Kumba: A Roaring Roller Coaster Experience
Experience the legendary roar of Kumba at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a classic steel roller coaster with seven inversions and intense G-forces that will leave you breathless.
Kumba, a steel roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, delivers a thrilling experience with seven inversions and speeds up to 60 mph. Opened in 1993, this Bolliger & Mabillard creation features a 135-foot drop, a 114-foot vertical loop wrapping around the lift hill, and interlocking corkscrews. Located in the Congo section of the park, Kumba's intense G-forces and unique elements have made it a favorite among coaster enthusiasts for decades. The ride's name, inspired by a roar, perfectly captures the adrenaline-pumping adventure that awaits, making it a must-do for thrill-seekers visiting the park. Though it once held records for height and speed, Kumba remains a classic and a testament to innovative coaster design.
A brief summary to Kumba
- 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, Terrace Park, Florida, 33612, US
- +1813-884-4386
- Visit website
- 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 on weekends and holidays.
- Consider purchasing Quick Queue to get priority access to Kumba and other popular rides, maximizing your time in the park.
- Be sure to secure loose articles before riding, as Kumba features intense inversions and high-speed maneuvers.
- Check the ride's height restrictions before queuing to avoid disappointment; Kumba requires riders to be at least 54 inches (137 cm) tall.
- Take advantage of the photo opportunity available after the ride to capture your Kumba experience.
Getting There
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Driving
If driving to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, follow McKinley Drive to the main entrance. Parking is available for cars, motorcycles, trucks, recreation vehicles, and campers. General parking costs $30. Purchase general or preferred parking in advance online, or upgrade to a Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass for free parking.
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Public Transport
From downtown Tampa, the HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit) Line 9 bus provides direct service to Busch Gardens. The bus departs from the Twiggs@Pierce E station and arrives at 30th St @ 97th Av, near the park. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and a single ride costs $2. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the park entrance.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxi and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available throughout Tampa. A ride from downtown Tampa to Busch Gardens typically takes around 15 minutes and costs approximately $25-$35, depending on traffic and surge pricing.
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Shuttle
Mears Destination Services offers a shuttle service from select locations in the Orlando area to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The shuttle is free with any paid Busch Gardens ticket, Fun Card, or Annual Pass. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 1-800-221-1339. Passengers are responsible for transportation to and from the designated pickup and drop-off locations in Orlando.
Discover more about Kumba
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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The C House
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Hamner Tower
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Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
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Seminole Heights General Store
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Giunta Homestead and Farm
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Ybor City Gateway
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Water Works Park
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Falcon's Fury
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USF Botanical Gardens
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Museum of Science & Industry
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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