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Serengeti Safari

About

The Serengeti Safari is a unique opportunity to take a thrilling journey into the world of African wildlife while in Tampa, Florida, USA. This impressive excursion area is located within the famous Busch Gardens amusement park and is a large-scale reconstruction of the African savanna, where animals live in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat.

Serengeti Safari. Illustration.
Source: Kupi.com AI

Traveler photos:

Spanning approximately 65 acres, the Serengeti Safari offers visitors an unforgettable experience. During the tour in a special open-air vehicle, you can observe exotic animals up close, feel like a real explorer, and take stunning photos. It's not just a zoo, but a complete adventure that immerses you in the atmosphere of wild Africa.

As one of the most popular attractions at Busch Gardens, the safari allows you to see many amazing creatures. Graceful giraffes, striped zebras, curious ostriches, mighty rhinoceroses, and various species of antelope roam freely here. Observing their behavior in spacious enclosures that mimic their native environment leaves a lasting impression on visitors of all ages.

Contacts

If you're planning to visit the Serengeti Safari and want the latest information, we recommend contacting the park administration. This will help you confirm opening hours, ticket prices, and any special programs that may be available.

How to contactContact
Address10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
Phone number+1 813-884-4386
Websitebuschgardens.com

What to Do

The Serengeti Safari in Tampa offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of the African savanna. The main adventure here is an exciting ride on an open-top safari truck accompanied by an experienced guide. This tour allows guests to see a variety of animals up close as they roam freely across the vast territory that recreates their natural habitat.

During the approximately 30-minute journey across the savanna, you'll have the chance not only to see exotic inhabitants but also to have a truly unforgettable experience. One of the highlights is the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes — a unique experience that will leave warm memories and allow for stunning photos. Throughout the trip, the guide shares fascinating facts about the animals, their habits, and life in the wild, making the excursion both spectacular and educational.

In addition to the main safari truck tour, there is an alternative for those who prefer a different way of viewing or want to save money. You can ride a special train that circulates around the exhibit area. This is also a great chance to see many savanna inhabitants and enjoy scenic views of the park, though without the direct contact with animals provided during giraffe feeding.

Getting There

The Serengeti Safari is located within the popular Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park. The park's exact address is 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. The most convenient way to reach Busch Gardens is by car. There is an extensive parking lot next to the park where visitors can leave their vehicles during their visit.

If you prefer public transportation or taxis, buses run to Busch Gardens from downtown Tampa and surrounding areas; you can also use taxi or ridesharing services. A taxi ride from the city center takes a moderate amount of time, depending on traffic conditions.

Once inside Busch Gardens, finding the Serengeti Safari area is easy. Information signs are posted throughout the park to help you navigate and guide you to the desired location. You can reach the safari tour starting point on foot while enjoying the park's other attractions and views, or you can take the park's internal railway. Some sections of this railway also pass through the African savanna-themed area, serving as a fitting prologue to your Serengeti Safari adventure.

Nearest city: Tampa

History & Facts

The Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens Tampa is not just an attraction, but an entire journey into the world of African wildlife that began in 1965. Originally, this unique zone occupied 29 acres, offering visitors the chance to see exotic animals in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat. It was a bold and innovative project for its time, laying the foundation for one of the park's most popular destinations.

Over time, striving to give guests an even more exciting experience and improve conditions for its residents, the Serengeti Safari has expanded significantly. Today, its territory covers an impressive 65 acres, making it one of the largest exhibits dedicated to African fauna outside the African continent itself. It is a true window into the world of savannas and jungles, located in the heart of Florida, USA.

Over the decades, the Serengeti Safari has been modernized many times. Park management constantly works on improving enclosures and animal care conditions, while regularly adding new species to the collection. This commitment to excellence ensures not only the well-being of the safari inhabitants but also offers visitors a consistently fresh and engaging experience, introducing them to the amazing diversity of African nature.

Since its opening, the Serengeti Safari has become one of the "jewels" of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The attraction has rightfully earned numerous positive reviews from both tourists and experts, who note its high educational and entertainment value. Here, you can not only admire the grace of giraffes or the power of rhinos but also learn a great deal about African wildlife and the importance of its conservation.

Time Needed

When planning a visit to the Serengeti Safari in Tampa, you should expect to spend at least 1–1.5 hours to explore it fully. This timeframe will allow you to enjoy the main part of the program at a leisurely pace and account for any potential delays.

The safari tour itself usually lasts about 30 minutes. However, to get the most out of your visit, it's recommended to set aside extra time. This might be needed for waiting for the tour to begin, photographing animals in their natural environment, or exploring other parts of the zoo where the safari is located.

Given that the Serengeti Safari is part of a larger zoological complex, many visitors choose to allocate significantly more time to the entire park to see all the exhibits and entertainment. Therefore, if you want to cover other areas of the zoo as well, plan to spend at least half a day there.

Working Hours

Tours of the Serengeti Safari in Tampa are usually held daily, but the exact schedule can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. As a rule, you can go on a safari tour throughout the day, from the opening of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay until its closing.

Since specific operating hours are subject to change, it is highly recommended to check the current schedule on the official Busch Gardens Tampa Bay website or contact them directly before your visit. This will help you plan your visit and avoid any potential inconvenience. Information regarding the need for advance ticket booking is also typically available on their official resources.

10:00 – 18:00

Nearby

Visiting such an exciting attraction as the Serengeti Safari will certainly be a highlight of your trip to Tampa. However, to make your journey even more enriching and complete, it's worth paying attention to other interesting places located nearby. Exploring the surrounding area will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere and discover its many facets.

There are many sites near the Serengeti Safari that can interest tourists with a wide range of preferences. From theme parks to cultural centers and natural areas, Tampa offers many options to continue your exciting day. Check out some of them to plan your time as effectively as possible.

NameDistance
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay0.2 km
Adventure Island1.1 km
University of South Florida Sun Dome3 km
Lowry Park Zoo5.3 km
Big Redhead Vintage Toys Museum6.1 km
Cracker Country7.9 km
Columbia Restaurant8.6 km

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