2025 Busch Gardens Tampa Height Requirements for Each Ride (Cheat Sheet and Guide)

Are you trying to figure out if Busch Gardens Tampa has any height requirements that might impact your upcoming trip?

Trust me, I understand going with a group of all sizes and wanting to make sure everyone has an enjoyable experience.

Although there are some ride restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa, there are lots of shows and animal exhibits that everyone in your group can enjoy!

But before we get started, let’s tackle a few commonly asked questions.

Busch Gardens Tampa Pantopia entrance 2 with falcon's fury. Keep reading to get the full travel guide on the height restrictions and ride requirements at Busch Gardens Tampa.

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2025 Complete List Of Rides At Busch Gardens Tampa And Their Height Restrictions

Here’s a quick cheat sheet of the ride requirements: 

  1. Iron Gwazi: 48 inches minimum
  2. Gwazi Gliders: No Taller than 56 inches (Guests must be 56″ or less to ride. Handheld infants not permitted)
  3. Cheetah Hunt: 48 inches minimum
  4. Skyride: 56 inches minimum (Riders must be 56” or accompanied by a supervising companion)
  5. Cobra’s Curse: 42 inches minimum
  6. Montu: 54 inches minimum
  7. Falcon’s Fury: 54 inches minimum
  8. Phoenix Rising: 42 inches minimum (NOW OPEN)
  9. Grand Caravan Carousel: No Limit (Riders under 42” must be accompanied by a responsible person 14 years of age or older and are allowed only on the middle rows. Infants must be accompanied by a responsible person 14 years of age or older and must ride on a bench seat.)
  10. Desert Runners: No Taller than 48 inches minimum (Handheld Infants are not permitted)
  11. Kiddie Train: No Taller than 56 inches (Handheld Infants not permitted)
  12. Bush Flyers: No Taller than 56 inches (Handheld Infants not permitted)
  13. Serengeti Flyer: 48 inches minimum
  14. Serengeti Express: No Limit
  15. Kumba: 54 inches minimum
  16. Congo River Rapids: 42 inches minimum
  17. Ubanga-Banga Bumper Cars: 42 inches minimum (Riders must be at least 42” tall to ride. Guests between 42” and 52” in height must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion)
  18. Tigris: 54 inches minimum
  19. SheiKra: 54 inches minimum
  20. Serengeti Express: No Limit
  21. Stanley Falls Flume: 46 inches minimum
  22. Skyride: 56 inches minimum (Riders must be 56” or accompanied by a supervising companion)
  23. AirGrover: 38 inches minimum
  24. Zoe-Patra and the Hippos of Nile: Between 36 inches and 56 inches may ride
  25. Rosita’s Djembe Fly-Away: Under 42 inches to ride (Infants not permitted)
  26. The Count’s Zambezi Rally: Under 42 inches to ride (Infants not permitted)
  27. Elmo’s Safari Go-Round: All ages permitted (Infants must be accompanied by a companion 14 years or older)
  28. Big Bird’s Whirly Birdie: Under 56 inches to ride (Infants not permitted)
  29. Snuffy’s Elephant Romp: Under 56″ to ride unaccompanied (Under 36″ must be accompanied by a supervising companion 14 years or older)

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How Strict are the Height Requirements at Busch Gardens Tampa?

Busch Gardens Tampa (like most theme parks) is definitely strict about their height requirements.

2024 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Height Restrictions.

This is to make sure that they are able to keep everyone safe inside of the park.  

According to Busch Gardens Tampa:

Some Rides restrictions are posted at each ride, and all guests including those using wheelchairs must meet the requirements. Please see a Park Ambassador at the ride if you have any questions.

How many rides are at Busch Gardens Tampa?

There are currently 24 standard rides at Busch Gardens Tampa (plus 6 more in the Sesame Street Land) that range in thrill level from a dive coaster to a quiet train ride around the park.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Sheikra roller coaster. Keep reading to get the full travel guide on the height restrictions and ride requirements at Busch Gardens Tampa 2024.

What I like about this Tampa destination is that there’s always something for everyone to do no matter what you enjoy the most at a theme park.

But before you get here, you’ll want to know what the best rides at Busch Gardens are for your trip. Let me give you the ThemeParkHipster picks below!

5 Best Rides at Busch Gardens Tampa:

  1. Montu
  2. Iron Gwazi
  3. Kumba
  4. Cheetah Hunt
  5. SheiKra

I choose these attractions at Busch Gardens based on fan reviews, thrill levels and overall consistency and reliability.

Recommended: 25 Fun and Free Things to Do in Tampa, Florida TODAY!

What is the Average Height Requirement for Busch Gardens Tampa Rides?

Generally, the Busch Gardens Tampa ride height requirements are between 42″ (inches) and 54″ (inches) tall, which is pretty common for most rides in America.

2024 Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti flyer at night height restriction check and seat tester

You’ll notice the ride restrictions at the entrance of each attraction. 

So, if you’re planning a trip to Busch Gardens Tampa, it’s important to know about the different lands and what they offer.

Best Busch Gardens Coupons and Deals with Montu Kumba and Sheikra Roller Coaster. Keep reading to get the full travel guide on the height restrictions and ride requirements at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Now, let’s go through the height requirements for all the rides at Busch Gardens Tampa by land.

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Morocco Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa

Let’s start with Morocco, where you can find fun Moroccan design and unique shops.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Iron Gwazi Roller Coaster in Florida Sun. Keep reading to get the full travel guide on the height restrictions and ride requirements at Busch Gardens Tampa.
Iron Gwazi

Although the Iron Gwazi roller coaster could be in a land of its own, I will put it in the Morocco section of the park based on its map location.

  • Iron Gwazi: 48 inches minimum
  • Gwazi Gliders: No Taller than 56 inches (Guests must be 56″ or less to ride. Handheld infants not permitted)

Recommended: 25 Fun and Free Things to Do in Tampa, Florida TODAY!

Nairobi Section of Busch Gardens Tampa

In Nairobi, you’ll be transported to Africa with its animal exhibits and close encounters with gorillas, chimpanzees and more!

Busch Gardens Tampa entering Myombe Reserve

This land area of Busch Gardens doesn’t have any rides; however, the Myombe Reserve is one of my favorite areas to relax and chill inside of the park.

Edge of Africa Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa

The Edge of Africa offers a thrilling experience with its up-close encounters with lions, hyenas, and other predators.

Both Cheetah Hunt and the Skyride entrance are technically in an unnamed area of the park but for the ease of finding the rides of the map, I put them as a part of the Edge of Africa due to their proximity to the entrance.

  • Cheetah Hunt: 48 inches minimum
  • Skyride: 56 inches minimum (Riders must be 56” or accompanied by a supervising companion)
Busch Gardens Tampa Map 2023 and 2024 PDF

Egypt Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa

The land of Egypt will take you back in time with its ancient Egyptian artifacts and architecture.

It’s here where you can conquer one of my favorite rides in the park, Montu!

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Pantopia Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa

Pantopia is a land of fun, enchantment and excitement with its roller coasters, live entertainment, and games.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Pantopia auditorium
  • Falcon’s Fury: 54 inches minimum
  • Phoenix Rising: 42 inches minimum
  • Grand Caravan Carousel: No Limit (Riders under 42” must be accompanied by a responsible person 14 years of age or older and are allowed only on the middle rows. Infants must be accompanied by a responsible person 14 years of age or older and must ride on a bench seat.)
  • Desert Runners: No Taller than 48 inches minimum (Handheld Infants are not permitted)
  • Kiddie Train: No Taller than 56 inches (Handheld Infants not permitted)
  • Bush Flyers: No Taller than 56 inches (Handheld Infants not permitted)

As you can see, you can find the most family-friendly rides in this section of the Tampa theme park.

Serengeti Plain Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa

The Serengeti Plain is home to some of the most beautiful animals you’ll ever see. You can also get a great view of it from the NEW Serengeti Flyer or the Serengeti Express Train.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti flyer at night entrance with test seat and height check

However, if you want to take your Busch Gardens experience up a notch, then book a Serengeti Safari Tour where you can feed giraffes and so much more!

  • Serengeti Flyer: 48 inches minimum
  • Serengeti Express: No Limit

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

Congo Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa

The Congo is where you can ride the Congo River Rapids and experience the rush of the white water rapids.

Busch Gardens Congo River Rapids

I have so many fun memories on this ride with my family growing up and I hope you can make amazing memories with your family too!

Kumba Busch Gardens Roller Coaster

You can also experience the ROAR of Kumba, one of my absolute favorite roller coasters at Busch Gardens.

  • Kumba: 54 inches minimum
  • Congo River Rapids: 42 inches minimum
  • Ubanga-Banga Bumper Cars: 42 inches minimum (Riders must be at least 42” tall to ride. Guests between 42” and 52” in height must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion)

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Jungala Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa

Although there aren’t any rides here (yet), Jungala is a land of adventure with its zip-line and jungle trails, tiger and orangutan exhibits and so much more!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Jungala Tree Top Trails

There will also be an ALL-NEW section called Wild Oasis realm opening in the Spring of 2025 within the Jungala area of the park. It is said to have:

  • the sights and sounds of the rainforest
  • a newly reimagined drop tower featuring state-of-the-art digital and sound effects
  • an interactive water-play wonderland
  • a multi-level climbing canopy

Stanleyville Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa

The Stanleyville land of Busch Gardens Tampa is where you can ride the iconic SheiKra dive roller coaster.

  • Tigris: 54 inches minimum
  • SheiKra: 54 inches minimum
  • Serengeti Express: No Limit
  • Stanley Falls Flume: 46 inches minimum
  • Skyride: 56 inches minimum (Riders must be 56” or accompanied by a supervising companion)

Sesame Street Safari of Fun Section Height Restrictions at Busch Gardens Tampa

The Sesame Street Safari of Fun is perfect for families with young children with its Sesame Street-themed rides and attractions.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Air Grover Roller Coaster
  • AirGrover: 38 inches minimum

Although AirGrover is the main thrill ride of the Busch Gardens land, there are so many things your little one can do here.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Sesame Street Land Snacks and Restrooms

Attractions and Rides at Sesame Street Safari of Fun at Busch Gardens Tampa

  1. Zoe-Patra and the Hippos of Nile: Between 36 inches and 56 inches may ride
  2. AirGrover: 38 inches minimum
  3. Rosita’s Djembe Fly-Away: Under 42 inches to ride (Infants not permitted)
  4. Bert & Ernie’s Watering Hole: All ages permitted
  5. Storytime at Sesame Street Safari of Fun
  6. Character Meet-and-Greets
  7. Elmo’s Treehouse Trek: All ages permitted (Infants must be accompanied by a companion 14 years or older)
  8. The Count’s Zambezi Rally: Under 42 inches to ride (Infants not permitted)
  9. Elmo’s Safari Go-Round: All ages permitted (Infants must be accompanied by a companion 14 years or older)
  10. Big Bird’s Whirly Birdie: Under 56 inches to ride (Infants not permitted)
  11. Snuffy’s Elephant Romp: Under 56″ to ride unaccompanied (Under 36″ must be accompanied by a supervising companion 14 years or older)
  12. Telly’s Jungle Jam: All ages permitted
  13. The Cookie Monster Canopy Crawl: Infants not permitted (Adults must be accompanied by a child)
  14. Cookie Monster Cloud Bounce: Under 56″ to play (Infants not permitted)

Get started on Your Tampa Bay Travel Plans here!

Bird Gardens Section of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Finally, Bird Gardens offers a peaceful escape where you can observe and learn about different bird species.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay water fountain

Although there aren’t any rides or attractions here, you can visit the kangaroo exhibit in this section of the park.

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5 Pro Tips for Visiting Busch Gardens Tampa for Beginners

Now that you’re ready with all of the Busch Gardens Tampa ride height restrictions, let’s go through some tips and tricks to make your day much better!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Orangutan Outpost

1. Measure Before You Go

You’ll want to make sure that you know your child’s height before you get to Busch Gardens Tampa.

This will allow you to get an idea of what rides you all will be able to conquer together as a family.

2. Arrive in the Morning

Arriving before the park gates open at Busch Gardens Tampa is my best tip experiencing some of the must-do attractions before it gets crowded.

3. Watch the Shows And Explore the Animal Exhibits

Be sure to watch the incredible shows at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Busch Gardens Tampa chimpanzee area Myombe Reserve

Not only do they have some of the best singers and performers in Tampa, they also have some amazing animal presentations that you must see!

Check out my latest theme park adventures on Instagram TODAY!

4. Buy Your Tickets Online

You’ll save more money by buying your tickets online directly from Busch Gardens Tampa or from Groupon. 

They usually have discount deals happening so you’ll want to start there instead of paying full price at the gate.

5. Make a List of Your Must-Do Rides

Don’t be tempted by an “okay” ride that has a short line. 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Stanley Flume Water Ride

When you arrive early, head to all of your must-do attractions before the lines get long or before the temperamental Florida weather causes them to shut down.

Once you’ve enjoyed your must-do’s, now’s the time to do the other rides in the park that were not at the top of your list.

Recommended: 25 Fun and Free Things to Do in Tampa, Florida TODAY!

My Final Thoughts on the Busch Gardens Tampa Height Requirements

As you can see, only ThemeParkHipster pros come prepared for a day at a theme park like Busch Gardens Tampa.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti flyer at night. Keep reading to get the full travel guide on the height restrictions and ride requirements at Busch Gardens Tampa.
NEW Serengeti Flyer Attraction Now Open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Doing your research ahead of time will allow you to know which rides you can and cannot participate in.

Full Guide to Busch Gardens Tampa Height Restrictions
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Don’t worry if you don’t quite make the cut, Busch Gardens Tampa has so many other attractions and shows for you to enjoy. I hope this helps 🙂

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Hoop Dee Doo Revue NikkyJ Dinner Show Disney World. Author bio of theme park expert Nikida Metellus.

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

(Original Article Date: July 3, 2023/Updated on December 19, 2024)

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