Top Five Roller Coasters at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida

Located in Tampa, Florida, Busch Gardens serves up rides more daring than Universal Studios and far surpassing Disney World. In other words, Busch Gardens theme park is ideal for families with courageous kids and older teens. Each ride bears a safari title reflective of the fierce attitude and speed it delivers, so think twice before subjecting your precious life to the whims of Busch beasts.

Kumba Roller Coaster

Plunk down in a seat and harness your shoulder guard - soon you won't know up from down on the Kumba roller coaster, which Busch Gardens states has been voted one of the world's top coasters on more than one occasion. Flip upside down and twist around seven times in quick rotation on this smooth metal coaster, which reaches top speeds of 60 miles per hour. Ultimaterollercoaster.com says Kumba drops its prey 135 feet in one of its plunges and subjects riders to 3 G-forces.

Montu Roller Coaster

The Montu coaster bears similar characteristics of its cousin Kumba. It also bears several upside-down inversions and reaches 60 miles per hour during flight. However, instead of riding with your legs resting as they do on Kumba, your legs are suspended on Montu, giving you the sensation of flying through the air while hanging on for dear life. Montu also features a corkscrew inversion and several loops and rolls, making it somewhat more terrifying than Kumba.

Gwazi Roller Coaster

The Gwazi is one meanie of a wooden roller coaster. Though some riders don't like the feel of the clunky wood beneath their seats, others prefer the authentic experience of a wood coaster. Twist and wind your way around tight curves and down steep plunges on Gwazi, which reaches 100 miles per hour during certain drop points, according to Busch Gardens' website. Though you won't flip upside-down on this ride, your breath will still find its way out of your throat in the form of a scream.

Sheikra Roller Coaster

One of Busch Gardens' newest additions, the Sheikra coaster might just be the one that leaves you screaming long after you've ascended from the journey. This floorless roller coaster launches you up 200 feet of rail and releases you down a 90 degree drop at 70 miles per hour. Yes, that's 100% vertical. Your entire gaze will be fixed on the ground beneath you. If you survive, you'll also enjoy the twists, underground tunnel and multiple inversions this beast has in store for you. This one is not for the faint of heart!

Congo River Rapids

Ever been white-rafting? Then you'll love the Congo River Rapids. But here you won't have to paddle your own raft - you'll be clinging to the float for dear life as it gets tossed about in a series of waterfalls, river drops and surges. And believe me, you'll come out soaking wet by the end of the ride, so you might want to take this one mid-day so you get a chance to dry off before heading back to your hotel.

Sources:

buschgardens.com
ultimaterollercoaster.com