In the jungle, the mighty jungle

For all but the most intrepid travelers, a trip to Africa may seem a far-fetched dream limited to a theme party with a safari-gear dress code and Toto's greatest hits blaring in the background. However, if you're ready to experience the true majesty that is one of the world's most beautiful, you couldn't pick a better place than the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Narok County, Kenya.

Call of the Wildlife

For those who saw BBC Television's Big Cat Diary, filmed on location at Maasai Mara, it should come as no surprise that a visit to the reserve is a bit like The Lion King come to life – albeit with a bit less impromptu singing and a slightly less jolly warthogs. All of the Big Five – aka the native African species of leopards, lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, and white and black rhinoceros – roam free here. Head to the Talek and Mara rivers and you'll find Nile crocodiles basking in the sun and herds of hippopotamus trying to stay submerged and away from the hot African sun. There are cheetahs and jackals, foxes and impalas, long-crested eagles and plenty of majestic, long-necked giraffes. From land to lake to river to sky, the variety of beastly things is truly awesome.

Making camp

Vacationing in the wilds of Africa is all about steeping yourself in your surroundings and bunking up for the night at tented camps and lodges. You'll make your way to your site in the rugged comfort of jeeps outfitted to capably traverse the all-weather roads, and thanks to the vehicle's open-air design, you'll have a panoramic view of the plains to enjoy as you travel too. The accommodations themselves may surprise you - these are no lopsided lean-tos with blankets for pillows. Tourists in search of comfort can opt for tents with all the amenities of a five-store resort, including décor that wouldn't look out of place. There are lodges with meticulously designed spas and swimming pools as well, but budget travelers or those just looking for a slightly less luxurious way to commune with nature will find themselves happily relaxed in simple yet comfortable digs that will keep your head off the floor and the elements at bay until you're ready to venture into the wild.

When to go

You'll be doing yourself a once-in-a-lifetime favor if you’re planning to visit the mighty jungle. But you must know that certain times of the year are best to visit the reserve and present distinct advantages. From July to October a tremendous population shift takes place and more than 500,000 Thomson's gazelle, 97,000 topi, 200,000 zebra, and a staggering 1.3 million wildebeest travel from the Serengeti plains and grazing land to the north east to converge on the reserve as natural predators swirl about them, waiting for the inevitable fallout. The Great Migration is a stunning sight, and watching these massive herds embark on the same historic journey they've taken for hundreds of years is an unforgettable experience.

Whenever you decide to book your ticket and head to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, you'll be amply rewarded for your efforts. It's here you'll finally discover what it's like to take a step back from the rat race and immerse yourself in place built on breathtaking vistas and unspoiled scenery, with only the sound of the wind and the whispering rustle of a grazing gazelle to break nature's enchanting spell.

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By Sajda Latif