Is it a zoo or is it a theme park? The answer is both cleverly combined in 355 acres near Tampa on the west coast and only about an hour drive from Orlando.

Busch Gardens is rated amongst America’s top four zoos and houses over 340 different species.

The animals are kept in large enclosures as close to their natural habitat as possible and there are various ways to see them.

Take the Trans Veldt Railroad and view the Serengeti Plain and its many inhabitants or take the Skyride for a spectacular ariel view. A safari experience will provide a close up encounter with some opportunities to hand feed some animals.

On the other hand experience the thrill of some of Florida’s most exciting roller coasters. The most exciting being Montu, the worlds tallest and longest inverted roller coaster, 4000 feet long with speeds reaching 60 mph and G-forces peaking at nearly 4g. A huge thrill lasting nearly 3 minutes. Then there is Gwazi, a wooden roller coaster, it has no loops or twists but is definitely exhilarating. Kumba is one of the largest roller coasters in southeast America boasting the world’s highest vertical loop at 108 feet.

There are several great water rides sure to get you not just wet but soaked, but you will soon dry in the Florida sun.

The park has many places to eat ranging from a smoked turkey leg to an a la carte restaurant where you can have dinner watching the animals in the early evening as the come to their watering hole.

Finally and naturally as the park is owned by the famous Anheuser-Busch brewing dynasty why not sample a free taste of their products. Or go a step further and enrol at the Beer School for a fascinating glimpse into the world of brewing, with of course some tasting included.