Disclosure: I received park admission and a free safari for me and my daughters to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own honest review.
I have always been a little leery about spending money on the “extras” that you find at theme parks. So, when I had the opportunity to see the value first hand, I was thrilled! We got the chance to go on a Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay last month.
We had such an amazing time!
It was one of those experiences you KNOW must happen again!
5 Reasons to Go on a Busch Gardens Serengeti Safari
1. It is Extremely Affordable! Seasonal Pricing ranges from $19 to $39! This gets you 30 minutes of “off road” experience! YOU get to see many awesome African animals like zebras, giraffes, ostriches, rhinos, and more–up close. It is amazing.
2. The photo Ops. Unless you are one of those blessed people that actually get to go to Africa, you are not very likely to get this close to these gorgeous animals. And, even then, you have to deal with real peril and danger. However, with a Busch Gardens Serengeti Safari you get all the awe in a safe and controlled environment–without feeling like you are on a “ride.” It really is a fantastic experience. Look at a few of the fabulous pictures I took…
Wildebeest
Rhinos are such incredible creatures!
Silly Giraffe ;)
Zebra Awesomeness!
3. You get to FEED GIRAFFES!!!! WOot! This was totally cool! Sure, I have fed giraffes before, but never like this. You are basically WITH them, in the “wild” of Africa. They just come right up to your open aired vehicle with their cute faces. I have never had a close encounter quite like this one. It was thrilling, amazing, and so much fun. My 10 year old was beyond excited, as was my oldest daughter. We got to hand feed them right from the vehicle!!
Top pic: a great shot of the guide showing us how they use their tongues. Bottom pics: My sweet girl getting ready to feed this fabulous giraffe!
Candid shots someone was kind enough to take of us during and after our turn feeding the giraffe. SO much fun!!
4. Educational Experience. I am a homeschool mom, so every chance I get to throw in some education with fun, I jump on it! The guides have a plethora of knowledge. Your kids will learn so much before their safari is over. I love it. The best part is that they are having fun, so it does not feel like school! Well… at least until we get home and I have them write a report! LOL! Seriously, it is a great opportunity for the whole family to learn more about the wonderful animals of Africa, endangered species, the environment, and more!
5. Memories that Will Last a Lifetime. Sure it is only 30 minutes of your life, but it is 30 minutes of fun for the whole family! It is an experience that will bring joy to every member of your family–even the grumps! We had so much fun. We laughed and were in awe of the wonderful creatures that we encountered. I know I, nor my girls, will ever forget the fabulous time we had on our Busch Gardens Serengeti Safari!
We had one of our best days ever at Busch Gardens! I know that we will be doing this again in the near future. I am also far more likely to try out other theme park “extras” after seeing what an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience it can be! I totally recommend a Busch Gardens Serengeti Safari!
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Nolie says
March 28, 2014 at 2:58 pmWhat a cool experience. I too usually cheap out on the extras but this one I would want to pay for.
Jenn says
March 28, 2014 at 4:33 pmYou took some fantastic pictures. What an incredible experience!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
March 28, 2014 at 5:59 pmI’d love to feed the animals! That would be lots of fun!
Kerri says
March 28, 2014 at 7:27 pmI’ve heard such great things about Busch Gardens. One of these days, I will get there with my family. Looks like you had an awesome experience!
Digna D. says
March 28, 2014 at 8:18 pmPlaces like this are our absolute favorite. We stayed in a similar one down at Disney when we visited. Just lovely.
Sarah @ Must Have Mom says
March 28, 2014 at 9:58 pmI went to Busch Gardens as a kid and I wish I remembered it! It looks amazing and that giraffe is so cool!
Chelle @ oh just stop already says
March 28, 2014 at 10:04 pmGiraffe tongues always make me giggle even as an adult for some reason.
Jennifer H says
March 28, 2014 at 10:44 pmWe can’t wait to take the boys once they’re of age!
Liz Mays says
March 28, 2014 at 11:50 pmI’m putting that on my must-do list now. It sounds amazing and you got some darn good pics!
Donna says
March 28, 2014 at 11:58 pmI know my family and I would just love to do this! An African Safari is on my bucket list, but this sure would be far more likely. :)
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
March 29, 2014 at 12:15 amI think it’s neat that you were able to get up close and personal with the animals. I’d love to feed a giraffe!
trisha says
March 29, 2014 at 10:29 amI used to work there. I worked there many years when I was in college (USF) and adored it. Not there because all that Serengeti stuff was being built when I worked there, but at Montu!
Cat Davis says
March 29, 2014 at 12:53 pmThat looks like such a fun experience. I’m not even sure if we live near a Busch gardens.
Marina says
March 29, 2014 at 4:32 pmThe kids will never forget this, What an amazing experience.
Jen - Life With Levi says
March 30, 2014 at 10:55 pmOMG, I totally want to feed a giraffe! That looks like such a memorable and fun experience.
Hanan says
March 31, 2014 at 11:53 amI haven’t been to Busch Gardens since I was little. This looks like a fun experience for the family!
Dee @ Cocktails with Mom says
March 31, 2014 at 2:54 pmI remember going to Busch Gardens when I was younger. Would love to visit again some day.
LyndaS says
March 31, 2014 at 8:50 pmI have been trying to convince my husband that we need to go Busch Gardens. I need to tell him about this post. This would be an awesome place to go on vacation.
Jennifer H says
March 31, 2014 at 10:34 pmIt looks like a blast!
Ashley - Embracing Homemaking says
April 2, 2014 at 5:02 pmThat looks like so much fun! My daughter loves zebras so I’ll have to show her this post, she’ll be thrilled!
Kecia says
April 4, 2014 at 11:01 amWhat an experience! I want to visit Busch Gardens just for the animals.
Kari says
April 5, 2014 at 6:27 pmAwesome pictures! We’ve never been to Florida, but now that the kids are a little older we’re planning to go within the next couple of years for vacation. We’ll have to check out the Serengeti Safari, my boys would love to see all of the animals.
Shannon says
July 31, 2014 at 12:28 pmThis looks really fun! Thank you for sharing with us.
Katie H says
August 10, 2014 at 9:54 pmLooks like a lot of fun! It’s definitely on my bucket list!
Tina says
August 18, 2014 at 9:37 pmThis sounds wonderful. It sounds so fun. I love places that the whole family will enjoy.
krystel says
December 4, 2014 at 10:25 pmthat sounds very nice
Tania B says
December 17, 2014 at 12:50 pmI would love to go on a safari adventure like this! I would be thrilled to interact with the animals. Wow, so jelly.