Busch Gardens Says Goodbye to Iconic Coaster After 33 Years

Theme park fans, grab your tissues: a true legend of the coaster world is officially taking its final loop. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida, has set the final ride date for Kumba, giving thrill-seekers one last weekend to bid farewell to the iconic steel coaster after an incredible 33-year run.

If you want to take one last spin on the roaring fan favorite, time is running out fast—guests have until Sunday, August 2, 2026, to experience the coaster before it closes its gates for good.

Related: Busch Gardens’ 2026 Annual Pass Just Got a Dramatic Upgrade

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One Last Roar for Pass Members

For die-hard fans holding annual passes, the park is rolling out a special red carpet send-off. Pass members get exclusive access to Kumba during a dedicated final ride window on Saturday, August 1, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., giving long-time riders a chance to log a few extra laps before the general public fills the queue.

First opening back in 1993, Kumba instantly put the park on the map for coaster enthusiasts worldwide with its groundbreaking inversions, intense g-forces, and signature roar that echoed throughout the Congo section of the park.

Related: Waldameer Just Announced a Major New 2027 Roller Coaster—And It Proves Smaller Parks Are Dominating Right Now

New Wildlife Adventures on the Ridge

While saying goodbye to a classic coaster is always bittersweet, the park gives visitors plenty of reasons to look forward to what’s next. If you’re heading to the park for one last ride on Kumba, you can balance out the nostalgia by checking out the park’s major new animal habitat, Lion & Hyena Ridge.

Designed to bring guests face-to-face with Africa’s top predators, the state-of-the-art expansion offers expansive, naturalistic outdoor spaces for the park’s lion pride and spotted hyenas. Guests can get up-close views through floor-to-ceiling glass observation windows, learn about wildlife conservation efforts straight from the animal care team, and watch the animals explore multi-level rock formations and shaded lounge areas.

It’s a fantastic addition that highlights what Busch Gardens does best—pairing world-class thrills with incredible wildlife encounters. Kumba’s 33-year legacy as a pioneer of modern steel coaster design is definitely going out with a bang, but there is still so much fresh magic waiting across the grounds.

Related: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Unveils Huge New Savanna for 5 Lion Brothers