Busch Gardens
After 33 years in operation at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Kumba roller coaster will give its final rides next month.
Following days of rumors among coaster influencers, Busch Gardens confirmed on its official social media channels that Kumba would be closing after Aug. 2.
In a surprising twist, however, the park’s posts said the ride would have a successor: “While Kumba may be retiring this summer, Busch Gardens is dedicated to thrilling the next generation of coaster enthusiasts by continuing the Kumba story. As part of our evolution and commitment to delivering innovative attractions, we are happy to announce Kumba’s Revenge! This new attraction is a part of our $100 million investment that will elevate Busch Gardens as Florida’s thrill leader and enhance our guest experience.”
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay did not provide any other details on Kumba’s Revenge, including who will manufacture the ride and when it could potentially open.
When Kumba opened in 1993 was only the third roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. At the time it debuted, it had the world’s tallest vertical loop and was Florida’s tallest, longest, and fastest coaster. Kumba was also the park’s first coaster manufactured by Swiss coaster firm Bolliger & Mabillard, which later manufactured three more coasters in the Busch Gardens Tampa lineup: Montu, SheiKra and Phoenix Rising, the most recent coaster added to the park.
The closure of Kumba will mark the third coaster lost at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in the last decade, following Sand Serpent in 2023 and Scorpion the following year.