A mere 24 hours after arrival, we were heading out to the Wilson Airport to make a short domestic flight. I had no interest in the crowded, congested capital city. We had big game to track out in the wild. Everything that had been “lost” had been found. I was ready to go. How about you?

First, I had to check out of the hotel.
My bed and breakfast stay had been prepaid but I had signed other meals and services (internet) to my room. I watched as the front desk clerk dialed the credit card company. (waiting on hold) He needed an authorization code for my account and the transaction amount. (waiting on hold again) A line was beginning to form behind me. Then he produced a metal plate from beneath the counter. He pressed down to imprint my card through several carbon copies. Next, he filled in my total in Kenyan shillings and handed me the forms.

We were in a time warp. I hadn’t seen this procedure in years. No electronic card reader to swipe. No instant approval. No keypad to sign. The system wasn’t “down”. This was business as usual here.

I remembered that carbons had been a security problem.  I didn’t want to return home to bogus charges or have my card denied while traveling due to suspected fraud. I asked that the carbons be removed and torn up. 

OK, I was done. Your turn.

For small amounts, I suggest you pay with cash. It would be faster and easier. I went through this a second time. By the third time, I would be taking my own advice.

Safari Link offers convenient flights all over the country. Much faster and more pleasant than bumping along on dusty roads for hours. We walked out to a  small 15 passenger bush plane and climbed aboard. Just 1 pilot, 3 other passengers, you and me.

An hour later, we circled Chaffa Airstrip once due to animals on the landing field before touching down on basically a flattened piece of land.
We were out in the open. No building or structure. Just a windsock.

And Newton waiting for us with a 4WD vehicle. (See Day 1 / April 1).