Once again Safarilink tweaked our flight by an hour so we had to leave slightly earlier than planned. Schedules are fluid so that the airline can re-route as required depending on how many passengers are to be carried and from where to where - aviation fuel is expensive and I think there must be a whole back office of statisticians working out the most cost effective route permutations.
As Safarilink liaises directly with the camp managers it really isn't a problem for us, we're always ready early and are happy to go with the flow. Of course Joseph made sure we had time to stop on the way for a few more photos.
A few of the staff lined up to say goodbye - the chef receives the "tip envelope" to distribute amongst the staff (excluding guides who you tip directly).
A final view of Mount Kenya framed by the tree trunks. Calum has told us the best side of the plane to sit on for a good view.
Yellow Billed Oxpecker on Buffalo.
We've seen very few monkeys or baboons but this little vervet was quite cute.
And it's most unusual to see one sitting with both knees up like this.
All too soon we were at the airstrip and saying our goodbyes to Joseph - he really has been a superb guide and probably the best we've ever had (yes, even better than "My Alex")
Joseph with his selfie stick.
The plane was running (?flying) late and actually we had to wait a good 20 mins but we had an amusing time watching the numerous giraffe around walking up and down the airstrip.
Luckily giraffe are usually browsing the top leaves of trees because this looks such an uncomfortable position for grazing.
I love the arch of neck.
Finally they were chased off by a conservancy ranger and Joseph, who is so tall he looks like a giraffe himself.
No sooner had the giraffe moved off, than a few zebra wandered along.
This Masai guide was delivering another couple but was very happy to have his picture taken.
Bags stowed and we were off. We soon found out why the flight time had changed, we were re-routed away from Mount Kenya (thanks anyway Calum for the seat tips) and dropped down to pick up two more people. Then after 1 1/2 hours or so to the Mara Region we had 3 drop offs before ours - luckily we had a very good pilot this time.
A few shots from the air
This is a road and the "spines" are run-off areas for the rains.
To start with we flew over small subsistence farms.
And some larger villages where blue seems to be a popular colour for roofs.
Kenya's Planet Earth
One of the less well maintained airstrips we had to land on.
I think Ian’s small plane nerves have been well and truly tested today.