Opening in the summer of 1970, Boma continued the expansion of animal attractions at Busch Gardens with a variety of species exhibited in several habitats.
Boma, meaning small animal enclosure in Swahili, was reportedly a million dollar expansion when it opened in the summer of 1970 (equivalent to over six million in 2017 dollars). Unlike the sprawling Wild Animal Kingdom (now referred to as the Serengeti Plain) where guests could only view wildlife at a distance from the monorail, train and later the Skyride, Boma was more like a traditional zoo where guests could walk around smaller habitats to view the animals.
A brochure and map from 1970 list the anticipated completion of Boma in June of that year. The brochure noted that exhibits would include a seal and otter pool, contact area where animals could be fed and petted, and other birds and mammals on display.
Boma also included habitats where guests could feed animals for a fee, and a petting zoo area. Also part of Boma was Nocturnal Mountain (later Curiosity Caverns), where guests could walk through and see specially lighted enclosures featuring 13 species of nocturnal animals.
In the early 1970s, additions to Boma included elephant rides and a children’s play area. A 1974 map lists area attractions including an otter pool, free flight aviary, and animal contact area, as well as a snack bar and gift shop near the Nairobi train station. Strollers and wheelchairs could also be rented at a stand near the front of the area, which is the present day Caravan Crossing gift shop.
By the mid-1970s, the area was renamed Nairobi after the nearby train station, and continued to expand with an animal nursery and other improvements. Today, Myombe Reserve occupies much of the land that was part of the original Boma.
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Additional details and images on Boma will be added in the future.