After almost four years of waiting I finally rode this beast today (3x). Yeah, it's just about what I hoped for. The first and last drops, the overbank, and the twist-n-shout are all bangers. The pouches under the seats actually one-up Velocicoaster's ingenious locker system. The ops were all very clearly into their jobs.
Only downside, as mentioned, were the wasps on the lift hill, though at least I only noticed them my last ride. Well, that and the fact that the near misses with the structure made me too scared to keep my hands up, keeping my from getting the most airtime I could!
Other random observations from my visit today:
-Zambia may not be the BEST barbecue I've ever had but still quite good and the portions are very generous.
-Montu and Kumba running only one train. I don't expect VC-level ops but it would be nice if their finances eventually allow for two.
-How did I not know about that lion exhibit? That was so cool--a truck with the separating glass in the bed. One of them was laying in the bed, the other two against the glass despite having plenty of space.
-I'm reminded of why I'm sad that Uni is abandoning lift hills. Hearing the motor wind while in line, it stopping and hearing the subsequent roar of the train never ceased to give me chills.
-Montu still kicks. I know B&Ms outside of hypers/gigas aren't exactly beloved amongst the enthusiast community but god I love those '90s inverts--rapid-fire twisty, forceful goodness.
-Again, dive coasters in particular get crapped on in "thoosie" circles but Shiekra (still) gives damn good air on those drops. The splash zone never fails to entertain.
-Kumba is a fun ride but man is it showing its age.
-I was surprised by how forceful Tigris was. The term "comfort collar" is borderline Orwellian though.
-Cheetah Hunt is definitely the crowd favorite--by far the longest waits.