Scenic Journey Rides at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida

Though you may be planning a day at Busch Gardens, that doesn't necessarily mean you're preparing to yell, scream, and shout on the several thrill rides the African-based theme park has to offer. In fact, if you're not one for riding roller coasters, you'll be glad to know that Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida offers a few rides designed for those who like getting the lay of the land.

Serengeti Railway

All aboard! Take the Serengeti Railway if you're interested in getting off your feet and cruising around Busch Gardens in narrow gauge style! The Serengeti Railway is a train ride that is about 2 miles long and is a leisurely way to enjoy 30 minutes to 1 hour of your day at Busch Gardens.

The Serengeti Railway takes riders from the hot sands of Egypt through the wild expanse of the Veldt (where all the big animals are freely roaming) and into the lush and adventurous lands of Congo and Stanleyville.

The Serengeti Railway runs throughout the day at Busch Gardens, though you may find yourself waiting 15 to 20 minutes in one of the train stations between trains.

Train stations are located in Nairobi, Egypt, Congo, and Stanleyville.

Serengeti Safari

Want to hand-feed giraffes on the back of an off-road truck? You can on the Busch Gardens Serengeti Safari. The Serengeti Safari is a special tour where guests can enjoy a 40-minute excursion on a flatbed off road truck driven on the grass of the Veldt so that you and about a dozen other guests can feed the giraffes.

These giraffe feeding tours go out at various times, and there is a charge for this tour. Base prices are $33.95 per person, though pass holder specials and other discounts may apply. You can reserve a tour for the Serengeti Safari online at Busch Gardens.com or in person at Busch Gardens.

*Children must be age 5 years or older to ride the Serengeti Safari.

Sky Ride

The sky ride at Busch Gardens is a one-mile long aerial tour of the park. Gondolas suspended by a large cable bring guests over the animals of the Veldt and near the rides of the Congo and Timbuktu.

The sky ride runs throughout the day at Busch Gardens and is a perfect way to get yourself from the front of the park to the back - or vice versa. 3 adults can board each sky ride gondola, so if you're part of a large group going to Busch Gardens, be prepared for your group to be divided up over 2 or more sky ride gondolas!

Sky ride stations are located near Egypt and in Stanleyville.

*The sky ride will be closed for about a year starting in July 2010 as the park undergoes enhancements in and around the sky ride station near the Crown Colony House restaurant in Egypt, but when the sky ride does reopen, you can be sure of an experience you - and your camera - won't soon forget.

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