa Bay park greatly increased its number of visitors by adding the "Serengeti Plain'', enticing guests to come and see a wide variety of species of African animals as they roamed freely in a natural habitat, sans bars and cages.

By 1977, Busch began adding numerous family rides and attractions and, later, a number of thrill rides to accommodate the increasing number of visitors who sought the opportunity to ride roller coasters. Today, the park is a delightful combination of theme park and safari, featuring rides and attractions that cater to all ages.

One of Tampa Bay's top tourist attractions, Busch Gardens continuously appears on lists of top 20 theme parks in the United States. During most of the first decade of the 21st century, the park attracted approximately 4-5 million visitors per year and is continually updated, offering a handful of new attractions or events each year in hopes of continuing to attract guests.

Rides remain the number one reason most guests visit Busch Gardens Tampa. The park has an excellent collection of roller coasters, including Gwazi, the largest and fastest double wooden coaster in the southeast; SheiKra, with a 90-degree drop and an underground tunnel; and Kumba, which offers one of the world's largest vertical loops. There are also plenty of rides for those less courageous and a special section for kids and families.

Live entertainment is everywhere at Busch Gardens Tampa and much of it is Africa-oriented, including KaTonga, a musical celebration of African animal folklore. Other live shows feature some of the park's avian residents and other live animals. Some shows are of the variety show type, offering song-and-dance performances. Strolling musicians are commonplace as well.

Guests can still explore the original Serengeti Plain (with some updates) via the skyride, Serengeti Railway, or from various walkways. Other animal exhibits include a chance to visit the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales and a trip through an onsite primate reserve.

The park also offers numerous restaurants of both the take-out and sit-down variety and plenty of Anheuser-Busch beer. Snack carts are set up throughout the park as well. Of course, souvenir shops and stands are plentiful also.

Most people enjoy Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on their own but the park does offer "Up Close Tours'' that allow visitors to get closer to the park's animals and learn about conservation and other efforts involving the park's four-legged residents. The park also offers a number of adventure camps throughout the summer months, both resident and day camps, designed for a wide variety of ages.