Kumba, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s oldest roller coaster, will close this summer

Kumba Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

After 33 years, Busch Gardens’ oldest operating roller coaster, Kumba, will close to make way for Kumba’s Revenge, says the theme park.

“Kumba has inspired generations of thrill seekers and earned its place as one of the world’s most iconic roller coasters. As we celebrate its incredible legacy, we’re also looking ahead,” said Jon Vigue, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, in a statement. “Kumba’s Revenge will honor everything guests loved about the original while delivering an entirely new level of thrills.”

No details or timelines were released regarding the new ride, though rumors surrounding the closure of Kumba have been circulating for years.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is currently in the midst of a $100 million investment to transform the park, and there’s been plenty of speculation that the northwest corner of the map would eventually see the removal of Kumba, as well as Congo River Rapids, to make way for a larger expansion in the area.

Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, Kumba opened April 21, 1993, standing at 143 feet tall with a top speed of 60 miles per hour.

At the time, it was the world’s tallest vertical loop, as well as the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster in Florida. Kumba was also the first of its kind to include now-common features like interlocking corkscrews and a dive loop.

Kumba became Busch Gardens’ oldest operating coaster after Scorpion closed in 2024.

“The legend of Kumba isn’t ending—it’s evolving,” continued Vigue. “Stay tuned as we prepare to unleash Kumba’s Revenge.”

Annual Pass Members will have the opportunity for an exclusive final ride of Kumba on August 1 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The official last day in operation will be August 2.

Kumba Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

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