Tropical Senegal is lauded for beauties both natural and urbane. With its suave capital, Dakar - many travellers' favourite amongst the larger African cities - and its entourage of internationally known musicians, Senegal brings in more visitors than any other country in the region.

Most of them head to Senegal for its stunning coastline, where lazy beach days can be followed by cocktail-fuelled nights. But just around the corner from the busy resorts, tiny fishing villages tempt with a slice of real life and winding estuaries invite solitary pirogue and bird watching trips.