Monday, July 19, 2010

Experience an African Adventure at Busch Gardens Tampa

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comBusch Gardens is an African-safari themed amusement park offering thrilling rides, exciting shows and plenty of ways to experience up-close encounters with wild animals. This unique park, located about an hour west of Orlando, provides the perfect way to discover the beauty of Africa right in southern Florida.

When I visited, I was on a roller coaster mission. Busch Gardens is home to several, including Sheikra, Montu, Kumba and Gwazi. My companions and I tackled the parks dueling wooden roller coaster first, and Gwazi’s 7,000 feet of combined tracks made for a fun ride. Next up was Montu, one of the longest and tallest coasters in the world. It featured seven inversions, including a Zero G Roll and Corkscrew, and was a highlight of our trip. Kumba, which reaches speeds up to 63mph and stands 143 feet tall, was a top-rated coaster as well. The ride lasts almost three minutes so the seven inversions in this ride are well worth your time in line. Sheikra was the last coaster we conquered and it lived up to its promised thrills. This coaster takes you on a 200 foot climb, and then abruptly stops at a 90-foot drop. After hanging precariously in the air, you plummet towards the ground at speeds of 70 mph. It was a huge adrenaline rush and a must-ride for any coaster enthusiasts.

The animals at Busch Gardens Tampa are also a top attraction, and the numerous exhibits were incredible to see. A few of my favorites were Edge of Africa, home to hippos, lions, hyenas, lemurs, meerkats and crocodiles; Myombe Reserve, a lush habitat featuring gorillas and chimpanzees; and the Serengeti Railway, which is a great way to take in the beautiful animals and scenery located throughout the Serengeti Plains area.

The Busch Gardens Theme Park is a unique park that is fun for those of all ages!

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