Busch Gardens Tampa fans, we may finally be hearing that unmistakable roar again soon. According to multiple reports, Kumba has been spotted making test runs over the past two weeks, and just yesterday a reader at the park saw one of its trains sitting on the brake run, loaded with water dummies. That’s usually a clear sign the park is preparing for a reopening in the near future.
For those of us who have been checking the park’s website daily, Kumba is still officially marked as “Returns Soon.” The frustrating part is that Busch Gardens originally promoted its reopening for this past summer—yet here we are, rolling into Labor Day weekend with no official date. Still, test runs are the best news we’ve had in months, and it feels like we’re getting close.
Of course, there are still those lingering rumors about Kumba’s long-term future. Some speculate the ride may not be around for much longer, especially with Scorpion’s removal last year and the recent announcement that Stanley Falls log flume will close permanently after September 7th, 2025. With two classic attractions gone, many fans wonder if Kumba could eventually join them.
But honestly, it doesn’t feel like the right time. Busch Gardens needs another big new coaster before considering saying goodbye to a legend. Just look at what Busch Gardens Williamsburg did with the Loch Ness Monster—they invested the time and money to restore and rebuild it, and the result was a win for both nostalgia and thrill seekers. If any ride in Tampa deserves that kind of treatment, it’s Kumba.
A Brief Look Back at Kumba’s Legacy
When Kumba first opened in 1993, it was a game-changer. Designed by the legendary Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), the ride introduced groundbreaking elements that thrilled coaster fans around the world. With seven inversions, including a massive vertical loop wrapped around the lift hill, a diving loop, and a signature zero-G roll, Kumba set the standard for smooth, intense, and innovative roller coaster design.
And of course, there’s that roar—the distinct sound of Kumba’s trains echoing across the park—which quickly became part of the Busch Gardens experience itself. For over 30 years, it has been one of Florida’s must-ride coasters and a rite of passage for thrill seekers.
Fans (Including Me) Are Ready
For me personally, Kumba has always been one of those bucket-list coasters. Sadly, both times I’ve visited Busch Gardens Tampa it’s been closed, so I haven’t had the chance to ride it yet. That’s why these test runs have me excited—I’d love nothing more than for the ride to reopen so I could finally experience that famous roar myself.
And I know I’m not the only one. Fans online have been voicing their excitement and relief at the sight of Kumba testing again, with many sharing memories of their first rides and hoping their favorite Tampa coaster still has many years left. The roar of Kumba isn’t just a sound—it’s a symbol of Busch Gardens Tampa’s thrill legacy.
For now, the main hope is simple: bring back the roar. Kumba has been a staple of Busch Gardens Tampa since 1993, and the park just doesn’t feel the same without its thunderous presence echoing through the trees. With summer officially wrapping up this weekend, reopening Kumba would be the perfect way to keep the energy high heading into fall.
