Senegal

Perched at the western tip of the continent and surrounded by water on three sides, Dakar is one of West Africa’s most magnificent cities. Bustling with vibrant local markets, culinary delights, galleries, historical museums and cultural monuments - it's a feast for the senses. Its beaches Yoff, Ngor in the North or Mamelles in the east offer inviting sandy shores and pristine waters with an array of watersports. Other attractions include a concert at Thiossane, famous for playing host to Youssou N'Dour and a ferry trip to the Island of Gorree to visit the historical museum and colourful craft market.

The city of Saint-Louis is a world heritage site nestled on the Grand Cote at the mouth of the Senegal River. Famed for its important cultural and historical landmarks such as the Faidherbe Bridge and the old town's colonial buildings, the city is a wonderful blend of French, African and Islamic cultures. Attractions include sightseeing in the Old Town, and visits to the Governor’s Palace, the Cathedral, the grand mosque, The Mupho Saint Louis museum and gallery and the Parc National de la Langue de Barberie, home to incredible bird life. The beaches are a must - the Langue de Barbary stretch offers soft sand beaches with warm water and swaying palms.

South of Dakar, Popenguine is a quaint peaceful town perched on the cliffs of Cap de Nazé. The main attraction of this beautiful place is the protected Natural Reserve of Popenguine which features a lovely boulder-peppered beach, nestled between two arid headlands of dramatic cliffs and a famous lagoon that's home to 200 species of stunning birds. Attractions include sunbathing, swimming, bird watching and walking trails in the nature reserve, visits to the Marian shrine of Notre-Dame-de-la-Délivrance which sees many Christians converge every year on pilgrimage.

Joal-Fadiouth is a town in the Thiès Region at the end of the Petite Côte of Senegal, a small stretch of coast, south-east of Dakar. Featuring the largest fishing port in West Africa, Joal is located on the mainland and Fadiouth is an island just off the coast and a narrow 400 metre bridge links the two. Fadiouth is unique as it's covered entirely with clam shells, and fondly known as 'Shell Island' for this very reason. Attractions include shopping and dining in the port town, swimming in the idyllic warm waters and crunching along the blanket of shells on the island.

North of the Cap Vert Peninsula, northeast of Dakar, lies one of Senegal's most visited spots. Officially known as Lake Retba or Lac Rose, the lake's unique colour comes from a pigment secreted by microscopic algae found in the lake's extra salty wetlands. Covering an area of about 3 sq km, the lake's salt content rivals that of the Dead Sea and locals work around the lake to harvest salt used for fish preservation. Besides swimming in the lake and boat tours, attractions include canoe trips, dune visits by quad, camel rides. A truly spectacular sight and experience.

Located in the Saloum Delta at the junction of the Saloum River and the North Atlantic is the lush, water-filled wonderland, Saloum Delta National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the park is home to an abundance of wildlife including warthogs, spotted hyenas and red colobus monkeys. The reserve lies on the East Atlantic Flyway migration route making it an important site for birds who breed or winter in the area. A bird lovers' paradise, attractions include mangrove tours, a traditional African boat or pirogue ride, and swimming with dolphins.

Situated on two rocky islands off the coast of Dakar lies Isles Des Madeleines National Park. The smallest national park in the world listed under UNESCO World Heritage sites, the park features uninhabited islands that are home to a plethora of sea birds, fish and coastal plants. The rare Phaeton birds can be spotted here, along with cormorants. The most significant island Sarpan is famed for its excavated Stone Age tools. Attractions include swims in the stunning blue lagoon, walks along the cliffs and amidst the Baobab trees, one of which is considered holy and attracts worshippers. A truly mesmerising magical natural coastal landscape.

In south eastern Senegal near the Guinea border, The Niokolo-Koba National Park is Senegal's biggest reserve. A World Heritage Site and natural protected area, most of the park comprises flat woodland savannah and semi-arid Sudanese forest, with large areas of wooded wetlands and seasonal wetlands. Famed for its wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, chimpanzees, baboons, hippopotamuses and the Western giant eland, the park offers a memorable safari experience via 4x4, boat or on a paddle canoe.