The smallest country in mainland Africa, The Gambia appears as a mere squiggly line on the world map – insulated entirely by surrounding Senegal – but reveals so much more to those who zoom in. It’s a true natural playground inhabited by all manner of animals – primates, hippos, crocodiles and birds – including abundant indigenous species. Cruise down the Gambia River, spending a night or two in eco-lodges along the route, or stay closer to the coast, taking advantage of Gambia’s long stretches of sandy beach just south of the capital, Banjul.