Despite heavy competition from the parks in Orlando, Tampa's Africa-themed amusement park remains one of Florida's leading attractions. Located on the grounds of a former brewery, it has nearly 2,000 animals, including giraffes, gorillas, zebras and buffalo. The Rhino Rally attraction features Land Rovers that travel over extreme terrain to allow close-up views of endangered white rhinoceroses, Asian elephants, crocodiles and other exotic animal species. There also are an aviary and a few continental anomalies—koalas, for instance. Stage entertainment ranges from ice shows to musical theater. Regardless of the show you see, you can be assured it will be performed by outstanding talent and will be an unforgettable experience. A 4-D theater featuring the spine-tingling production of R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, Katonga, a 35-minute live performance of musical tales from the jungle, and Pirates 4-D—a family-friendly comedy that includes pirates, sprays of water and other surprises—are favorite attractions. In addition, the park has arcades and amusement-park rides, including raft rides and SheiKra, Florida's tallest rollercoaster at 200 ft/62 m. The park is open daily year-round with varying hours. US$61.95 adults, US$51.95 children. Special prices are available on multiple-day tickets, for Florida residents and for packages combining Busch Gardens with Adventure Island and Sea World. On the corner of 40th Street and Busch Boulevard (about 8 mi/13 km northeast of downtown; from Interstate 275, exit east on Busch Boulevard), Tampa. Phone 813-987-5082. http://www.buschgardens.com.
