Busch Gardens in Tampa is an eclectic mix of zoo, amusement park and variety show. 

Divided into nine themed areas which take their names from different areas of Africa there is more to Busch Gardens than great roller coasters.

The zoo is home to over 2,700 animals including tigers and rhino's and is one of Florida's most popular tourist destinations.

New features this year include Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation^© (coming May 2013), where you can join Alex the Lion and his friends in a sing-along, dance-along party!

For the white-knuckle freaks amongst your party Busch Gardens has loads of great rides including the hair-raising Scorpion and the Congo River Rapids water ride.

Seekers of more sedate pastimes have five shows to enjoy at Busch Gardens including a brass band, ice show, singers and a snake charmer!

Animal attractions include a birds of prey show, a train ride through the Serengeti Plain and the ever-popular Rhino Rally. 

Chimpanzees and gorillas can be seen at the mist shrouded Myombe reserve and hundreds of exotic birds can be visited at the Bird Gardens and Lory Landing.

An addition since 2004, and definitely one for the adults in your party, is the scary Howl-o-Scream event held in October.

Access is gained via McKinley Drive, about an hour's drive from Orlando.

Recommended Rides......

Sheikra!^© - Rise 200 feet up into the air before plunging into a vertical dive straight down! You may want to ride this roller coaster before lunch!

Gwazi^© - Shake, rattle and roll on this old-school wooden roller coaster.

Cheetah Hunt^© - This 4,400 ft long, triple-launch roller coaster is the latest addition to the parks impressive collection of rides. Experience the chase like never before!