If you’ve been following along with us, you’ll remember in our Theme Park Spot Talk on September 5th we speculated about Kumba’s return. Well, it’s official: the roar is BACK! Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has confirmed that Kumba will reopen this week after its downtime, and it’s coming with a lineup of special previews.
- Pass Member Preview: Wednesday–Friday, September 24–26
- Fun Card Preview: Friday, September 26
- Public Opening: Saturday, September 27
So yes, SOUND ALL THE WAY UP—the legend is ready to take riders once again!
A Little History of Kumba
When Kumba opened in 1993, it was a game-changer for roller coasters. Built by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), Kumba was among the company’s first looping sit-down coasters and helped cement B&M’s reputation for smooth yet intense thrills. The ride’s name, “Kumba,” comes from the African Kongo word meaning roar—fitting, since its signature sound thunders across Busch Gardens and can be heard from far beyond the station.
Kumba was one of the first coasters to feature elements like the interlocking corkscrews and a diving loop, setting the stage for many of the B&M classics that followed. For three decades, it’s been a must-do for coaster enthusiasts and a right-of-passage for thrill seekers visiting Tampa.
Kumba By the Numbers
Here are some of the impressive stats that keep this legend roaring:
- Height: 143 feet
- Drop: 135 feet
- Top Speed: 60 mph
- Length: 3,978 feet of track
- Inversions: 7 (including a vertical loop, dive loop, zero-g roll, cobra roll, and corkscrews)
- Ride Time: Just over 3 minutes of pure adrenaline
Even after more than 30 years, Kumba holds up against newer coasters thanks to its pacing, layout, and of course—that unforgettable roar.
Why It Matters
Kumba isn’t just another roller coaster. For many, it was their first “big” looping coaster. For coaster history buffs, it marks a turning point in B&M’s legacy. And for Pass Members and longtime Busch Gardens fans, it’s the heart of the park’s thrill lineup.
Seeing Kumba roar back to life this week feels like welcoming back an old friend. Whether you’re riding for nostalgia or checking it off your bucket list for the first time, now’s the time to make your way to Tampa and get in line.
