The first thing you'll notice about Senegal is the coastline: soft, sandy beaches and turquoise water lined by palm trees. These beaches, especially in Dakar, tend to be vibrant hubs. You can hit the waves for surfing or scuba, or lay back and watch the sun set over the Atlantic. There are tons of options, but we hear Ngor tends to be pretty popping, and that the artsy boho feel of Toubab Dialaw is worth the short trip over.

Once you get hungry, you'll definitely notice that melting pot we mentioned. While Senegalese food abounds, you'll also find a taste of many African and European countries as well, especially French and Cape Verdean flavors. We'll let Eater take the wheel on this one — their list of top Dakar restaurants highlights roast lamb, seafood paella, and a two-decade-strong beignet stand.

Senegal might be more beach towns than safaris, but you don't have to miss out on those famous African critters. Bandia Wildlife Reserve is only about an hour from the city. It was created in an attempt to reintroduce some previously-poached animals back into Senegal's wilderness, and it allows you to view rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and monkeys without sacrificing your beachy homebase.

With a belly full of spiced steak, golden sand beneath your feet, and memories of antelopes leaping through your head, we think you'll understand what makes Dakar so special :-)