Part desert, part tropical forest, and most desired for its white-sand beaches, Senegal is all about swimming and sunbathing and watching flamingos. If the novelty of the beach should wear off, there are inland nature preserves for spotting giraffes and rhinos, or you can visit quaint fishing villages where fishermen offer rides on their wooden pirogues. People-watching is not bad, either. The Portuguese, British, French, and Dutch all fought for this area, with the French finally prevailing. Cities supply vibrant markets and spirited nightlife.