The last day of our holiday has arrived - but that means the next one is closer.

Early tea arrived as normal but no walk today, instead I went to the pool for a 45minute swim. As we had seen leopard prints on the path behind our house yesterday I was hopeful he might be around but sadly no glimpses; instead I was greeted by two hyrax sitting huddled together on the steps by the pool trying to warm up in the sun. It was just so idyllic and peaceful swimming while watching the colours change over the landscape as the sun rose over it.
(Today's photograph is of a rock hyrax, sitting in a tree just outside our bedroom, eating breakfast.)

After a leisurely breakfast we made our way to reception to say goodbye to John and Gill then to Chris and Ann who had come to wave goodbye.

As we left with Solomon we heard that the plane was already at the airstrip. The pilot had had an earlier flight in a Cessna caravan and decided not to go back and change it for a smaller plane so stopped off and waited for us. We had a 12 seater to ourselves for the 20 minute flight - John sat in the cockpit this time. When we arrived we had a lovely coffee while sitting outside enjoying the sights and sounds as there was still 50 minutes or so until our safari link connection. (the loudest sound was nattering British military who have a base there - I hope they realise they are ambassadors for the country - one in particular was giving a mind numbing impression of an intellectual laggard)

I bought some African scene greetings cards and some African body and hair lotions from the well stocked airport shop - all the items were locally made and my only purchases this holiday - we needed some momentos!! Safari-link arrived on time and we were back in Nairobi by 1300. On arrival we took a taxi to the Ol Serenei hotel - it overlooks the national park, is really close to the airport and is where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stayed for a night on their engagement trip to Lewa. It was really peaceful and we had a lovely lunch looking out over the park while I tried to Skype BA to upgrade our flights which I eventually managed to do.

The taxi driver, who brought us from Wilson airport, returned as promised to collect us at 1930 and we effortlessly checked in for our flight and further relaxed in the BA lounge. We were a little late taking off due to a cargo door which wasn't shut properly but it made little difference to our early arrival at 0520 into a damp cold London on Thursday morning. We had planned to take a taxi to the Hilton to reunite us with our car but after being quoted by disgruntled taxi drivers, who didn't want a short trip, prices of £35 for a £10 (outward cost) trip we caught the bus and wished for the polite and helpful taxi drivers in Nairobi rather than the ignorant unhelpful cabbies we were confronted with on our return!

Welcome home ........ next stop Cape Verde at Easter.