The Aldabra Insider Tour allows guests to meet and feed the animals on their habitat near the Nairobi train station.
History
One of three new tours announced by the park on June 19, 2018, when the Aldabra Insider Tour rolled out it allowed guests to make treats at the Animal Care Center and deliver them to the tortoises on their habitat. The tour was initially offered each week on Fridays through Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. The cost for the 30-minute tour was $19, and pass member discounts applied. Ages 5 and up could participate; guests under 18 had to be accompanied by a paying adult. The tour met at Serengeti Outpost in Nairobi, between the Aldabra habitat and the Animal Care Center.
As of January 2021, the tour (also listed as Aldabra Tortoise Insider Tour) was being offered Thursdays through Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. It was being advertised as a 20-minute experience for $19.99, with pass member discounts available. Guests continued to be able to meet and feed the tortoises on habitat, but no longer made the treats beforehand. The other tour components and age restrictions remained the same as when it was initially offered.
In October 2022, the tour was being offered daily at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Still a 20-minute experience, the price ranged from $19.99 to $29.99 depending on the date selected. Pass member discounts were still available. By this time the minimum age for the tour was lowered to 3, with all guests aged 13 or under needing to be accompanied by a paying adult.
Sources:
Busch Gardens Tampa | Aldabra Insider Tour – accessed 6/22/2018
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Tortoise Tour – accessed 1/2/2021
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Tortoise Tour – accessed 10/9/2022
Last update: October 9, 2022