However, Kenya's climate as a whole is superb. In the most popular upcountry areas it is neither too hot nor too cold with long sun-filled days. Because of its proximity to the Equator, day and night in Kenya are almost equal all year round, with sunrise between 5.45 a.m. and 6.15 a.m. and sundown between 6.30 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. There are two rainy seasons. The short rains normally towards the end of the year - late October through to November, and the long rains normally from late March to early June.
Rain usually falls in the late afternoon preceded by bright, sunny and fresh days.
There are over 40 tribes in Kenya representing a melting pot of cultures quite unrivalled in any other country. Paradoxically this kaleidoscope has forged a nation with its own ideals, its own ambitions and its own goals. The reserves are within the lands of the colourful Samburu tribe, relatives of the famed Masai. Furthermore, they are home to wildlife species rarely found elsewhere, including Grevy's zebra, Gerenuk gazelle, Beisa oryx, Reticulated giraffe and the Somali ostrich. Some of these species are so well adapted to the dry area that they can go for long periods of time without water, surviving only on moisture obtained through their food.