Maharajah Jungle Trek - bats?

[Nubbedy]

Can someone please tell me about the Maharajah Jungle Trek? Have just been reading a trippie and they posted a photo of the sign and it said large bats.

I have a real bat phobia. Managed to be really brave in Longleat recently and walk through a room filled with them (with my thumbs in my ears and hands covering my head mind you!) Ran through at full speed coz I didn't want to show DS (3) that I was scared.

However, it was all too much for me coz as soon as I got out I burst into tears, and DS comforted me by saying there were only birds outside and not bats - so much for not showing him my fear. Anyone who saw the gibbering wreck outside the gold mine in Longleat recently - that was me!

Anyway, to get to the point, what is the bat situation with this ride / attraction? Is MJT something you ride or walk around? Will I be able to avoid the bat bit or will I have to miss out the whole thing?

Any comments appreciated. Sorry this was long!

Sara.

 

[budbeerlady]

We did walk it, and if you choose to enter there is a large bat display with alot of bats. But you can just walk around the area without entering if you wish. I wasnt a big fan but DD wanted to see them. They were just hanging there sleeping, not alot going on.

 

[Claire L]

The MJT is a walking tour at your own pace and the bat enclosure is off a small room which is fully netted so they can't get to you. Of course you can avoid it totally if you want to.
HTH

Claire

 

[Girlsontour]

We have just got back and did the bat thing for the first time this year. It was great and as previous people have said you can decided to by-pass it. The bats were doing absolutely nothing just hanging there!! They had really cute faces like little bears. Don't think i would have been too keen if they had taken flight. I will try and post a photo of them - give me about an hour cause i have to work out how to do it!!!

 

[Girlsontour]

As promised photo's (hope this works!!)

 

[Girlsontour]

And another one - hope they haven't scared you too much!

You could get a better look at the photos on Community pictures

 

[Nubbedy]

My mum keeps trying to tell me how cute they are but I'm not convinced. Thanks for your replies - the photos didnt freak me out too much! I will hopefully just be able to pretend they are not there and get past them as quickly as possible. Wish me luck!

Sara.

 

[mikki.young]

You don't have to walk in the same room as them - you are separated so you don't have to worry. There is also an option to keep a room further away if you want (kind of like a passageway) but you should be fine.

 

[wifey]

The bat enclosure is very smelly, the CMs are very informative however and you may see them being fed if the weather is not too hot.Personally it's not my favourite place but is interesting, you can skip it if you want Don't worry they are kept away from the viewing area by very good netting they won't follow the visitors back out