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Kumba: A Roaring Roller Coaster Experience

Experience the raw power of Kumba at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a legendary steel roller coaster with seven inversions, a 135-foot drop, and forces up to 3.8 times the force of gravity.

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Kumba, a legendary steel roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, offers an intense and thrilling ride experience. Opened in 1993, this iconic coaster features a 135-foot drop and seven inversions, including a massive 114-foot vertical loop that wraps around the lift hill. Riders experience up to 3.8 times the force of gravity during the three-minute ride, making it a favorite among thrill-seekers. With interlocking corkscrews and a dive loop, Kumba provides a unique and unforgettable coaster adventure. Its location within the vibrant Busch Gardens adds to the overall appeal, making it a must-do attraction for any visitor seeking an adrenaline rush.

A brief summary to Kumba

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Ride Kumba early in the day or during off-peak hours to minimize wait times, especially during the busy summer months.
  • Consider purchasing a Quick Queue pass for expedited access to Kumba and other popular rides, maximizing your time in the park.
  • Be prepared for intense G-forces and multiple inversions; those prone to motion sickness might want to take precautions.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If arriving by car, follow signs for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay from major highways like I-275 or I-4. Once on McKinley Drive, proceed towards the main entrance. Parking is available in the park's lots. General parking costs $30, while Preferred Parking, closer to the entrance, is around $45-$55. Pre-purchasing parking online is recommended to save time.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Tampa, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) offers bus routes to Busch Gardens. Check the HART website or app for the most direct route and schedule. Take the bus to the stops of Busch Blvd @ 40th St or 40th St @ Busch Blvd, which are a short walk to the park entrance. A single bus fare is $2.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Tampa. Request a ride to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612. The fare from downtown Tampa typically ranges from $25 to $35, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Shuttle Service

    Mears Destination Services provides a free shuttle service from select locations in the Orlando area to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This service is free with any Busch Gardens admission ticket, Fun Card, or Annual Pass. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by contacting Mears. Passengers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the designated pickup and drop-off locations in Orlando.

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Discover more about Kumba

Kumba, a steel roller coaster located in the heart of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, is more than just a ride; it's an experience that immerses you in the raw power and untamed spirit of the African jungle. The name itself, meaning 'roar' in a Congolese dialect, sets the stage for the adrenaline-pumping adventure that awaits. Since its debut in 1993, Kumba has been a cornerstone of the park, captivating thrill-seekers with its intense inversions and high-speed maneuvers. As you approach the Kumba area, the anticipation builds. The thunderous roar of the coaster echoes through the park, a primal call that beckons you closer. The vibrant colors of the ride – the deep green track and imposing black supports – stand in stark contrast to the lush greenery surrounding it, creating a visually striking scene. The queue line winds its way through a dense jungle setting, complete with тематика tribal music and immersive theming, further enhancing the sense of adventure. Once you board the train and the restraints are secured, there's no turning back. The ascent up the 143-foot lift hill is slow and deliberate, allowing you to take in panoramic views of Busch Gardens and the surrounding landscape. But don't get too comfortable, because the moment you crest the summit, gravity takes over, plunging you down a breathtaking 135-foot drop. The initial drop is just the beginning. From there, Kumba unleashes a relentless barrage of inversions, twists, and turns that will leave you breathless. The highlight is undoubtedly the 114-foot vertical loop, one of the largest in the world, which wraps dramatically around the lift hill. As you soar through this massive loop, you'll experience a surge of adrenaline as the ground disappears beneath you. But the inversions don't stop there. Kumba boasts a dive loop, a zero-g roll, a cobra roll, and two interlocking corkscrews, each designed to disorient and exhilarate. The forces exerted on your body are immense, with riders experiencing up to 3.8 Gs – nearly four times the force of gravity. This intense combination of speed, height, and inversions makes Kumba a truly unforgettable coaster experience. Beyond the thrill of the ride itself, Kumba holds a special place in roller coaster history. It was the first coaster in the world to feature interlocking corkscrews and a dive loop, innovative elements that have since become staples of modern coaster design. Kumba also boasts a unique feature: its vertical loop wraps around the lift hill, a design element that adds to the ride's visual appeal and creates a sense of disorientation. Kumba's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless design and thrilling ride experience. Despite being one of the oldest coasters in Busch Gardens, it continues to draw crowds of thrill-seekers year after year. Its intense inversions, high speeds, and unique elements make it a must-do attraction for any coaster enthusiast. For those seeking an extra dose of adrenaline, consider purchasing a Quick Queue pass, which allows you to bypass the regular line and experience Kumba with minimal wait time. This is especially recommended during peak season when wait times can exceed an hour. Whether you're a seasoned coaster veteran or a first-time thrill-seeker, Kumba is guaranteed to leave you breathless and wanting more. So, step aboard, hold on tight, and prepare to roar into the heart of the jungle.

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