Serengeti Flyer: The Most-Thrilling Ride at Busch Gardens Tampa

Are you ready to soar to new heights on the tallest and fastest swing ride of its kind in the entire world? Then Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens Tampa has a seat waiting for you!

We all remember our days at the park, wondering if we could swing high enough to reach the sky.

Well, now Busch Gardens swing ride is making your childhood dreams true in their latest thrill ride.

So, follow along as we roll out all there is to know about the brand-new attraction Busch Gardens Serengeti Flyer.

Because we are never too old to play on swings!

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti flyer at night height restriction check and seat tester

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What is the Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens Tampa

This Screamin’ Swing is in the Serengeti Plain section of the park, peaking out above the treetops.

With twin dueling arms, Busch Gardens Serengeti Flyer is known as a spring and swing, and you’ll also hear it referred to as a flat ride.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti flyer at night

While hitting record-breaking heights of 135 feet riders go through 230 degrees of rotation.

So high that you can see across the 65 acres of Busch Gardens Serengeti Plain.

Busch Gardens Tampa Map 2023 and 2024 PDF

Well, that is, if you aren’t too scared to open your eyes!

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History of the Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens Tampa

On the heels of Iron Gwazi’s wild success, it was time to bring thrill enthusiasts something a little different to Busch Gardens Tampa.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti Flyer with Sheikra and Falcon's Fury in the background
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment

2020 began the journey of bringing to life an intense twist on one of our favorite childhood pastimes.

Like everywhere else in the world, the pandemic brought it all to a halt. But by April 2022 Busch Gardens Tampa Serengeti Flyer was back on track.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti flyer at night with jupiter and venus in the sky

It was on October 11, 2022, that it was no longer just rumors flying. Theme Park fans could officially get excited when the announcement was released about Serengeti Flyer.  

The record-breaking Busch Gardens Tampa Serengeti Flyer had fans swinging for joy on February 27, 2023, when they could finally soar through the skies.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Serengeti Flyer coming soon sign

You may even recognize a few things around the Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens Tampa if you’ve been a theme park fan for years.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti flyer at night quick queue are
Quick Queue Area of the NEW Serengeti Flyer Ride

The station on site is actually the original Rhino Rally station that was here before. They ended up reusing the queue and loading area of the previous safari-themed attraction.

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What to Expect on Serengeti Flyer

You have never been on a set of swings like this before! So let me prepare you for a ride of a lifetime on Busch Gardens Tampa Serengeti Flyer.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti Flyer Riders
NEW Serengeti Flyer (Photo Courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa)

As you step up to the big purple monster, it can feel a bit intimidating. Especially when you hear the booming sounds with every swing of the powerful gondola.

Riders are then seated 10 across back-to-back on both gondolas. So 40 guests are flying through the air at the same time on the twin dueling arms.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti flyer at night

Similar to being pushed on the swings, each swoop through the air takes you to new screaming heights.

As you get pumped higher and higher, you can feel the extreme exhilaration as you experience several negative G moments.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti flyer at night

It feels like everything in the world stops, which can be extremely intense at times!

Serengeti Flyer - Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food and Wine Festival
Photo Courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

For 1 minute and 30 seconds of your life, 13 swings take you on one of the most breathtaking (literally) experience you will remember for a lifetime.

Public Review of Serengeti Flyer

Reviews for this ride has been positive overall in the theme park community. Our Editor, NikkyJ, experienced the ride and was surprised at just how intense it was.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti flyer at night media event with NikkyJ
Editor, NikkyJ, at the Serengeti Flyer

She thought she was going to experience your “typical carnival ride” but she got more than she bargained for…

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival sign to Serengeti flyer

Her overall thoughts were that the ride is amazing for thrill seekers and to not go on it with any preconceive notions from any other swing ride you may have experienced before.

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

What to Know Before You Ride the Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens swing ride is no ordinary swing set. It is one seriously fun, high-flying attraction, sending you into weightlessness.  

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti Flyer Entrance
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

How Fast is Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens?

Don’t forget that the Busch Gardens Serengeti flyer is famously known as the fastest of its kind.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti flyer at night with green cocktail

It reaches pulse-pounding speeds of 68 mph (miles per hour) for one intense experience.

What is the height requirement for the Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens Tampa?

The height requirement is 48 inches, opening it up more to younger rides and families can come out and scream their hearts out together.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti flyer at night entrance with test seat and height check

How Tall is Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens?

Busch Gardens swing ride takes you to spine-tingling heights of 135 feet.  

Serengeti Flyer with riders in the sky at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
NEW Serengeti Flyer Attraction Now Open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment)

At one point you are actually above the tower at an angle of 30 degrees, past horizontal, up high in the sky.

So, it’s not for the faint of heart!

Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens Tampa Ride Stats

  • Opening date: February 27, 2023
  • Static Height: 105 feet
  • Dynamic Height: 135 feet
  • Maximum Speed: 68 mph (miles per hour)
  • Ride Length: About 1 minute and 20 seconds
  • Serengeti Flyer Height Restriction: Minimum of 48 inches

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Top 5 Tips for Visiting Busch Gardens Tampa

Now that you know what to expect on this ride at Busch Gardens Tampa, let’s go through a few tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Busch Gardens Tampa Serengeti Safari Base Camp

1. Download the Busch Gardens Tampa App

Everything you need to know about Busch Gardens Tampa is in their FREE app.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Serengeti Outpost Safari Tours

From animal experiences, shows, and presentations to rides and dining. You can get everything organized and booked, so your day at the theme park is stress-free.

2. Ride the Serengeti Express

Give your feet a rest and hop on the Serengeti Express. It is one of the must-dos at Busch Gardens Tampa and a fun way to get around for all ages.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Holly Jolly Express Train (Serengeti Express Train)

But most of all it is a beautiful way to see much of the park and the Serengeti, making stops in Nairobi, Stanleyville, and Congo stations.

Recommended: 25 Fun and Free Things to Do in Tampa, Florida TODAY!

3. Save Money with the All-Day Dining Deal

Pay once and you can basically eat all day at:

  • Zagora Café
  • Oasis Pizza at Serengeti Overlook™
  • Chick-fil-A
  • Dragon Fire™ Grill
  • Zambia Smokehouse
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Chick Fil A Food Restaurant

You can fill up at every meal on 1 fountain drink, tea or water, 1 entrée, and 1 side or dessert. And in the end, you will find it saves you money.

4. Visit During the Week

The best time to visit Busch Gardens Tampa is during the week.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay UBanga Banga Bumper Cars

And if you can schedule your Florida theme park trip for Tuesday or Wednesday, even better! Typically, these days bring fewer crowds.

Get started on Your Tampa Bay Travel Plans here!

5. Learn to Use the Crowd Calendar

Checking the Busch Gardens Crowd Calendar can make a huge when planning your trip to the theme park.

It’s regularly updated. That way you can keep an eye on when you should avoid visiting or when splurging on a Busch Gardens Tampa Quick Queue Pass is a good investment.

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Is the Serengeti Flyer worth a ride on your Busch Gardens trip?

If you’re a thrill-seeker, then it is absolutely worth it!

Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens Tampa is an awesome addition to one of my favorite theme parks.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Concert line up next to Serengeti Flyer Cocktail

It brings an exciting option that is not only for coaster lovers, but for all that love to chase the thrill of the rides.

Theme Park Travel Guide to the Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Florida
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Now it’s your turn, give your review of the Serengeti Flyer in the comments section below.

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Sarah Jordan Theme Park Writer and Florida Travel Expert Writer

About the Author

Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.

With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.

After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings. 

(Original Article Date: August 8, 2023/Updated by Editor on February 14, 2024)

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