The Kumba roller coaster, located in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Florida, is a world-renowned thrill ride that has been a favorite among coaster enthusiasts for decades. Since its opening in 1993, Kumba has consistently ranked as one of the top roller coasters in the world, offering an unparalleled ride experience that combines intense thrills with stunning views of the surrounding African and European-themed landscapes. With its unique blend of high-speed thrills, steep drops, and inversions, Kumba is a must-ride attraction for anyone looking to experience the ultimate roller coaster adventure.
Design and Construction
Kumba was designed and built by the renowned roller coaster manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), a Swiss company known for its high-quality and innovative coaster designs. The ride’s construction was a complex process that involved careful planning and execution to ensure that the coaster’s unique features and thrills were seamlessly integrated into the existing park landscape. With a total length of 3,978 feet, Kumba features a unique “sit-down” design, where riders are seated in comfortable, padded seats with their feet dangling in the air, allowing for a truly immersive and thrilling experience.
Ride Experience
As riders approach the Kumba roller coaster, they are immediately struck by the ride’s imposing presence, with its sleek, black track and towering lift hill dominating the surrounding landscape. Once seated and secured in their seats, riders are slowly lifted up the 144-foot lift hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding park and its various attractions. As the ride crests the top of the hill, riders experience a brief moment of weightlessness before plummeting down a steep, 135-foot drop, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. The ride’s intense thrills continue as riders experience a series of sharp turns, steep drops, and inversions, including a 114-foot tall loop, a corkscrew, and a dive loop, all designed to push the limits of human endurance and excitement.
| Statistical Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,978 feet |
| Height | 144 feet |
| Drop | 135 feet |
| Speed | Up to 60 miles per hour |
| Inversions | 4 (loop, corkscrew, dive loop, and a second loop) |
Ride Features and Thrills
Throughout the ride, Kumba’s designers have incorporated a range of innovative features and thrills, all designed to push the limits of human endurance and excitement. The ride’s four inversions, including a 114-foot tall loop, a corkscrew, a dive loop, and a second loop, provide riders with a truly immersive and thrilling experience, while the ride’s high-speed turns and airtime hills add to the overall sense of excitement and anticipation. Additionally, the ride’s unique “stall” element, where the train slows down and comes to a brief stop before dropping down a steep hill, provides riders with a brief moment of anticipation and fear, adding to the overall thrill of the ride.
Rider Safety and Comfort
Despite its intense thrills and high speeds, Kumba is designed with rider safety and comfort in mind. The ride’s comfortable, padded seats and secure restraints ensure that riders are safely secured throughout the ride, while the ride’s advanced safety systems, including sensors and cameras, continuously monitor the ride’s performance and detect any potential safety issues. Additionally, the ride’s designers have incorporated a range of comfort features, including a smooth, quiet ride experience and a comfortable seating position, to minimize the risk of injury or discomfort.
What is the height restriction for Kumba?
+The height restriction for Kumba is 54 inches (137 cm), and riders must be at least 4 years old to ride.
How long is the Kumba roller coaster?
+The Kumba roller coaster is 3,978 feet (1,212 meters) long.
What is the top speed of Kumba?
+The top speed of Kumba is up to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour).
