Tampa Bay: Serengeti Safari Tour

Taking a safari in Tampa might sound like a wild idea, but the Serengeti Safari Tour offers just that—minus the long flights and African plains. Nestled within Florida, this 30-minute guided adventure takes you across a 65-acre stretch of simulated Serengeti plains, packed with animals that make you forget you’re in the Sunshine State. With open-air vehicles and knowledgeable guides, it promises some memorable moments, especially for families or animal lovers craving a quick escape into a wildlife setting.

What really stands out about this experience is the chance to hand-feed giraffes—a highlight that attracts visitors of all ages—and the opportunity to get up close and personal with zebras, rhinos, and antelope. It’s a rare chance to see these animals so intimately without leaving Tampa.

However, a key consideration to keep in mind is the cost and what it includes. For $44 per person, you get a short but lively safari, but note that admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay isn’t included**—something that caught one reviewer by surprise. If you’re looking for a seamless, all-in-one animal encounter, you might want to plan accordingly.

This tour suits travelers who prefer a short, engaging activity with plenty of photo opportunities and genuine animal interactions. It’s perfect for families with kids over five, or anyone seeking an affordable, fun diversion that offers a taste of safari life without leaving Florida.

Key Points

• Short but engaging: A 30-minute safari that packs in plenty of animal encounters.
• Close animal interaction: Hand-feed giraffes and observe zebras and rhinos up close.
• Cost-effective: At $44 per person, it offers good value for a wildlife experience.
• Not inclusive of park admission: You need separate tickets for Busch Gardens.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with interesting facts.
• Photo opportunities: Plenty of chance to capture wild moments in a naturalistic setting.

The Experience in Detail: What to Expect

The Serengeti Safari Tour is designed to mimic an African safari, but with a distinctly Florida twist. Starting at the Serengeti Outpost, just north of the Tampa train station, you’ll check in about 15 minutes before your scheduled ride. The tour itself is run on an open-air vehicle, which means you’ll be exposed to the elements—so sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are recommended.

The Ride: 30 Minutes of Adventure

Once on board, your guide will steer you across the 65 acres of simulated Serengeti plains, which are wonderfully scenic, showcasing native Florida nature alongside the animal enclosures. The vehicle is standing-room only, which means you’ll want to hold on and keep an eye on your kids or fellow travelers.

The guides—not named in the reviews, but described as knowledgeable—share interesting tidbits about each animal, making the ride educational as well as entertaining. One reviewer loved the “individuality of the tour,” noting that the guides made the experience special with their personal touch.

Animal Encounters: Close and Personal

The highlight for most visitors is hand-feeding giraffes—a rare and memorable experience. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this gentle interaction. Other animals like zebras and rhinos are observed up close, providing excellent photo opportunities. Be prepared for some stunning views and moments that make the experience feel authentic, even if it’s a scaled-down version of a real safari.

Scenic Views & Photo Ops

Throughout the ride, you’ll find yourself in spots that lend themselves well to photos—zebras grazing, giraffes reaching for food, or just wide-open plains with animals in the distance. The open vehicle setup maximizes your chances to capture the animals in their habitat, making it a good choice for those wanting memorable snapshots.

Insights from Visitors: What They Love and What Could Be Better

One traveler described the “individuality of the tour,” emphasizing the guide’s personal approach in making the experience special. This suggests that the guides can add a lot of value with their knowledge and friendly demeanor.

Conversely, another reviewer expressed frustration, saying, “I didn’t do this activity. I didn’t realize I had to buy tickets to the whole Busch Gardens park. All I wanted to do is this activity.” This highlights an important practical point: the safari is run within Busch Gardens, and separate park tickets are necessary unless you plan to visit the entire park.

While the tour receives a modest rating of 2.3 out of 5 from three reviews, it’s worth noting that the feedback points to a mixed experience—some find it a fun, personalized encounter, while others are caught off guard by the park entrance requirements.

Practical Details: How the Tour Works

• Duration: 30 minutes, which is a quick but satisfying dose of wildlife fascination.
• Price: $44 per person, making it a relatively affordable activity compared to full safari trips.
• Availability: Check in advance for starting times, as they vary.
• Included: Tour guide and open-air vehicle.
• Not Included: Busch Gardens admission, so plan your day accordingly.

What to Bring

• Sunglasses and hats are recommended for sun protection.
• A camera is a must for capturing close-up shots of animals in their habitats.
• Sunscreen is advised, especially during Florida’s sunny days.

Restrictions

• Children must be at least 5 years old to participate.
• Anyone 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
• The safari vehicle is standing-room only, so comfort levels may vary.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour appeals most to families with children over five, who are looking for a short, fun, and interactive wildlife experience. Animal lovers who want to see and feed giraffes up close will find this especially rewarding. It’s also suitable for travelers on a budget who want a quick activity that provides memorable photo opportunities.

However, if you’re expecting a comprehensive safari or an all-inclusive park experience, this may not meet those needs. Plus, if the idea of a 30-minute ride in a standing-room-only vehicle doesn’t appeal, it’s worth considering other options or park attractions.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $44, the Serengeti Safari Tour offers a lightweight but charming introduction to animal encounters in Tampa. You’ll get to see some native species, enjoy the novelty of hand-feeding giraffes, and take plenty of photos—all within a manageable time frame. It’s a great option for those short on time or looking for a family-friendly outing.

That said, keep in mind that the experience is somewhat limited in scope, and some visitors may be surprised by the separate park admission requirement. The guides tend to be knowledgeable and friendly, adding a personal touch that elevates the ride.

Overall, if you’re seeking a fun, affordable, and photogenic wildlife adventure during your Tampa visit, this tour is worth considering—just don’t forget to plan for the park tickets if you want to maximize your day.

FAQ

Do I need to buy tickets to Busch Gardens to do this safari?
Yes, the safari is part of Busch Gardens, and separate tickets are required unless you’re already inside the park.

How long is the safari tour?
The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, providing a quick but engaging animal encounter.

Can children participate?
Children aged 5 and up can join, but kids 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The vehicle is standing-room only.

Is the vehicle covered or shaded?
No, the open-air vehicle exposes you to the sun and weather, so sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are recommended.

Are the animals in their natural habitat?
The animals are kept in a naturalistic setting, but it’s a scaled-down version of an African safari, designed to mimic their environment.

What animals can I expect to see?
Zebras, giraffes, rhinos, ostriches, and several antelope species are among the highlights.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
The information indicates it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, so check accessibility plans if needed.

To sum it up, the Tampa Bay Serengeti Safari Tour offers an accessible, family-friendly way to get a taste of safari life without leaving Florida. It’s best suited for those seeking a quick, interactive animal experience and capturing great photos—just be prepared for the ticketing details and the weather. If you’re after a relaxed, fun outing with plenty of animal moments, this tour is worth a shot.